Piano Lessons in Lake Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer French Horn Keyboard

I usually prefer a phone call or use the first lesson to guage the interest level, previous experience, and goals of the student and/or parents. I have used a variety of teaching books and methods, and will generally try to contour my methods to the needs of students while also keeping costs low. I do not often rquire students to purchase expensive music books, and prefer using repetoire and music directly relevant to students long and short-term goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

My experiences with teaching began in my later high school years - I was part of a community service organization at school dedicated to teaching local elementary school students at any grade. Since then, I've taught primarily clarinet students independently at Butler University in Indianapolis. I've also enjoyed a good deal of larger classroom work, as I was involved in two internships, one at the elementary level (3rd - 5th General Music) and one at the secondary (7th - 8th General Music). Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

For a lesson, George generally plays along with the student where the student plays a solo part with the teacher adding a second part. He also uses CD recordings with an instrumental part added having the student follow the recording.When teaching a piece, I will often ask the student to sight read notes and break down a composition into sections. Sometimes, I will have the student play just the treble notes, then bass, before adding the parts together. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone Euphonium Music

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time 10 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio for the last 10 years. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the trombone, piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Each student is unique. I tailor my approach and the materials I use in lessons to the specific needs and interests of the individual student. I strive to develop overall musicianship and expressive playing/singing, and introduce concepts in a sequential and progressive manner. Lessons include sight reading, notation, improvisation, ear-training, theory and repertoire building. It is important to me that my students' feel connected to the material they are playing/singing, therefore i hand-pick particular pieces that they have responded to and enjoyed. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Lessons with me will be laid-back but focused. Each student will receive an individualized curriculum based upon their needs/wants from their lessons. Believe me, I've had some bone-dry teachers in the past, and if you're not having fun and liking what you're doing, you're most likely going to forget the lesson you just had. We're going to learn by having fun and doing what I love most! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I enjoy introducing new material as it adds a variety of options and color to really discover their style as they continue to grow. It is highly important from the very beginning to set the stage for them to truly love what they do and everything else will come out of that. Also, I have worked with students to prepare them at their schools for adjudications for solo ensembles and thoroughly enjoy the process of preparation to performance. Read More