Piano Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I begin by teaching them the C major scale and many nursery rhyme songs that can be played at that key. I then elevate to simple blues and gospel songs in the Key of C for example, the C major blues. I will then teach C minor and the introductory song, Blue Bossa to acclimate students to the sound of C minor. Beginner students that seek to learn classical music will be introduced to Notation music theory from rhythm dictation, reading the grand staff and the introductory piece, Minuet in G, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

Not every person is going to become a musician, as we all have our own passions and dreams. I want my students to find joy, acceptance, and relief from music, not dread and loathing. I like to ask questions such as "How did playing this passage make you feel? or "What is this piece of music mean to you?" Every piece of music elicits some response from us, and I fully believe that recognition and further development of that response can change the way we perceive music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students I usually start with either Fundamentals of Piano Theory or just basic note reading and writing. Since each student is different and responds differently to any variety of instruction methods, it’s important for me to be flexible and find the right one for the student. For kids, keeping the material light enough to understand while being challenging and engaging is important. For adults, being aware that they have busy lives with not as much time to practice as kids is something I always take into consideration. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

I normally create a lesson plan that develop the student skills yet keep them interested in wanting to learn more about music not just a whole lot of theory. I also believe, the best way is hands on work. (Practical learning) I keep the lesson interesting and the syllabus simple for learn whatever it is I'm teaching with homework for practice. I enjoy creating lesson plans that I read from other books and use the books to help demonstrate and support the lesson I'm teaching. and to follow the guidelines for teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano

My goal is to cultivate a relationship with music that will enrich the life of the student--of any level! I studied under two Jazz Messenger Alumni at Pitt, Leon Lee Dorsey, and Nathan Davis. In Chicago I got my MA at DePaul studying under Ron Perrillo, Dennis Carroll, and Dana Hall. I have blessed to perform with many important figures in jazz. Although jazz is my main focus, I truly love all forms of music and want to help the student mature their own taste and proficiency in whatever musical vain they desire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Hi there! My name is Ariel and I am super excited to meet you! A little bit about myself, I am an active performer for opera, musical theater, and crossover that performs in the U.S. and internationally. I have my Master's degree in Vocal Performance and graduated in 2018. When it comes to teaching, I've been teaching private voice since 2015 and have had the absolute joy and honor of joining several students on their vocal journeys. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I first started teaching piano and flute/piccolo back when I was in high school. When I started, I mainly focused on helping my fellow students prepare for performances and competitions. When I was in college, I was offered a temporary teaching position to teach piano at Allegro Music Academy (Lemont, IL) and I was able to work with children of all ages and playing levels. I realized that I really enjoyed working with children and from that point on, I sought out to teach mainly children. Read More