Music Lessons in Roxana, IL

Instruments: Trombone

  Typically, students have music they are working on for their band class. I help students overcome any difficulties they have with this music and move on to more challenging material. If the student has no material, I typically use the Essential Elements book for beginning and intermediate students, and Rochut, Arbans, and other method books and solos for advanced students. The goal of lessons is to challenge the student with appropriate material, diagnose problems, provide solutions, and improve musical understanding and knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I have been playing the clarinet for 12 years and have been teaching for over 8 years. During my undergraduate degree at Indiana University, I received a rigorous, well-rounded, and enjoyable education that included weekly private lessons, studio class, and masterclasses. Courses covered everything from Music Theory, Music History, and Aural Skills to Clarinet Pedagogy, the Beethoven Symphonies, and Postural Alignment for the Musician. I've played in bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo performances performing classical repertoire as well as premiering new music by composers today. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Also known under my stage name Lady Mak, I am currently the lead female vocalist for Missouri based band, Spontaneous Serendipity.  I've made it to the producer rounds for popular TV shows Duets, American Idol, The Voice, and Americas Got Talent.  I was also invited by the Kansas City Chiefs organization to perform at half time for the Breast Cancer Awareness game on October 13, 2013 for a sold out Arrowhead Stadium. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students, in their early twenties, I typically start by making a proper tone and learn how natural it can be. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of certain fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their performance career. As they progress, I try to find out, mutually, find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

Some examples would be Elton John, Bruce Hornsby, Jerry Lee Lewis, Vince Guaraldi (Charlie Brown), Keith Jarrett, and Otis Spann. I consider myself a bit of a "late bloomer". I didn't start playing piano seriously until I was 16 years old, but a lot of hard work has gotten me to this point, and I am excited to continue to hopefully inspire others and help them love all types of music! Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my professional career -- which includes several public relations, marketing and advertising positions -- my favorite and most rewarding activities have centered around music. Whenever possible, I use my own method, which includespromoting spatial relationships and patterns. Although composition is not my specialty, I certainly can do the basics and then point them to a more accomplished musician. Read More