Piano Lessons in Libertyville, IL

Douglas E

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Organ Lap Steel Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
6 years old is usually old enough. Anyone can start regardless of ability as long as they can physically press fingers down on a piano or form a guitar chord

When will I start to see results?
That depends on the student. Also on home life/practice time. Don’t expect things too fast. This is a new thing for them and it takes time. Kids excel at different rates and surprise you at the their growth. They make “ leaps”, it’s not always in even increments.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My first guitar teacher took me from playing with friends- very basic ( where I did learn a lot) to going to Berklee college of music. He was amazing and I was very lucky to have him as a teacher.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My uncle played guitar in a band. I was hooked immediately. He bought me my first electric guitar and the rest is history. I came from a strong arts community.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I learned how to become a jazz musician. A very hard thing to do. It takes as much work as becoming a scientist or highly skilled profession to play jazz well.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Some of my students played at their graduations. Also went on to have careers in music. Most have gone into other fields , but music played an important part. A few of my students were at the top of their graduating class. One was valedictorian

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Around 15 years old. I was on the fence for a while, but at that point there was no turning back. Once I got paid for it after college, I didn’t want to do anything else unless I has to

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Being able to accomplish all styles . It has to do with time. I can play rock, jazz, country , blues, fingerpicking, slide guitar, piano on a high level, bass guitar , drums ukulele. I also sing. They all took years of dedication.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I play piano because I absolutely love the instrument. It’s classic and a real piano is dreamlike. It’s a challenge to master. 2 handed superstition is why it’s so difficult. Bass guitar , drums, because I love those too.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
Inner urge by Joe Henderson. Because the melody is extremely challenging and the improvisation over the chords is very modern. It took me 6 moths to play it clean.

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My uncle plays. He’s in mid 70’s now but has the same band as when he was in high school. He taught my first chords and songs. Friends were very important as well for learning

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
For guitar: my own handouts mostly. Hal Leonard guitar method. Piano: piano adventures, Suzuki, scale books. The real book for both instruments. I also have random handouts that I have photocopied from students through the years

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
3 hours a day , every day. Piano and guitar. Jazz mostly. I play with backing tracks

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
Jazz, because it’s highly creative. Like painting. When you improvise on jazz, you can incorporate everything that you have learned. Rock, country, blues, folk can all come out in it somewhere.

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Performance degree from Berklee college of music 1991. Graduated summa cum laude. I chose it because it was not an easy route. You had to prove yourself.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
Doggy day care or astronomer. It’s hard to say because this is all I know . I’ve lived the musician life. Started playing at 8 years old

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
Follow the lesson plan exactly. Don’t rush through exercises. Use a metronome. Play in a quiet room with no distractions. Have a goal that you want to achieve and go for it. Have fun!

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