Music Lessons in Peotone, IL

Instruments: Clarinet

I work with all of my students on the fundamentals of clarinet playing - proper embouchure, good posture, strong air support, etc., and I’ve compiled a strong bank of exercises and warm-ups (some that I’ve written myself) that cover all the major areas of playing an instrument (tone, technique, articulation, rhythm, etc.). When a student has a good grasp of the basics, there is nothing they can’t play! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

For beginning students, I like to start them off with the Essential Elements for band method books. Once they progress with those books and grasp the fundamentals, I would introduce to solo literature. For adults, I find out what they are interested in and work my way from there. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I will typically use the first lesson as an initial assessment of the student's personality and his/her skills. I ask the student what they would like to learn with the understanding that I will provide some of my own technical and theoretical knowledge. I like to create general lesson plans before each meeting so that I have some kind of outline to follow. I try to adhere to the student's progress timeline with the understanding that they need to be pushed a little out of their comfort zone if they want to see improvements. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My passion for music teaching goes back to my own experiences of starting piano lessons as a 10 year old. I was always interested in music as a child and was given the opportunity to take piano lessons from an extraordinary piano teacher. My method of piano instruction is modeled after what I was taught and also what I learned through my higher education experiences. I majored in music education at Bethel College, with piano as my principal instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I am passionate about music and its ability to change the lives of its players and listeners, and I aim to inspire this passion in my students by creating a positive, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes, and are encouraged to push themselves to be the best players and writers they can be. I work with my students to help them reach their own goals as musicians, and act as a friendly, encouraging support system to aid them in their learning process. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated guitarist, going on just over forty years of experience playing for fun and as a career. Having been raised among musicians in the family, my start in music was ultimately a destiny of many different and exciting opportunities as a performer as well as teacher and instructor. I began to study classical guitar as a young boy and since then, I have given my life to the guitar! Read More