Music Lessons in Zion, IL

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

I started teaching piano while in college. The spectrum of my students was varied from their ages to their experience. I found that I could make a greater impact on the progress of my students not only by incorporating organized lesson plans, but also by creating a fun and nurturing environment. My success in motivating and teaching my students was based on making learning fun. I never forget about the importance of music theory, but I also understand each student is unique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Holding a PhD in Voice Literature and over 30 years experience of playing the piano as a professional, I can teach several vocal and musical styles. My lessons are custom-tailored to every student, their level of talent, their ambition and their idea of what they want to be and accomplish in their studies. When you study in my studio, there are no apologies, just acceptance of where you are at, and what you wish to accomplish. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I typically begin by teaching students how to visiually identify the keys on the piano, as well as notes on sheet music. Then I like to begin to work on finger shape when playing, as well as basic scales. As we continue practicing with the fundamentals, I like to pick simple identifiable songs for students to move into next. Easily recognizable melodies make the learning process easier, more attainable to the student, and fun! Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Piccolo Oboe English Horn

As I said earlier I tend to use the Rubank and Essential Element books in lessons. I start with seeing what the students goals are and making a goal sheet. For instance if a student is interested in Musicals. We will start with our basic warm up and techniques but on top of that I would assign an excerpt from a musical that correlates with the current lesson. So that way the student is working toward their goal and having fun doing so. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

For beginning students, I typically start with breathing exercises geared towards tone production as well as mouthpiece buzzing to start strengthening the student's embouchure. For more developed students, I try to guide them accordingly around their interests to keep the lessons fresh and more importantly, FUN. A typical lesson will consist of but not limited to, warm-up Call and Response exercises, where the student mirrors what I play. This is not only a time for them to develop aural skills, but to also hear and see professional playing up close and gives the student an example in developing their own musical concept. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

First, I introduce a beginner student to the world of music. I play various interesting pieces on violin and/or piano, and give the student an opportunity to reproduce sounds on the instruments themselves, sing. This is how we get to know each other better. In the beginning its important not to focus on hand placement, on holding the instrument, I do not make it important for the future technique. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I started teaching privately as a volunteer in my beginning years of high school, which involved being a mentor for beginning level 5th grade trumpet players just starting their instrument. As I began teaching beginners, my experience ended up expanding to teaching middle and high school students of various levels, from beginner to advanced intermediate. Many of my students that started with me ended up getting into honor bands and becoming first chair in their school's band program. Read More