Piano Lessons in Prairieview, IL

Instruments: Piano Violin

I have over 25 years of teaching experience and my relationships with former students have remained very warm. This is due to my love for my students and my work. It is impossible to instill a love of music in a student without contact and respect. In addition to the love of music and the instrument, I also aim to instill an interest in art in the student as a whole. 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

During a typical lesson I will hear the pieces my student was practicing the week before, make corrections or suggestions and have them play the piece again. Then I will assign them new pieces and have them play through them making sure they understand what to do and explaining any new concepts and giving suggestions on how to practice. As the students get more advanced I will also have them play scales andexercises and have them work out of a theory book. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

I always knew I wanted to study music, and chose Illinois State to do so. While there, I participated in musicals, as well as concert choir and the women's elite chorus "Belle Voix." Since college, I have been writing original cabarets and performing live around the city of Chicago. It's my philosophy that one should never stop learning, so I study regularly with my voice teacher of eight years, Sandra DeAthos, take class at the Bloom School of Jazz (vocal performance and jazz piano), and with the Second City Music Conservatory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer French Horn Keyboard

As an instructor and musician I have explored a huge variety of different musical styles froma roudn the world, as well as the cognitive fundamentals of learning. I try to preapre my students with learning tools that will allow them to continue improving even after my time as their instructor is over. I focus especially on building an understanding of how and why to acquire strong fundamentals, so that we can collaboratively drive their learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello Music

For beginners, introductory lesson books are very helpful for teaching the fundamentals of reading and playing music. I take a split approach with students working on basics such as scales/arpeggios along with repertoire so students can develop multiple skills at one time. I approach technique for both cello and piano as the art of releasing tension in the body while achieving the desired sound of the instrument. The goal is to play efficiently and relaxed, as this is the most productive and safe way to make music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

I always figure out where a student is at, and prefer to grow off the student's strengths as opposed to harping on their weaknesses. I have been in lessons before where teachers couldn't get past the smallest details, and these ruined the experience for me, as well as greatly affected what I was able to accomplish in my lessons. The opposite is also true, in that I have had teachers that haven't even informed me of a weakness that I had, and I wasn't able to improve because of it. Read More