Piano Lessons in Buffalo Grove, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

My teaching experience began in the Chicago public and private schools in the 1970's. Wanting to have the ability to work with a student on a one on one basis, I went into business for myself as a private teacher. From 1976 to 2010 I taught music in a music store that I co-owned in the Chicago area. During that same period I worked with several universities with theMethods of Private Instruction in the area of Music Education. 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: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

My experience with learning was fun. Since I was learning multiple instruments it was fun to tie everything together. I could say the best part while learning was understanding theory...that part of my learning opened up many doors for me musically. I started to understand why certain notes could and couldn't be played, why and how to use different scales. Those things are the same things I try to reveal to the students when the time is right. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

During my undergrad, I have consistently taught private lessons as a part time violin instructor. After I moved to Madison, I had the chance to teach college students violin lessons and coach chamber groups in high schools through the outreach program at school. I strongly recommend students to practice every day even though it is only short amount of time. I have found if students get familiar with the instrument and learning materials, as a result, they would make good progress, feel motivate to continue to learn and enjoy playing the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginner students that are younger, age 5 or 6, I will use the Faber primer lesson books. For older children, I like to use either Faber or Schaum Series music books. For adults I use either Faber or Alfred series music books. I purchase the books for the students and ask that the students to reimburse me the cost of the books. I also will use various sheet music of favorite songs the student would be interested in. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I have learned quite a bit from my teaching experience, but there are two things that consistently hold significant importance to me. The first is that every student is unique - no two students, no matter how similar their interests, should necessarily have the same curriculum or be taught the same way. The second is that every student should be constantly feeding their passion(s) - not every step of learning and improving always feels fun at the time, but if the student has a chance to be passionate about what they are doing, even the most difficult work will feel purposeful and rewarding. Read More