Music Lessons Cook County, IL

Instruments: Drums, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Latin Percussion, Music

Every student comes at a different level, no matter what age they are. For younger students who are just beginning, I feel like it is my job to first and foremost get them excited about playing the drums. I find it to be difficult to teach anything if the student dimply does not want to be there because they do not have a good relationship with the instrument. Once I feel the student is excited and ready, I usually introduce the "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This book is important for building skills in reading music, ear training, and general funky rhythms! Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Lute, Music, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

Depending on the personality of each student, I adjust my expectations and decide how tolerant or strict I should be. I truly believe that a teacher needs to view each student as a unique individual with unique needs and abilities, and adjust the teaching methods and ways of communicating the material accordingly. My teaching philosophy incorporates what I would call a “holistic approach” that is based on discovering what each student needs in order to progress and reach the best of his/her abilities. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard

Each student is unique. I tailor my approach and the materials I use in lessons to the specific needs and interests of the individual student. I strive to develop overall musicianship and expressive playing/singing, and introduce concepts in a sequential and progressive manner. Lessons include sight reading, notation, improvisation, ear-training, theory and repertoire building. It is important to me that my students' feel connected to the material they are playing/singing, therefore i hand-pick particular pieces that they have responded to and enjoyed. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Music, Keyboard

I have been in numerous music videos with the group and have led recording sessions. A few videos I have worked on ("This Is Me" and "From Now On") have even gained several million views! I have had the honor to star in the film "First String" as Rebecca Carlisle, and I am reprising my role in the sequel. I have had so many wondrous opportunities to share my craft with others, and I am enthusiastic about sharing even more through teaching and performing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Drums, Ukulele, Music, Keyboard, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More