Piano Lessons in La Grange Highlands, IL

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

With advancing students of any age, I start to slowly introduce scale and etude books, as well as solo repertoire by major composers, not found in their method books. String students: For both younger and adult beginners, I like to use a combination of the Suzuki books and the Essential Elements series. I do not teach the Suzuki method, but use the books for their staple and universally well-known repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Included in these experiences was Chicagoland regular rotation play on XRT's local music showcase and an interview on the Flabby Hoffman Show. While attending UIC I even dabbled in theatre, and though I I had little to no experiece as an actor, I achieved a lead role in three out of the four productions I was cast in. Of these four, two were rock musicals, including the Who's "Tommy." As you can see, my whole life is music.I love to teach, perform and compose music.Although I love all these elements of music, I would have to say that my greatest joy comes from seeing my students progress towards becoming accomplished musicians.Whatever your goals may be, I take great pride in helping you attain them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

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; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I currently go to school at Nazareth College and am in the graduate program in creative arts therapy and am an intern at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, IL. I have worked with older adults with alzheimer's, adults with mental health issues, hosptialized children and adolescents, and survivors of stroke. I plan to work in a medical facility as a music therapist once I graduate from school. As a result of my music therapy practice, I am very proficient in piano and guitar and can teach beggining and intermediate students on these instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

While instructing private voice students, I teach the functional approach to singing. This mindset allows the vocalist to focus on singing freely in all genres. I believe it is important to not only teach a wide variety of repertoire, but to also inform my students on vocal health. Along with a functional approach to the voice, I promote a safe and welcoming environment to make music in. If a student does not feel comfortable in the space they are in, then they will not perform to their fullest potential and I would not have completed my job. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I have been playing piano and flute/piccolo for 17 years now and my love for music has only gotten stronger. In the winter of 2009, I graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance. Also, I am currently working on my Master of Arts degree in Musicology/Music History at the University of Iowa (I still need to complete my thesis). As a musician, I have performed in numerous competitions, recitals, church services, weddings, and even several funerals. Read More