Piano Lessons in University Park, IL

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

Alfred Publishing piano courses (both older and newer), Faber and Faber, Bastien, Edna Mae Burnam, and the Hal Leonard course have all been among my pre-published methods that I have used over the years. I have also adopted some technic content from elsewhere. For example, the Zion Conservatory of Music, where I taught from 2004 to 2018, uses a couple of different customized scale patterns for first- and second-year students. A book I have used with intermediate students is a Conus Russian piano method edited by James and Susan McKeever, who taught the Parkside piano pedagogy courses. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I first began teaching as an undergraduate college student in 2002. One of my childhood piano teachers invited me to teach violin, viola, and cello in her studio of primarily piano students. A short time later, after being hired as an accompanist at a local string studio, I was hired as a string teacher within the studio, where I taught for several years. Over the next fifteen years, my teaching continued in these two settings: studio teaching, as well as private lessons given in my home or the home of my students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Recorder Music Keyboard

Learning music entails much more than just playing a song. I am sure to incorporate theory, ear training, history, technique, and performance skills into the learning process. The goal is to teach the student to be a well-rounded musician and develop all of the skills needed to understand and fully enjoy the entire musical experience. In order to keep lessons fun, I will incorporate small rewards and am always welcoming of jokes and humor as long as our learning stays on track. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I have been a band director for several years teaching elementary, middle school and high school students. I have taught beginner and intermediate group piano and private piano lessons for 7 years. I have taught private brass lessons of a wide range of ages and abilities since 2008. I have taught ages of elementary school through adult. I have found that fundamentals are the key to success at every age. Through quickly identifying strengths and weaknesses, and catering to ambitions and desires, my students experience a fun and inspirational learning environment. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music Keyboard

I was fortunate enough to receive partial scholarship to attend the DePaul University School of Music and concentrate my work there in Jazz Studies. During my time at the university, I had the opportunity to broaden my perspective on the trombone by studying with several of the trombone faculty. I spent most of my time working with Tim Coffman, but was able to work with composer and arranger, Thomas Matta, and Charles Vernon, the bass trombonist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have had five years of music teaching experience and I am interested in the music education substitute position. I have had 11 years of performance experience in musical and opera productions as well as singing lead and playing keyboard in bands and ensembles. I have a passion for music and a desire to help youth, using music as the bridging vessel. No student walks into a school being a blank slate, so it is important to consider their backgrounds, musical and cultural, when finding teaching approaches and building upon the knowledge they have already acquired. Read More