Music Lessons in Western Springs, IL

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my curriculum, students start off by learning the basics of the guitar. This includes understanding the various parts, accessories and so forth. Along with those basics we work on tuning and pitch so that the student is comfortable with all aspects.As we move on students  learn how to build and maintain a rhythm. Learning how to play chords is essential, and we begin to go through chord progressions, as well as how to recognize and memorize the various chords.I then show students how to read tabs and write music. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

In addition to teaching trombone, music appreciation, and tutoring music theory, I have performed with the Tallahassee Symphony, Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra, Lebanon Symphony, Dayton Philharmonic, Southwest Florida Symphony, and several other orchestras, wind bands, musicals, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles throughout Florida and Ohio. My father is an organist and so my upbringing has always been around classical music, but I have learned that all types of music are based on the same principles: solid technique, good concept of sound, and creative expression. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have been performing/teaching private lessons for 32 years but I always like the opportunity to work with motivated students from all levels. I have performed throughout the USA and was lucky enough to play in Carnegie Hall in 1990. In addition, I have performed with the orchestras of Elgin, Lake Forest, Milwaukee, South Bend, Springfield, Ft. Wayne, Savannah as well as the pit orchestra for numerous Broadway in Chicago musicals. Read More

Instruments: Drums

Mindfulness, patience, understanding, and passion are a few words that describe my teaching style. Creating a respectful and creative space for my students to learn is very important to me. I believe if a teacher better understands how a student learns, and what they're passionate about, the quicker the student will improve. Each student, with my help, keeps a handwritten log of what we work on in each lesson, making home practice more productive and organized. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

 I love teaching music, and started when I was twenty years old.  From 2005-2006, I studied guitar at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, before a hand injury forced me to move back to the Chicagoland area.  In 2009, I graduated from Prairie State College with a Liberal Arts Degree. I took music theory classes and 1 year of jazz band at Prairie State.  I graduated from Columbia College in 2015. I achieved a Bachelor of Music degree, with a focus in classical guitar performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

Basically I start with questions on why the individual wants to learn how to play that particular instrument. Then I follow with how much do they know about the instrument of their choice. So following a brief historical lesson we get into how to start playing that instrument. Also why I love to play that instrument and why I'm playing it with passion. I start teaching with basic scales or vocal warm-ups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

While instructing private voice students, I teach the functional approach to singing. This mindset allows the vocalist to focus on singing freely in all genres. I believe it is important to not only teach a wide variety of repertoire, but to also inform my students on vocal health. Along with a functional approach to the voice, I promote a safe and welcoming environment to make music in. If a student does not feel comfortable in the space they are in, then they will not perform to their fullest potential and I would not have completed my job. Read More