Music Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Trombone

As a music teacher, it is my passion to inspire my students to create music at every level. Establishing good technique and fundamentals are important to mastering any art; they are the means by which music is expressed. My primary focus, however, is that performing music should always be fun and exciting. To this end, I believe that even playing simple scales and fundamental exercises should be musical and creative. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I enjoy sharing my knowledge of music and teaching piano. I am patient with the students and let them progress at their own speed. With children, I also play musical themed games to keep their interest. I get along very well the the students and enjoy teaching them. I mostly have the student play at least one song from the lesson book along with one page from the theory book. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I enjoy introducing new material as it adds a variety of options and color to really discover their style as they continue to grow. It is highly important from the very beginning to set the stage for them to truly love what they do and everything else will come out of that. Also, I have worked with students to prepare them at their schools for adjudications for solo ensembles and thoroughly enjoy the process of preparation to performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I have been singing since I was 6, playing trumpet since I was 10, and I picked up guitar in my early 20's. I am now 49 and have taught voice, guitar, trumpet for over 7 years from my cozy home. I have been part of many musical ensembles (in many genres) in my 30 year career and have session work that's currently located in the Seattle Rock Roll museum. I have performed in varying capacities over 2,000 times in my career, and my emphasis is to help musicians prepare for live performances. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

As a teacher, I am most interested in helping students develop solid fundamental technique while discovering the joy of playing and mastering an instrument. I am very flexible in the use of method books, prefering to discover the individual needs of my students and tailoring instruction and materials to each individual. My teaching stresses the fundamental operation of the instrument (use of air, embouchure, posture, and hand placement) in order to unlock the student's full potential. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I believe in a balance between challenging my students and encouraging them. Students are at their very best when they feel affirmed and empowered, but also when the teacher is aware of their full potential and pushes them to achieve that. I believe in a very detailed approach where I am actuely aware of each of the student's particular strengths and areas for improvement and closely monitor their progress in areas of technique, musicality, expression, articulation, facility, and finesse. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

A lot of the students I worked with were severely struggling with music at first, many of whom felt extremely insecure. The most important factor is making sure a student is comfortable. It is terrifying to play an instrument that you may be feeling insecure about, and a condescending or arrogant teacher will only reinforce the insecurities. I try my best to create a relaxed and animated environment to combat the initial insecurities. Read More