Music Lessons in Richton Park, IL

Instruments: Voice

Teaching voice is something that I believe requires highly personalized lesson plans, and so there are books for which to acquire basic theory, note-reading, and sight-singing, but usually, lessons must be repertoire based, and conceptual. Students usually have an idea of certain songs they would like to learn, and I believe it is very important to enable them to sing what they like to sing. However, I will also suggest repertoire that they are unfamiliar with, or initially uncomfortable with to broaden their musical knowledge and appreciation, and also to address certain skill sets. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been a full time musician on graduating from undergrad in 2010, since then I have played the most prestigious clubs in Chicago as a leader and as a sideman, The Jazz Showcase, Andy's, and the Green Mill. I have two albums under Chicago's premier record label, Delmark, and received extensive international airplay. I continue to perform all around Chicago playing jazz, Hip-hop, pop, rock, and funk. I perform in solo piano style as well as with bands. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My methods start with building individual plans for each student. Whether this is from scratch or from a method book I try to see what each student is successful in and struggling with to guide my teaching. While I attempt to be fun, understanding, and motivating this doesn't mean I am lackadaisicalwith my lessons. I expect the best my students can put forth while they should expect the same from me. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Building a solid method approach for every student is essential to the students success. I choose a custom approach for each student, because each student is unique. There are many overlaps to my approach for each students lesson plan, however every lesson needs to be altered a little, since some students struggle in areas where others might succeed. Fundamentals are the foundation for successful music making, and thus are the foundation of the lessons I teach. I have worked with many different method books and do not have a single preferred book, rather each student may need something different depending on their strengths and areas that need improvement. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching private lessons since 1979.  There is no greater joy for me than to see  that spark of learning ignite and grow as my students discover that they can make music too.  I tailor my lessons to match the goals of the student.  Many of my students aspire to become professionals and others simply want to have fun with music.  Whatever the reason a student chooses to pick up an instrument and play, my ultimate goal is to make sure that they learn the music that will inspire them to play. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I’ve enjoyed teaching the clarinet since I first decided to get serious about music in high school. I got my start by offering lessons to younger students in my neighborhood and the surrounding towns in the western suburbs of Chicago. During my undergraduate years in Greencastle, IN, I took several clarinet pedagogy classes and began teaching local students in the DePauw University Preparatory Program. In my junior year, I entered a 2-year apprenticeship with the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble where I worked with community partners to engage students in classical music performances and appreciation. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

My first teaching experience dates back to High School when I had the opportunity to coach elementary orchestra students. As a student at University of Colorado at Boulder and DePaul University, I completed String Pedagogy courses which covered all the different elements of teaching from how to manage a private studio to instructing your students. Currently, I teach a group of ten kindergartners at Skinner West Elementary School. This has been the most rewarding and challenging part of my teaching career thus far. Read More