Piano Lessons in Knollwood, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Lessons always begin with a brief review over what was covered during the previous lesson and what materials were practiced by the student. New concepts and techniques are modeled by me first. I then provide several opportunities for the student to practice this new idea or skill in a variety of ways. I am also a huge fan of incorporating educational games and activities to maintain students' interest in the lesson. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Her song, "Lullaby," was also a Regional Winner in Flavorpill's A Band Apart competition and was featured on the Chicago Regional Winners mixtape. She was chosen as a Semi-Finalist in the Intel Superstars Competition and as a regional Semi-Finalist in the OurStage Warped Tour Competition. She has opened for Marky Ramone the Speed Kings, D.I., Rev. Norb the Onions, and Val Emmich. In 2015, Mary released a 5-song EP with her band, Mary The Immaculate Rejections, and most recently, she released a 3-song EP of old recordings, entitled "Coal Miner's Granddaughter: The Lost Tapes." In 2017, Mary appeared on Rupam Sarmahs Together in Peace album. Read More

Instruments: Piano

An important component in my teaching process is assessment. First I need to understand long-term goals of the student. What does "taking piano lessons" mean to you. If you want to learn piano and go through Bach preludes and Brahms reductions great! But that is not the entire scope of what private lessons can offer an individual. Often the student doesn't know what specifically excites him/her. For younger students especially, broadening horizons is important. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I have had the pleasure of teaching students for over 10 years. My students have been of all ages and have consisted of all types of experience levels. These students gave me the experience and helped me grow into a patient and well rounded instructor. My goal is for the student to progress and enjoy themselves while truly understanding what they are learning. I began teaching in my junior year of high school. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For 5 to 6 year old beginners, I create an individualized lesson plan based on observing the student's learning style, strengths and weaknesses as well as personality. For the first 4 or more lessons, this includes my own big-note, large-symbol work sheets and simple songs. Next, and with older or more advanced students, I use a combination of lesson, technique and performance method books (Faber, Bastien, Hal Leonard), a scale/chording book and adjunct material consisting of songs the student wants to learn such as pop/rock, movie themes, holiday and theme music, and classical, to maintain interest and enjoyment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Keyboard

I have been teaching private piano lessons for almost ten years and flute for one. I love being able to work with students of all ages :) I worked for a time as the events coordinator in a nursing home and got to use music as therapy and even teach some of the senior residents! I am currently the basket ball pep band director for UW - Mikwaukee, which puts a lot of energy and fun in the way I approach music directing and teaching. Read More