Piano Lessons in Gages Lake, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

Fun, energetic and productive! My students always say that they leave their lessons with a burst of inspiration. 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; Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

I want all of my students to enjoy the piano, but my ultimate goal is for all my students to become excellent musicians. Musicianship is the key. I want them to be able to play with excellent time and rhythm, read music, and have ears where they can figure out how to play something by listening to it on the radio. This will allow them to not only be great soloists, but to play in bands and ensembles. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Building a solid method approach for every student is essential to the students success. I choose a custom approach for each student, because each student is unique. There are many overlaps to my approach for each students lesson plan, however every lesson needs to be altered a little, since some students struggle in areas where others might succeed. Fundamentals are the foundation for successful music making, and thus are the foundation of the lessons I teach. I have worked with many different method books and do not have a single preferred book, rather each student may need something different depending on their strengths and areas that need improvement. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I typically start beginners with the Teaching Little Fingers to play books. After going through the books at whatever rate the student needs to retain information, I will move on to solo repertoire pieces that align with the students' interests and tastes. I remember my piano teacher when I was a child bringing over several books for me to choose from, and it was the most exciting thing. I do the same with my students, so that the learning stays fun and students get to reap the rewards of their hard work throughout the process. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

I am an avid believer that a student's personal enthusiasm for learning and improving is the sole catalyst for their development. I do not believe in enforcing practice regiments on students as the motivation to practice should come from within. That being said, it is my job as the teacher to foster the student's passion for music by introducing them to exciting concepts and pieces that can grow their passion. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Selecting the best piano teaching method can be a daunting task. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

For piano, I typically start of using Faber Piano Adventures paired with Edna Burnam's "A Dozen A Day." I like pairing the traditional lesson book - which focuses on the fundamentals and using familiar tunes to teach basic theory, note recognition, early technique, etc. with the Burnam exercises which gives the student tools to start incorporating other musical elements into their playing because these exercises become a warm-up routine instead of something to be checked off of a list. Read More