Music Lessons in River Grove, IL

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: Piano Voice Lute Music

The least methodical of the four approaches, the Orff method teaches music in four stages: imitation, exploration, improvisation, and composition, and this is what i use. 1- make musical instruments with your children......2-Sing to them...... 3- Teach them to whistle...... 4- play musical games..... 5- play music in the background.... 6- let them play with instruments...... 7- Give them musical colouring in..... 8- get them used to musical terms... 9- soundtrack nap time.... 10- Children's TV programs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Hello, my name is Michael and I am a recent Berklee College of Music graduate living in Chicago. I have been playing guitar since I was 10-years old. Aside from being a teacher, performer, and songwriter, I would define myself as a "guitar nerd" because I love every aspect of playing. I still practice every day and have an insatiable hunger for new opportunities to play and learn. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of metal, rock, blues, country, and guitar. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

I have dedicated my entire life to learning and teaching the piano. I have 22 years of playing experience and over 10 years of teaching experience. I love working with students of all ages and sharing my passion for music. I consider it a privilege to be able to pass down this skill and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. My lessons revolve around not just learning the instrument, but making sure this is a fun experience for my students. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

For beginning students, I like to start with the basic fundamentals of holding the drum sticks properly and how to set up the drum set so its comfortable for the student. Every body type is different and its important to start with that. Then we would move on to learning the basics of different styles and then move on to reading music from method books. With adult students, I find out what they are interested in and work towards their goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have developed a semi-structured method for beginning students, taking material from different books and then combining them. For advanced students, I trust they know more about what and how they want to learn than I, and can certainly help them work out their kinks! Regardless, I feel it's vital that students are exposed to a variety of different musical styles. Focusing solely on one hampers creativity, pigeon-holes you as a musician, and, at least in my travels, makes you an EXTREMELY boring individual. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy S. currently holds a master's degree in clarinet performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Mr. Charles Neidich. Tommy also holds his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University, where he studied with Dr. David Gresham. Tommy has been a winner of the Illinois State University Concerto Competition, the King's Peak International Music Competition, and the Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition. Tommy is currently 3rd/Bass Clarinet for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. Read More