Music Lessons in Zion, IL

Instruments: Piano

Alfred Publishing piano courses (both older and newer), Faber and Faber, Bastien, Edna Mae Burnam, and the Hal Leonard course have all been among my pre-published methods that I have used over the years. I have also adopted some technic content from elsewhere. For example, the Zion Conservatory of Music, where I taught from 2004 to 2018, uses a couple of different customized scale patterns for first- and second-year students. A book I have used with intermediate students is a Conus Russian piano method edited by James and Susan McKeever, who taught the Parkside piano pedagogy courses. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I started teaching violin at The Miracle Center, through the After School Matters program 10 years ago. Since then I've been violin teacher at several Chicago Public Schools, Chicago District Parks and violin teacher at the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance. I currently teach at CPS schools Thorp Scholastic Academy and Coonley Elementary. I've worked with students of all ages and enjoy finding new and fun ways to approach leaning. I believe that music is a constant discovery and that students should enjoy their journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I started teaching music when I was a junior in high school. I continued teaching private lessons through my college career to local grade school and high school students. College was where I learned how to teach and play strings, woodwinds, percussion, voice, and piano in addition to brass. Once I graduated with my Bachelor's degree, I taught as the adjunct professor of low brass at Saint Joseph's College teaching tuba, trombone, euphonium, and capstone performance courses to the college's music majors. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I start each student with a diagnostic lesson where I assess the strong points of their playing, and I also identify the areas that could use work. After that initial lesson I formulate a customized curriculum that is aimed at improving the technical, musical, and theoretical aspects of the student to create a well-rounded musician. I believe that incorporating solo repertoire into lessons is important as well. Exercises are important, but I believe that the implementation of new skills with repertoire is key to solidifying the skills that the student is working on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola

My methods depend on the student's age, what they may have already begun in lessons with another teacher, and I also take into consideration the assessment of their learning style-choosing a method that works best for their needs. Basically you could say that I have no 'one' method. I have as many methods as I have students because every single student deserves for me to take the time to get to know them and to find out what educational practices will fit best with their learning style and personality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

As a teacher, I plan out lessons beginning with a short recap of the previous lesson, and then I work with the student to set a goal for that day's lesson, and then we work together to achieve it. I also often will invite students to see me perform, hoping that this will inspire them to work hard so that they can perform as well. Also, I try to create a positive learning environment for my students, so that they can learn in the most effective way for them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

I am open to any beginning method. However, I prefer Both Mel Bay and Hal Leonard for students interested in learning theory for their particular instrument. Read More