Music Lessons in Wayne, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I like to start beginning students with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements books. When students move on to other materials, I draw upon their interests and the genre in which they are playing to find materials. I encourage classical students to listen to the repertoire so they can bring in pieces that they want to work on. I use a variety of method books with my jazz students, depending on the specific goals of the lesson, but I also place emphasis on ear training and transcription. 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: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I really enjoy seeing my students enjoy learning music as that brings me back to my memories of learning. I find it is important to allow students to work at their own pace so they will not become frustrated and lose interest in what I am teaching them. With that I feel it is important to take as much time as the students needs in order for them to grasp what they are being taught as I feel it will hurt them down the road later when they start to get into playing the music as it will get harder down the road. Read More

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

I was the recipient of the Hibbard Perry Mandolin Scholarship (2003) and the Mandolin Symposium Scholarship (2009). After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business with a concentration in classical guitar from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2006), I moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I held the position of Finance Coordinator at Sony Music Entertainment. In 2008, I relocated to Chicago to continue performing in various ensembles and was awarded a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2016, where he I studied jazz mandolin and guitar under the tutelage of virtuoso guitarist Fareed Haque. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching private lessons since 1979.  There is no greater joy for me than to see  that spark of learning ignite and grow as my students discover that they can make music too.  I tailor my lessons to match the goals of the student.  Many of my students aspire to become professionals and others simply want to have fun with music.  Whatever the reason a student chooses to pick up an instrument and play, my ultimate goal is to make sure that they learn the music that will inspire them to play. Read More