Piano Lessons in Hodgkins, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My methods differ depending on a students age and experience level. For the younger students who are just beginning their journey we will learn out of Hal Leonard's books for guitar or Piano Adventures for piano students. As a student progresses we will begin to take the learning outside of these books and more to music theory, technique, and to the application of these practices onto the instrument. For younger students I will make the lesson more fun and interactive, keeping the lesson positive and not viewing it as a chore. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

My main goal is to give each student the tools to be successful on their own. This is important because most progress is made outside of the lesson. This includes music reading and general knowledge of the music. I feel that success comes from the student feeling that THEY have accomplished something. 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 Organ

Later, I went to Concord University in Athens, West Virginia from 1971-1974 where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and organ performance. Starting in 1979-1985, a Master of Applied Music and Organ Performance at Norfolk State University in Virginia where my teachers were Dr. Allen Shaffer and Dr. Carl Haywood. More recently, I attended Concordia University in Chicago completing a Master of Church Music and Organ in 2011. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

I always figure out where a student is at, and prefer to grow off the student's strengths as opposed to harping on their weaknesses. I have been in lessons before where teachers couldn't get past the smallest details, and these ruined the experience for me, as well as greatly affected what I was able to accomplish in my lessons. The opposite is also true, in that I have had teachers that haven't even informed me of a weakness that I had, and I wasn't able to improve because of it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

My senior year of high school I received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, and I volunteered for City Music, where I helped prepare kids for their college auditions. This is how I developed a love for preparing students specifically for college auditions/music conservatories. Since graduating from Berklee I have begun teaching locally in Chicago, preparing students for auditions at music conservatories, as well as teaching theory, ear training and other skills needed for musicianship at the professional level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use many ideas from various sources to combine with my instruction methods; All with a gradient level in mind rising to a higher plateau of musical knowledge and understanding. I combine theory with practical applications of each concept being taught. Music theory, practical exercises, along with ear training appropriate to the level or needs of a student. I give students songs to learn that emphasizes concepts being taught.They have an option to select their own songs, if it's not outside their level of playing. Read More