Music Lessons in West Chicago, IL

Instruments: Flute

I am a flute player of over 15 years with 8 years teaching experience who is passionate about providing quality lessons, especially to students who would not otherwise have access to them. I am a professional flautist and graduate of Berklee College of Music. Growing up, while I was blessed with a wonderful mentor on flute, I knew a lot of people who never had the chance to take lessons. Seeing students' excitement to learn and watching their progression makes me even more excited to provide the best instruction that I can. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

As a professional musician myself, I am constantly working with new people and within new musical territories. Because of this openess to collaboration, I have garnered extensive performance experience, sharing the stage with acts ranging from Califone to Grizzly Bear, as well as with improvising musicians the likes of Anton Hatwich, Eli Namay, John McCowen, and Keefe Jackson. I possess a large rhythmic vocabulary from a variety of related and disparate traditions. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I always ask my students what they want to learn; I then fit the program to their needs.  If they want to be a rock lead player, than we learn the scales, theory, techniques needed.  If they want to play finger picked folk music, then we focus on those techniques and songs.  I always recommend a strong background in theory and reading but I introduce it when the student is ready for it.  Nothing is learned in a vacumn.  There is always a purpose to anything I teach. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone

I have teaching experience in several areas of music. In addition to directing middle school and high school bands in the public school setting, I have also taught music appreciation (both middle and high school level), kindergarten music, and philosophy courses to college undergrads. No matter the setting, I have always enjoyed developing a strong relationship with my students. I am always interested in exposing students to new music and ideas and to help them grow into reflective and detail-oriented musicians. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I don't really use method books; instead, I prefer to teach students using material that they like. There's nothing more tedious than studying music that you can't stand - it's enough to turn students off to music altogether. I want to stoke the flames of a lifelong passion, and I believe that all music has something to teach us, so I'm happy to couch the fundamentals into terms that students can understand. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Specific technical exercises are taught and demonstrated to improve their playing. By establishing solid techniques, students are able to grab the secret of playing each repertoire. For beginners, this starts with essentials such as establishing correct playing posture and hand position. PATIENCE with students and parents. I view each student uniquely with a distinct learning curve which requires me to deliver a creative and immersive lesson plan. I strive to also maintain communication with parents by regularly updating on their childs learning process and goals for the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Voice

The best thing about teaching are the "a ha" moments! I love seeing a smile - that tells me a student LOVES what they were just able to do. And then we high-five, of course! I love when students tell me they surprised themselves , saying something along the lines of , "I didn't know I could make that sound!". I start everyone with the same vocal overview when we first meet , to show you what your amazing voice is capable of doing. Read More