Piano Lessons in Lake Villa, IL

Instruments: Piano

I require my students to put in the work to make these lessons a worthwhile investment, but I think the most important thing is to retain the joy of taking piano lessons. I don't want practice to feel forced, however I do think there is a certain amount of will power that goes along with learning a skill. Therefore, I require students to do a time minimum of practice appropriate for the age and skill level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I love seeing my students excited about music. I like students to bring in music they feel passionate about so we can break it down and start to understand what makes it work. I find it important to set goals, adjust goals when things arent working and celebrate them when they are. Because of the great instruction I have had in my life, I understand the importance of being a teacher. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I like to start with the basics. Its important to let the student gain confidence in their instrument. So I start with very simple task that would be easy to do while I'm present so if they have any questions I can answer. I also do everything in three's...if we are working on the C scale and we get it correct I like to do it three time straight for memory. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Alfred Publishing piano courses (both older and newer), Faber and Faber, Bastien, Edna Mae Burnam, and the Hal Leonard course have all been among my pre-published methods that I have used over the years. I have also adopted some technic content from elsewhere. For example, the Zion Conservatory of Music, where I taught from 2004 to 2018, uses a couple of different customized scale patterns for first- and second-year students. A book I have used with intermediate students is a Conus Russian piano method edited by James and Susan McKeever, who taught the Parkside piano pedagogy courses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My main objective as an educator is to share my enthusiasm for music and develop a lifelong love for music in my students. I do not have one specific style of teaching because I believe it to be my job to cater my teaching style to the learning style of my students. Every student has different objectives and interests. I do my best to help students learn what they are interested in while insuring they develop excellent fundamentals on their instrument and a strong knowledge of music theory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Because I accept children as young as 3, my methods vary quite drastically. I also work with children who have learning disabilities, so I like to cater my lessons to the needs of the student. We play a LOT of games and when I feel they are ready, they can progress to books. I use everything from Hal Leonard and Bastien to Alfred and Faber Faber. Being a Special Education Aide, I understand that no book is a one size fits all". Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer

Throughout my music career, I had amazing teachers that helped me grow as a musician. I have taken the best of these experiences to help me become a better teacher. I strive to create a passion for music through learning, positive reinforcement and by creating an environment that is nurturing. While I believe in structure, discipline and hard work, I also want my learning environment to be fun. Building a strong foundation in music theory is important, but finding and unleashing the students passion for music is just as important. Read More