Music Lessons in Otto Mall, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

My teaching style is based off of my experiences with 10+ teachers I worked with in my history of violin playing (25 years!). I had a lot of fabulous teachers in my life, but the ones I remember and am truly grateful for are the ones who inspired me to be a better musician and ones who taught me how to teach myself. Those are my two goals for my student, find out what would inspire students to want to get better and then teaching them how to practice so that they can get better. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm an organized and punctual instructor with a passion for music and music education. In 2017, I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition. Although my degree is in composition, I am also an accomplished percussionist, guitarist and ukulele player. While in college, I realized more and more that I had a passion for teaching music. Once I graduated, I began teaching full time at a private school for grades JK-4th. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

Not every person is going to become a musician, as we all have our own passions and dreams. I want my students to find joy, acceptance, and relief from music, not dread and loathing. I like to ask questions such as "How did playing this passage make you feel? or "What is this piece of music mean to you?" Every piece of music elicits some response from us, and I fully believe that recognition and further development of that response can change the way we perceive music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners at the start of the lessons, I usually get the know each student. Why would they like to learn? and What would they like to learn on guitar?; in order to make some reachable goals! Some will prefer to learn how to just physically play the guitar, and others may want a little more in depth understanding about the theory behind it and how to read music. When it comes to children, I believe the best way to keep them engaged and wanting to learn more is by making these lessons as fun as possible, while keeping nice and easy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

Music is for everyone and I want lessons to always be a safe space, and a fun space. There is no one right pace for people to learn, whatever works best for you! We can achieve this by setting S.M.A.R.T goals, as well as potential benchmarks to rate progress by. I like to approach each lesson with empathy, humor, and curiosity. I think there is much we can learn from ourselves and each other, so I like to keep my teaching focused, exciting, but also attentive to each persons needs and what goals we are trying to achieve in a given day. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I can remember the first time I heard the music of John Coltrane. I was thirteen and had just begun learning saxophone. His music was deeply moving and inspired me to pursue a life of music - specifically jazz saxophone. Best decision I've ever made! I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BM in Jazz Saxophone Performance. While in school I had the privilege of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker, Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I combine the technique, expression, and performance practices from my teaching line of musical masters with more modern teaching methods to give students a well-rounded music education. I cater each lesson to the individual needs and interests of the student, while giving them a strong technical foundation and fostering their love of music. I use scales, arpeggios, and other methods to help build technique. I also want the student to enjoy what they are performing, so I often ask the student if there are pieces they would like to learn and do my best to find an arrangement suitable to their level of difficulty. Read More