Piano Lessons in West Chicago, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is fun, focused, and efficient. I like to keep the environment positive and encouraging, as that is what helps a student progress the most! When a student first starts lessons, we establish a few goals to accomplish over the semester, such as "become more confident" or, "learn a foreign language piece". With these in mind, I will teach the lessons, pick warm ups, and select repertoire (with the student) accordingly! Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I mentioned previously, I find it very important that every student be approached from an individual, customized standpoint. However, I do find it important that every student has a strong basis in fundamentals and sound quality so that they have a strong foundation which they can then build upon. For beginning students, I will typically start them with rudiments and eventually work them into a mix of published and improvised solos to foster both technical progress and artistic creativity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

Im an enthusiastic and accepting teacher who enjoys building students confidence and lifelong enjoyment of music! In 2014, I graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelors in music composition with a focus on classical piano and voice, then moved to Chicago to get my Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from Columbia College in music composition for film and media. Writing music for orchestras was the most unforgettable part of my experience there! Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Faber 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. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Selecting the best piano teaching method can be a daunting task. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music Keyboard

My philosophy with teaching my students is that they should learn in an environment where they truly feel that they are not only retaining information that I provide, but are gaining insight as to how to develop their own sense of creativity and problem solving skills. I envision my students’ learning by acquiring pieces to their tool belt, bits at a time. They then take this kit out into their own lives, uniquely building their own future into whatever passions they pursue further. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am a pianist, composer, and educator who strives to bring out the best in all my students. I have composed for film, internet, and theatrical productions and performed across the country in classical and jazz contexts. I hold a masters degree in jazz studies from the Jacobs School of Music, where I studied with Luke Gillespie, Steve Houhgton, and David Baker. In the summer of 2013 I performed with the Disneyland All-American College Band. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Ukulele Recorder Music Keyboard

I have had a desire to be an educator since I was in second grade. The first music ensemble I directed was a men's choir at Huntley High School in Huntley, Illinois. I proceeded to direct worship choirs and bands at Carthage College for my four years at Carthage. After Carthage I became the music teacher at Fratt Elementary School in Racine, Wisconsin where I taught general music and directed the annual fourth and fifth grade musical. Read More