Music Lessons in Old Mill Creek, IL

Instruments: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

In addition to countless public performances in coffee shops, at the beach, full moon jams, and the like, I have been a substitute teacher for my instructor at the old town school of folk music over the years. I’ve also successfully taught individuals on both drum set and djembe on their way to pursuing becoming instructors themselves. With drum set, I have been in numerous bands and have played gigs in various states. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

My experience with teaching began in high school, when I taught piano and choir at the pre-k level with a local community group. It was there that I fell in love with helping students learn. Since then, I have privately coached voice and piano, and helped students prepare for auditions or solos. Nothing is more amazing than watching someone achieve their goals and loving every step of the process! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important part of my job as an instructor is listening - to how the student plays, why they play, and what they hope to accomplish. Each student is different - do you want to play just for fun? Advance in your school band? Audition for college entrance? Prepare for a solo recital? Whatever your goals are, I will provide you with the guidance to fulfill them - the practicing is up to you! Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

In June 2023, I graduated with a Masters degree at Northwesterns Bienen School of Music. Passionate about orchestral playing, I have held concertmaster and principal positions with the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra, South Side Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, UCLA Philharmonia, Colburn orchestras, American Youth Symphony, and the Debut Orchestra. I have also been lucky enough to tour globally to France, Russia, Finland, and Estonia. Presently, I am building my teaching studio throughout the Chicago area. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium

Finding the starting place for any student is important, regardless of age. As a child of an adult learner who took lessons in guitar and voice, I understand the distinction between adult and younger learners. The pacing, goal setting and choice of materials and resources is important to keep interest and spark inspiration to practice and maintain growth. I strive to make sure each person gets an experience crafted and prepared for them through gauging interests, setting realistic goals and being aware of what kind fo time commitment they have to meet their goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. Read More