Piano Lessons in Cloverdale, IL

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Piano Adventures series. I learned from those books and they provide a well-rounded foundation of technique, lesson material, and performance material. That series also begins teaching basic music theory from the start. Piano Adventures is also great for visual learners- with pictures and diagrams to help understand the concepts in the lessons. My goal is to start students with strong technique and a practice plan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have always been passionate about music and feel no greater joy than sharing this passion with my students and friends. I began playing guitar around 2003 while I was a freshman in high school. Throughout my high school years I have attended summer music camps in Green Bay, WI then at Berklee College of Music in Boston. After graduation I attended McNally Smith College of Music where I majored in Guitar Performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I first began teaching as an undergraduate college student in 2002. One of my childhood piano teachers invited me to teach violin, viola, and cello in her studio of primarily piano students. A short time later, after being hired as an accompanist at a local string studio, I was hired as a string teacher within the studio, where I taught for several years. Over the next fifteen years, my teaching continued in these two settings: studio teaching, as well as private lessons given in my home or the home of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

I've taught private lessons to students of all ages for the last 10+ years. Additionally, I have taught at the middle school and high school levels. I've taught instrumental, vocal, and general music. I enjoy watching students progress in their studies. Most importantly, I enjoy watching students reflect upon their growth musically. I consider music to be a very important investment in a child's future. Many parents do not know that their children can earn college scholarship dollars for playing an instrument well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

I want my students to find enjoyment and purpose from making music first and foremost. Every student has a unique set of skills, and not every student learns the same way. I believe that something valuable can be learned from any single piece of music. Etude books, like Voxman's Selected Studies, and Rochut's Melodious Etudes are my go to for daily practice, but are not the only option available. I like to take a pragmatic approach to teaching, and will modify any exercises and routines as needed to get the best result from each student. Read More