Music Lessons in Rockdale, IL

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I always ask my students what they want to learn; I then fit the program to their needs.  If they want to be a rock lead player, than we learn the scales, theory, techniques needed.  If they want to play finger picked folk music, then we focus on those techniques and songs.  I always recommend a strong background in theory and reading but I introduce it when the student is ready for it.  Nothing is learned in a vacumn.  There is always a purpose to anything I teach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

In my teaching methods, I focus on the correct positioning of both hands and the body as a whole. Freedom of play is important to me, which will help the student to develop technically and artistically. Over many years of experience working with beginners, I have developed my own methodology that enables rapid growth in the play, and my students show very good results already in the first year. An example of this is my student, who entered Manhattan School with a big scholarship after her first year of study performing a concert by D. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began with a few friends of mine in college. It was just for the fun of it at first, until others outside my circle of friends began to approach me about lessons, through word of mouth. I was soon known in my class to be the guy to go to learn more about music. In fact not all of these friends came to me for just guitar lessons, a couple I have taught beginner piano to as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students, I typically have them start with the Alfred series. Depending on their growth, we can move onto solo repertoire shortly thereafter. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy has been teaching since 2017. He has taught in both one-on-one and group lessons for students of all ages. Tommy has taught flute, clarinet, saxophone, and theory lessons to both beginning students and at the collegiate level. Tommy also performs with many different ensembles across a wide variety of genres. Tommy is 3rd/Bass Clarinetist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, runs the Delicious Bass Bass Clarinet Choir, runs the Elite Four Jazz Band, and is a reoccurring performer with the Oswego Chamber Musicians. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I teach the fundamentals of the violin (for beginners) out of the Hal Leonard Essential Elements book series. For solo pieces and scales (for students who have had a year or so of instruction), I teach out of the Suzuki Method books. For more advanced students, I use technique books such as Wolfhart and Sevcik to develop bow and finger control. Additional books I use for choosing repertoire for students include Barber's Solos for Young Violinists and various concerti depending on the student's ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. I teach students of all ages using various teaching materials, focusing on the individual student’s learning style. I enjoy teaching students at various stages in their development whether they are preparing for University auditions, studying for their own enjoyment or preparing to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. Read More