Piano Lessons in Fort Dearborn, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

I began to teach private lessons when I was in college in the year 2005. I started in a small music shop called McKinney Music where I taught in a back storage room. I taught beginning snare drum, piano and drum set. I had an experience there where a young 7 year old student who didn't practice and it showed. He felt so ashamed he began to cry, but I was able to calm him down and furthermore help him understand the lesson he hadn't practiced. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love seeing my students excited about music. I like students to bring in music they feel passionate about so we can break it down and start to understand what makes it work. I find it important to set goals, adjust goals when things arent working and celebrate them when they are. Because of the great instruction I have had in my life, I understand the importance of being a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I require my students to put in the work to make these lessons a worthwhile investment, but I think the most important thing is to retain the joy of taking piano lessons. I don't want practice to feel forced, however I do think there is a certain amount of will power that goes along with learning a skill. Therefore, I require students to do a time minimum of practice appropriate for the age and skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For beginning musicians, I like to start with the very fundamentals of music theory in order to get them comfortable with reading music and understanding what they are doing. Books I have used in the past include the Essential Elements series and the Melodious and Progressive Etude series. I also understand the importance of enjoying what one is playing, so I always urge students find pieces or books for themselves that they are interested in, and incorporate them into my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Lessons with me will be laid-back but focused. Each student will receive an individualized curriculum based upon their needs/wants from their lessons. Believe me, I've had some bone-dry teachers in the past, and if you're not having fun and liking what you're doing, you're most likely going to forget the lesson you just had. We're going to learn by having fun and doing what I love most! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began with a few friends of mine in college. It was just for the fun of it at first, until others outside my circle of friends began to approach me about lessons, through word of mouth. I was soon known in my class to be the guy to go to learn more about music. In fact not all of these friends came to me for just guitar lessons, a couple I have taught beginner piano to as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

The first time I began teaching music was shortly after graduating high school, and asking local band directors to get some experience with their summer band, and marching band programs. While studying music in college, I received further training in classrooms outside of music to further develop my skills. It was during this period I that began to find joy from one-to-one learning. While I intend to provide most of the educational material, I also encourage my students to bring what they want to learn as well for a well-rounded experience. Read More