Piano Lessons in Highland, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Keyboard Classical Guitar

I love Faber and Faber for piano. I have several very young students doing the series for preschoolers. These materials are supplemented with Keith Snell's literature books. All students do at least one duet per year and two recitals.I love to take students as far as they can go in their lesson books and then back that up with the technic books, which are generally a bit easier. That helps with pacing the lessons and it pads the practice times. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano

Since we're all different, I try to identify students' goals, interests and abilities as we progress. With few exceptions -- students whose temperament andpersonality dictate completing a book before considering another -- I always choose from a large assortmentof method, performance, classical books from my library. I also have a good collection ofBroadway musicals, jazz books, etc. (My favorite series is the Faber and Faber repertoire.) Read More

Instruments: Piano

I also believe that Piano Lessons should be fun. Since I generally teach one on one, lessons can be tailored to each student and I add supplementary material to the Piano course as soon as possible based on the student’s progress and interests.  I am willing to add supplementary music in most any genre from current radio hits, to Pop Standards and soundtracks, as well as Holiday Music based on the student’s culture. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

After teaching myself theory at the age of 4, I received my first musical instruction in 6th grade. At that time I learned to play the flute. This is where my musicianship began to blossom and opportunities were sent my way. Thanks to my love and dedication, I was one of a few placed in special bands. Auditioning & being selected for choruses during this time increased as well. As a result of my hard work, I was offered & accepted the positions at section leader and Drum Majorette in my high school's concert and marching bands & after joining choir my junior year I became lead soloist of the choir. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar

I have found that every student has their own learning style and that it is my duty as an instructor to adapt to their particular learning style. Some students thrive on reward, some thrive on competition and some students thrive on praise etc.I have several books and other teaching material available for my students. Theseinclude:Berkley Music Theory I and II, several Hal Leonard, and Fischer books and more! Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

For intermediate and advanced students, I like to figure out what kind of popular music (rock, blues, jazz, pop) that they would like to play and learn more about, and then learn repetoire or basic techniques in that particular genre. Again, I specialize mainly in popular styles, and am not much of a classical player. My hope is to give intermediate and advanced classically trained students a good foundation in popular styles, and once the foundation is there, start working on repetoire. Read More