Music Lessons in Round Lake Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Music Keyboard

I believe it is important to teach to the individual. Each student will require a different path to success and therefore, I will choose the method that best fits with their learning style, personality and interests. In addition, it is important to rememeber that many students are successful with their own guided learning plan instead of following a book. However, there are also students who thrive with the step by step stylized learnin plan only a method can provide. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

Beginning students need to achieve a solid grasp of the fundamentals in order to ensure future success while enjoying their lessons and having fun! In my studio they will learn to take care of their instruments, play with proper and efficient technique and posture. The majority of repertoir will be provided in a Hal Leonard, Essential Element Book.  Intermediate students will begin to expand their range and fluidity while playing scales and solo repertoir. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important part of my job as an instructor is listening - to how the student plays, why they play, and what they hope to accomplish. Each student is different - do you want to play just for fun? Advance in your school band? Audition for college entrance? Prepare for a solo recital? Whatever your goals are, I will provide you with the guidance to fulfill them - the practicing is up to you! Read More

Instruments: Voice

My teaching method will vary according to the student age and preferred music style. I will work invariably though with all students in building a solid vocal technique based on singing with the air flow and always promoting a healthy tone quality. For opera or classical vocal style I will work based in the italian school of singing paired with a strong influence of my mentor W. Stephen Smith's method, author of "The Naked Voice, a wholistic approach to singing". Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I can remember the first time I heard the music of John Coltrane. I was thirteen and had just begun learning saxophone. His music was deeply moving and inspired me to pursue a life of music - specifically jazz saxophone. Best decision I've ever made! I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BM in Jazz Saxophone Performance. While in school I had the privilege of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker, Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Alfred Publishing piano courses (both older and newer), Faber and Faber, Bastien, Edna Mae Burnam, and the Hal Leonard course have all been among my pre-published methods that I have used over the years. I have also adopted some technic content from elsewhere. For example, the Zion Conservatory of Music, where I taught from 2004 to 2018, uses a couple of different customized scale patterns for first- and second-year students. A book I have used with intermediate students is a Conus Russian piano method edited by James and Susan McKeever, who taught the Parkside piano pedagogy courses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

The most effective teachers that I have had were teachers who recognized these important factors in the student-teacher relationship- that the best education experiences occur when both the student and the teacher embark on a positively-reinforced exploration together as opposed to the teacher solely dictating negatively to the student. It's with this spirit that I intend to conduct every lesson that I teach, because it is also through making the relationship one of mutual exploration and nurturing that I will give my past experiences of joy to my students. Read More