Music Lessons in Symerton, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I began teaching while I was in High School and I would teach the younger students who were freshman and sophomores the tenor saxophone. Once I went to Eastman, I taught several people throughout the course of the four years there. I beleive that, particulalry when teaching the saxophone and flute, a mix of classical fundamental technique is very important as well as incorporating the jazz or rock repertoire. I feel that my skills as a music therapist can be very unique particularly because I can really attend to the needs of the student and adapt the music and lesson accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

I strive to tailor instruction to meet the needs of the individual student. For students who are at a beginning level, I often start with a reliable methods book (i.e. Piano Adventures) to lay a foundation. From there, I like to explore a range of supplementary materials that can help students work toward their personal goals and interests, such as modern/ other genres of music, composition material, technique-specific exercises, etc. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to give each student an idea whats coming next, every few lessons or so, while practicing what their on currently. This idea is not for every student so it is a selective process I use with the brightest ones, or fast learners and good practicers.When I see a student really start to play well I gain confidence in my teaching style...but when needed I can dial it back a notch or two. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

I am an educator, composer, and instrumentalist with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. Over the past few years I have been fortunate to share the stage with artists like Bernard Purdie (drummer for Aretha Franklin), Donny Mccaslin (Saxophonist for David Bowie), and Cassandra O'Neil (Keyboardist for Prince). While I love performing, my heart lies with composing. I work primarily as a composer for film and TV, although I regularly write music for the concert hall as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Praise, suggestion, praise is a big part of any teaching situation I enter. I believe that it is crucial to a student’s learning to be in a safe and positive environment. As soon as they feel uncomfortable or as if it is not okay for them to be themselves, the productivity goes down and they are not able to accomplish things to their fullest potential. I also strive to influence students in not just education, but in life as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I have a bachelors and masters degree in vocal performance with ample experience in classroom, one on one, and group education with honors, from Pacific Lutheran University and Northwestern University respectively. I have been teaching privately and in large settings for over six years and have taught ear training, music theory, classical piano, classical voice, musical theatre, and other genres as well. In addition to teaching, I am a performer nationally and have sung with reputable companies such as Des Moines Metro Opera, Vashon Opera, Symphony Tacoma, and have placed in national and regional levels of classical singing and musical theatre competitions. Read More

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

My teaching experience began in college through a Flute Pedagogy course which I took as part of my degree program. As part of that course, I gave one lesson each to two different students, on beginner, and the other advanced. I have also been section leader at many different times, and in that position I was responsible for guiding and unifying the section and holding others responsible for their parts. Read More