Music Lessons in West Chicago, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For me, the most important thing is that the student and I have fun together. If the student is not having fun, I am also not having fun. It does not matter the age of the student, if anyone in general sees a lesson as a chore, it is doomed to fail. So, my main focus is that I am able to cater my lessons to the interests of the student, making sure that they are engaged and entertained the whole time. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by engaging students in conversations about realistic and individual growth goals. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

With advancing students of any age, I start to slowly introduce scale and etude books, as well as solo repertoire by major composers, not found in their method books. String students: For both younger and adult beginners, I like to use a combination of the Suzuki books and the Essential Elements series. I do not teach the Suzuki method, but use the books for their staple and universally well-known repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been playing the Cello for 19 years, and it is my greatest passion in life. I can rarely contain my excitement when it comes to Classical music, and it is my goal as a teacher to encourage this same excitement about music in my students. I have not only studied as a cellist, but as a conductor and musicologist. I have had the opputunity to study with some of the countries greatest pedagogues, including Nancy Hair, Peter Howard, and Raimi Solomonov.I just recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Drake University, and I am currently working on my Masters of Music at the Chicago College of Performing Arts with renowned cellist Richard Hirschl. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students in elementary, middle, and high school, I usually use the student's school ensemble (if in one) as a spring board into our lessons. I will go over what the students is already involved in initially to assess what the student needs to work on the most. In time, we will dive into advanced theory to really expand the student's knowledge of the instrument and the genre he or she wants to focus on the most. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I have loved teaching ever since I was young. Both of my parents were educators before retiring, and whether it was math or science, I’ve always enjoyed seeing the lightbulb go off in my students. I feel as a teacher, it is vital to focus first on the foundations that will later create more success, especially those that are necessary for truly understanding that instrument. Once those are established, I then focus on weaknesses, where practice and diligence become important. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Acoustic Guitar

All people progress at different paces but if the subject is interesting and there is no pressure or judgement and pleanty of encouragement, then there will be progress and that is our objective. Music is all around us. Movies, elevators, stores. You can hear music in the waves in the ocean and the breeze in the trees. There are many studies that relay various benefits of learning an instrument. I have met many good people that I am still friends with through playing that I would not have if it were not for playing music. Read More