Piano Lessons in Melrose Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

My lessons are about technique and applying the technique to repertoire. I spend about a third of the lesson on specific technique work and I always encourage students to bring in their own material that we can work on as well. I of course always have songs to suggest and I cater to each individual student's needs. If you need a high song, I'll find a high one. If you need a pop song, I'll find a pop song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

It is rewarding to see a student achieve a strong desire and a sense of accomplishment when they begins to play the instrument of their choice. I believe that a person should learn at their own pace. With that in mind I try to set realistic goals and make each lesson understandable. Acknowledging their success helps build their confidence and knowledge which translates into the student wanting to practice more. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Cultivating a love of learning, and a love of music, is the most important part of any lesson. One can be the most masterful and technically skilled musician, but if he/she hates to play, we will never hear the beautiful music. I believe that above all else, students really need to develop a love for learning, and the teacher has a unique qualification and responsibility of developing that love. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

My teaching style is that I set a plan for every student I have. For instance, I will apply reading notes, but that will not work for each student, each student is different and would prefer another style of teaching. That's when i would test their own level of memorization. I would teach each student chord structure of memorizing maximum 2 chords. Once each student fully has the 2 chords memorized I would hand them a sheet of paper, giving them instructions on top of the paper, stating Now that you have mastered memorizing the chords I would want you to come up with a small melody by building a staff with a time signature and writing the notes on the sheet of paper. Read More

Instruments: Piano

The more a student feels like he/she has accomplished, the more patience and dedication the student acquires. After a student has established that piano is fun/rewarding, I like to slowly incorporate the study of music theory. With music theory a student can begin to codify and understand where these sounds come from. This greater understanding and insight empowers the student to play more musically, or creatively--whether in performing notes written, or improvisationally/compositionally. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never imagined God had plans for me to be a music teacher. I had taken piano lessons for about 15 years (later adding recorder, guitar, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and cello) and was working as a front desk receptionist in a music school when a teacher notified us of an unexpected long-term absence. My boss--who had known me for almost 20 years, and who taught me piano-- approached me and said she would like ME to teach the affected students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I'm a professional musician and educator who has lived in Chicagoland with my wife and two boys for the last 18 years. I'm originally from Columbus, Ohio and received my BM from Capital University there. From there I was Music Director for one of Royal Caribbean's ships and then I made the move to Chicago in mid-1996. From then until now I have become one of the top/first call saxophonist/woodwind musicians in the city of Chicago and have performed all over the world with musical lumaries such as Aretha Franklin, The OJays, Brian McKnight, Diana Ross, Al Jarreau, The Temps and dozens of others! Read More