Music Lessons in Prairie View, IL

Instruments: Piano

I have been teaching piano lessons to beginner students to adult students in my home for 12 years. Most of my students have been children ages six to thirteen; however, I have also taught adult students as well. I am also willing to travel to the student's home with in my area of Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Palatine, and Arlington Heights. Combining the songs in the lesson book with popular songs, along with scales helps the student to have more fun learning to play the piano. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than when my students leave the lesson more motivated than when they came. I understand that it is a challenge for students to go home and practice, so I address this by setting goals for the student. I want the student to leave the lesson feeling proud of what they accomplished and motivated to continue learning. I want them to be able to apply the techniques they learn in music to other areas of study so that they can explore and be curious about everything. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

As a professional musician myself, I am constantly working with new people and within new musical territories. Because of this openess to collaboration, I have garnered extensive performance experience, sharing the stage with acts ranging from Califone to Grizzly Bear, as well as with improvising musicians the likes of Anton Hatwich, Eli Namay, John McCowen, and Keefe Jackson. I possess a large rhythmic vocabulary from a variety of related and disparate traditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

It's very important to me that you come out of each lesson feeling proud of what you've accomplished. Of course some days are going to be harder than other days, but I always want you to feel encouraged and nurtured and aware of your progress. I have a very good balance in my lessons of supporting the student, but also pushing the student to his or her highest potential. I always remain encouraging and warm. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I tailor my approach to each student to make sure that:1.) The student is getting exactly what he/she wants out of the lessons.2.) The lessons are an appropriate difficulty for the student.3.) A student's strengths and weaknesses are being addressed with a tailor-made lesson plan and long-term goals Depending on the student's level, I utilize Suzuki materials in a way that is tailored to the childs abilities and needs. Read More

Instruments: Flute

For beginning students, I typically like to start with one of the Andersen etude books. This helps the student really get a grasp for the technicality and fundamentals of their instrument. This will also help them to progress in their musical playing abilities with their solo pieces. I like to start every lesson with scales or etudes and then work on their solo piece afterwards. I like to guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More