Piano Lessons in Berwyn, IL

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Music Keyboard Djembe

I teach lessons to any grade/age group. I have an extremely open mind to teaching and music in general, so nothing goes out the door in terms of philosophy, however, I've come to realize that some methods work better than others. That said, I tailor my attention and focus as an educator to the needs of student I'm teaching in front of me. I don't consider the student who just walked out of the lesson or the student who is coming in next. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio or in their homes for the last 10 years. Im always looking to bring on new students of all ages! I encourage my students to enter competitions and recitals so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I do not believe in the "cookie-cutter" teaching method, which means that I do not utilize the same teaching method with every student. I realize that each student is a unique individual with different learning preferences. With each student, I design a different approach that caters to the student's needs. Also, I do not have a set curriculum and with each student, I will set up an individualized plan. Some method books I use include: Faber Faber, John Thompson Piano Course, and the Suzuki Method. 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: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

While at Millikin University, Mary took piano lessons from Aldo Mancinelli (and his wife and former student, Judith Mancinelli), who took lessons from Claudio Arrau, who took lessons from Martin Krause, who took lessons from Franz Liszt, who took lessons from Carl Czerny, who took lessons from Ludwig van Beethoven, who took lessons from Joseph Haydn. Haydn was friends with and had a huge influence on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Ludwig van Beethoven also studied with Christian Neefe, who studied with Johann Hiller, who studied with Gottfried Homilius, who studied with Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am highly motivated to determine the unique musical talent of each individual student, and their learning style and developing their potential. I have a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Music in Piano Pedagogy, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Special Education. This degree is the same as an ED D, but many electives. Mine was in brain sciences, neurology, autism, developmental disorders, and music. This degree enables me to use music for cognitive improvement in autism. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

I cater each lesson to the student- no two students will be on the same track and that's ok. Each person, just like each voice, is very unique! I don't see a purpose in forcing a student to learn a piece they don't like. We are here to make music so collaboration is a huge deal for me. I want us to collaborate and make beautiful art together to the best of our abilities! :) I've been teaching students how to sing for over 8 years and my students have gone on to win statewide competitions, get leads in shows professionally, and even get into the top schools of their dreams on full talent-based scholarships.. Read More