Piano Lessons in Carol Stream, IL

Instruments: Piano

For 5 to 6 year old beginners, I create an individualized lesson plan based on observing the student's learning style, strengths and weaknesses as well as personality. For the first 4 or more lessons, this includes my own big-note, large-symbol work sheets and simple songs. Next, and with older or more advanced students, I use a combination of lesson, technique and performance method books (Faber, Bastien, Hal Leonard), a scale/chording book and adjunct material consisting of songs the student wants to learn such as pop/rock, movie themes, holiday and theme music, and classical, to maintain interest and enjoyment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone

I am a person who believes in teaching music to all ages. Through teaching I am hoping that I inspire students to follow their dreams on trying to achieve their goals in life. As a teacher I hope to gain the trust of my students by being the person that can help them progress forward in a chosen music career. I take pride in what I do. Hopefully I can encourage others to do the same. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

One of the most valuable things I learned from Jim Campbell, my main professor/teacher/mentor during my undergraduate career at the University of Kentucky, is that a great teacher does not necessarily need to have already mastered the art form themselves - in fact, as it is said that the best leaders are great followers, I strongly believe that the best teachers are great students, even in a private lesson setting. 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 Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that each student has something unique to bring to the table, and that students should feel that they are valued because of their cultural identities, not in spite of them. I also believe that music in itself can be used as a means through which the world can be impacted for good. Bringing students to a positive outlet such as this, can bring about passion within themselves, for both music and other issues in the world, music being the way they express this passion and use it to send a message. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers. Read More