Piano Lessons in Blue Island, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

For beggining students in guitar or piano, I would have them start with a basic beggining book such as something by hal leonard. With guitar I will teach basic chords and go from there to working on songs. Scales and chords will be a big part of beggining work in these instruments. As for Saxophone, I will usually begin with scales and long tone work- the later being something extremely important. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Listening to different styles helps students develop their own music senses and apply these into their playing styles. This starts with a strong grasp of music theory to appreciate the structure in each music piece, which then lays a foundation for students to write their own songs and express their passion. PRACTICE makes perfect, but practice with strategies makes practice effective . My teaching approach is through constructive feedback during lessons and motivate students to practice, focusing on challenging areas. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Later, I went to Concord University in Athens, West Virginia from 1971-1974 where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and organ performance. Starting in 1979-1985, a Master of Applied Music and Organ Performance at Norfolk State University in Virginia where my teachers were Dr. Allen Shaffer and Dr. Carl Haywood. More recently, I attended Concordia University in Chicago completing a Master of Church Music and Organ in 2011. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am passionate about teaching the piano, an instrument that I love. I connect well with students and adapt my teaching style to their learning preference. I have been playing the piano for over 30 years. I also play the keyboard. I am able to teach both piano and keyboard; learning the piano and the keyboard is essentially the same, it just requires a different touch and the keyboard can create more sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

My experience as an educator began when I was a junior in High School, where I fast gained a reputation as an exceptional guitarist/singer. During this time, a few of my friends and classmates asked me if I would teach them. Since then, I have been teaching non-stop out of my residence and other creditable music stores. From 2008-2010, I taught out of Avenue N. Guitars, while keeping my own private students. Read More