Music Lessons in Wood River, IL

Instruments: Voice

As every voice is unique, it is important to me that the lessons I give are personalized for each student. It is always my goal to unlock the singer's true, natural voice, so that they can create their own personal sound. I use a functional bel canto method that focuses on a natural expression of the voice and an active breath and resonance. This ensures a healthy sound production, avoiding undue pressure on the vocal folds. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I am dedicated to training beginner to advanced voices using a mixture of classical and pop techniques.  For younger students, I typically begin with just getting them comfortable to sing by letting them choose the songs they love to listen to, and using vocal techniques that are easy for them to grasp and understand.  For my pre-teen, and teenage students I work on more pre-advanced vocal techniques that they can utilize while singing the songs they love.  When I have an adult student, I like to use pre-advanced to advanced vocal techniques as a larger part of the lesson, and help them to apply those techniques to whatever projects they are already working on outside of the studio. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I come from a family of musicians- I was encouraged to play piano as soon as I could sit up. I had formal private piano lessons for 12 years, played in the school orchestra and picked up guitar and drums in local bands. I continued to study music at Mizzou while I performed in restaurants, bars, wineries, and private parties. After graduating I got into social work with foster care and senior centers during the day while i taught private lessons and played in bands at night. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I also believe that Piano Lessons should be fun. Since I generally teach one on one, lessons can be tailored to each student and I add supplementary material to the Piano course as soon as possible based on the student’s progress and interests.  I am willing to add supplementary music in most any genre from current radio hits, to Pop Standards and soundtracks, as well as Holiday Music based on the student’s culture. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I started performing in my high school orchestra as the pianist, and had friends that wanted to learn to play. That was my first experience at teaching. I taught for the next eight years part time in Texas while I was majoring in Piano Performance and Theory. For the next 25 years, while I was working at my professional job, I kept teaching piano part time just because I loved the joy it brought to me and my students. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I have been playing the clarinet for 12 years and have been teaching for over 8 years. During my undergraduate degree at Indiana University, I received a rigorous, well-rounded, and enjoyable education that included weekly private lessons, studio class, and masterclasses. Courses covered everything from Music Theory, Music History, and Aural Skills to Clarinet Pedagogy, the Beethoven Symphonies, and Postural Alignment for the Musician. I've played in bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles, and solo performances performing classical repertoire as well as premiering new music by composers today. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I feel its important to take very basic elements and build upon them. I always like to keep things interesting and fun, yet challenge my students at the same time. Students have different needs, wants, and goals. Its important to consider those things when structuring a music program. If a student wants to be a metal guitarist, Im probably not going to spend a great deal of time teaching them standard guitar chords. Read More