312-789-4185
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Piano lessons in Thornton . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar
For the child and adult alike I begin with different types of instuctional material. Since instuctional materials use similar but somewhat different ways of presenting concepts, I use the the series that will allow the student to grasp and master the fundamentals. The older student, along with learning the fundmentals, will also explore their interests. I'll begin tailoring their lessons to include their interests as well as other genres. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I set realistic goals for each lesson so that each student will be able to progress and show improvement on a quicker level and not get frustrated with too much work. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
The student will learn music theory and of course also how to sing or play the piano. I always use a combination of what the student needs and also what the student wants to play.For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice
I am a graduate of Lawrence University with a BA in Music (Piano) and German. I've played piano for almost 20 years, but in college performed more with voice. In college as a BA candidate I was able to take a variety of lessons, including classical piano (my major), jazz piano, classical voice, and jazz voice. One of my favorite projects in college included a recital comprised of all the types of music I love playing and learning about such as a solo piano piece, a few piano duets, a piecewhere I sang and accompanied myself, a vocal jazz small group, and a few others. Read More
Instruments: Piano Cello Music
I am an avid believer that a student's personal enthusiasm for learning and improving is the sole catalyst for their development. I do not believe in enforcing practice regiments on students as the motivation to practice should come from within. That being said, it is my job as the teacher to foster the student's passion for music by introducing them to exciting concepts and pieces that can grow their passion. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard
My teaching style is technical and yet open ended. I stress knowing scales, chords, inversions like the back of your hand to enable you to put them together just as we put the English language together. Letters become words which become sentences which become paragraphs which become stories. Keys become scales which build chords which build progressions which build phrases which build songs. Knowing this language of music, one can freely express what they hear in their mind outwardly to their audience. Read More
Instruments: Piano Keyboard
My mindset when it comes to teaching is that if you are not having fun with music, then I am doing my job wrong. Everyone learns differently and wants to learn different styles of music. So each student gets a completely personalized lesson plan to fit their wants and needs. I encourage all my students to take things slow and to not get discouraged if they don’t get something right away. Read More
Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard Acoustic Guitar
What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
As a vocalist I believe the hardest thing to master is understanding your own instrument, how sound is created, and how to create and support that sound unique to your own voice. As a brass player I believe the hardest thing to master is proper embouchure technique (how to properly blow into a mouthpiece) and breath support. As a guitarist, muscle dexterity is crucial for chord progressions and finger techniques. These are all basic fundamentals of each instrument. Creating a strong foundation when learning any instrument will make the rest of the process easier!
Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I prefer to use Hal Leonard books for voice students, Hal Leonard and Rubank books for students interested in playing brass instruments, Hal Leonard books for guitar students, and Alfred and/or Bastien & Bastien books for piano students. Each of these methods books provide a balance of musical concepts, technique, and repertoire. I am always happy to teach repertoire brought to me by a student.
If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
I have a bachelors in music education from Western Michigan University. I chose a degree in music education because not only because of my passion for music education, but also because I believe a music instructor should have pedagogical experience if they wish to instruct music. I was fortunate to study under the direction of many fine career music educators at WMU.
What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A normal practice session for me always begins with a proper warm up and posture alignment. After
What is your dream piece to perform and why?
My dream piece to perform would have to be any piece written by Stephen Sondheim for the male voice. Songs specifically from the musical, "Sunday in the Park with George" contain melodies that are both challenging and beautiful.
If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
If I weren't a musician, or teaching music, I think I would be working for the National Park Service. I love the outdoors, and some of the most beautiful areas of our country are preserved because of the NPS.
What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I enjoy singing classical, jazz, pop/rock, musical theater and country music genres. I like to play pop/rock and country songs on the guitar. I also like playing classical and jazz music on the piano or with my brass instruments.
If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I began singing and playing the piano at an early age. I was introduced to the trumpet in the 5th grade. By the 7th grade, my band director suggested I learned the Euphonium horn. It wasn't until college where I found interest in playing the guitar while pursue a degree in music education.
Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
Yes! My grandfather played the trumpet when he was younger, and that played a major influence in me wanting to play trumpet at a young age. My family has always had a strong appreciation for music.
When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in music, but it wasn't until I was in high school that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music education. I had the opportunity to serve as the drum major of my high school's marching band for two years. This experience taught me the value of discipline in music, and the importance of music education in the classroom.
25 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Piano lessons in Thornton to students of all ages and abilities.
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