Piano Lessons in Madison, IL

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Recorder Euphonium French Horn Music Keyboard

I've been giving lessons since I was in high school, but I was able to expand the instruments I'm able to teach from my college training. I have been teaching with Webster's Community Music School for the past year and a half and I have had great success with teaching young beginners, although I have started older kids and even adults with great success (I just use a different curriculum with older students). Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have taught students for over 30 years and have seen many changes in both student’s preferences and the style of Music and instruments preferred. I am comfortable with both traditional pianos and organs and modern electronic keyboards. I have given lessons in my home, my students’ home and retail studios.I currently have 20 students on my roster. 6 of whom are adults. I have also begun a regular schedule of concert/recital opportunities for all of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar

I began teaching almost five years ago privately freshly out of high school. I taught for two years privately and then taught with a music company for the last two and one-half years. Because of my extensive classical and jazz training, teaching beginning all the way to advanced students was a pleasure.I have found that every student has their own learning style and that it is my duty as an instructor to adapt to their particular learning style.I pride myself on being a versatile, engaging and personable instructor. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Since we're all different, I try to identify students' goals, interests and abilities as we progress. With few exceptions -- students whose temperament andpersonality dictate completing a book before considering another -- I always choose from a large assortmentof method, performance, classical books from my library. I also have a good collection ofBroadway musicals, jazz books, etc. (My favorite series is the Faber and Faber repertoire.) Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develops passion for music! Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace.I encourage this by settling realistic goals for my students at each class. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress , and makes students eager to learn more.By trying to find out what inspires the students,,l can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs . Read More

Instruments: Piano

From upper elementary on, musicology is added. For a student that plans to keep learning, musicology is the history and the composer's impetus for composing the way he does. Why did Chopin compose so differently from Schumann, and what does the student need to learn to play each composer as he intended? It's very interesting, and separates my students from others that are playing just notes. They may be playing with feeling, but whose feeling? Read More