Music Lessons in Sauk Village, IL

Instruments: Drums

For beginners, after we learn the basics of the instrument, I employ a repertoire-based instruction model that has students bringing their favorite songs to me. I use this repertoire to teach important concepts, all while the students learns what they want to learn. As a student transitions into intermediate drumming, I start to introduce some technical exercises that will allow the student to grow into their own style and express themselves. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have always been passionate about music and feel no greater joy than sharing this passion with my students and friends. I began playing guitar around 2003 while I was a freshman in high school. Throughout my high school years I have attended summer music camps in Green Bay, WI then at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduation I attended McNally Smith College of Music where I majored in Guitar Performance. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I break up lessons into three parts - warmups/breathing exercises, learning a song, and acting the song. Warmups prepare the voice to sing without any strain. I also implement vocal exercises during warmups where we work on range and quality. During the first lesson with the student, I get to know what they want to work towards in terms of repertoire and suggest a few pieces. We will typically add one or two songs per week in order to build a solid repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm positive, goal focused, and hugely passionate about music! I want my students to love music as much as I do! I grew up taking lessons from teachers who treated it too much like a job. I think that'll rub off on how a student views music. Setting realistic goals with tons of encouragement will help accelerate learning. I see the most success when my students hit their first milestone and they finally realize all their hard work pays off and they can make music! Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

I began teaching private drum set lessons during my first year as an Eastern Illinois University student. I taught lessons for just about three years while in college. At one point, I had about 14 students to teach and fit into my busy schedule. I've learned a lot from that experience and now know how to manage time efficiently with a heavy teaching load. Teaching is a very rewarding experience especially when I can see the progress in my student's performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More