Piano Lessons in Alhambra, IL

Instruments: Piano

I am a funny, down-to-earth person and am always considerate of my students' feelings.  My tone is never critical, as my main goal is to inspire the same sort of passion for music that I have aquired throughout my own musical education.  I have caring teaching practices which generate self-motivated practice, a skill which translates well to all other areas of achievement.  Students are encouraged to work at their own pace, and progress is dependant on level of interest and commitment; "you only get what you give."  This is true for everyone! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Recorder Piccolo

In teaching, I have found that the best teaching philosophies are those that are student- centered. I teach with these strategies constantly as I feel that they are important in every single way. These philosophies include: Humanism and Constructivism. Humanism focuses on encouraging each child to his or her fullest potential, while constructivism focuses on student experiences. Children can "construct" their own understanding or knowledge of a concept through experiencing things and reflecting upon those experiences. Read More

Instruments: Piano

From upper elementary on, musicology is added. For a student that plans to keep learning, musicology is the history and the composer's impetus for composing the way he does. Why did Chopin compose so differently from Schumann, and what does the student need to learn to play each composer as he intended? It's very interesting, and separates my students from others that are playing just notes. They may be playing with feeling, but whose feeling? Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

Each lesson starts with technical exercises, follwed by repertoire. Each student does theory during the lesson with twenty questions at the end. During this time, I do all review theory material. Difficult passages are marked with a "P" chart. They have to play the difficult part four times and get a "P" for each perfect playing. Every fifth time they have to repeat from the beginning to integrate the difficult part with the rest of the song. Read More

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

I have been a full-time private music teacher since 1995. One of my lifes greatest pleasures has been motivating my students to succeed and helping them to see how much fun they can have in the process. I use my training and 30+ years of performance to teach to the students personal interests, strengths, and learning styles that fit them best. My in-home studio is conveniently located in Crestwood Missouri and contains 2 pianos, full-sized marimba, 16 acoustic electric stringed instruments, amplifiers, double-bass, drums and various world percussion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

For young beginner students (Ages 3-7) I typically start them with the Music for Little Mozart Series (4 books total). I pair that with fun music games, rhythm practice, listening activities and other misc. activities. At this age it is difficult for them to sit at the piano bench for the whole lesson so we only spend about half the lesson (but split up) at the piano and the other half learning basic music concepts through games. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

After teaching myself theory at the age of 4, I received my first musical instruction in 6th grade. At that time I learned to play the flute. This is where my musicianship began to blossom and opportunities were sent my way. Thanks to my love and dedication, I was one of a few placed in special bands. Auditioning & being selected for choruses during this time increased as well. As a result of my hard work, I was offered & accepted the positions at section leader and Drum Majorette in my high school's concert and marching bands & after joining choir my junior year I became lead soloist of the choir. Read More