Piano Lessons in West Chicago, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano

As a teacher nothing is more rewarding than seeing my students love and grow in their passion for music and the piano! I want them to feel like they are continuing to enjoy it most while growing at their own pace. It is important that we set goals so that we can continue seeing progress in their growth. The lessons I plan out for them are geared towards their continued progress in theory, technique, performance and scale work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

For adults, I like to assess their skills and goals individually and choose a program that will work best for them. I usually still stick with the Alfred's books, but there are combination levels geared toward older learners. VOICE: For voice students, I start with vocal exercises and conversations that help me to get a full picture of a student's abilities and needs. I then start with a comprehensive program of breath support awareness, pitch matching and intervals, vowel shape, vocal placement, and more depending on what kind of singing (musical theatre, rock, pop, etc.) they are interested in developing. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Shortly after graduating from college, I began teaching private lessons part time in students' homes, and have taught continuously for 20 years. Within this period, I also taught both private piano to children and adults and group piano for pre-schoolers at Chicago's renowned Old Town School of Folk Music for 4 years. I am passionate about teaching, enjoy watching my students progress and am thrilled to see their enthusiasm for music grow. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute

As an educated teacher, it is my responsibility to engage students with the variety of needs.With the engaging lessons that is carefully thought-out and well-organized, I plan to incorporate allstudents with visual, aural, and kinesthetic learnings. I fully understand that my lesson will need theflexibility and will be prepared for all situations such as flexible plan for low-level learning students,high-achieving students, and other activities for when the students are not responding to the originalactivity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

The methods I use to teach depend on a number of factors. For enrolled in beginner band at their school, I will use whichever method their school is using. If the school is not using a specific method, I use the Rubank method supplemented with my own materials. For more advanced players I assign various etude books, jazz play along books, and method books based on the students needs. I provide all the materials for my beginning piano students for the first few months, then assign method books based on the student's interests. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I am a passionate musician and performer, and that passion is met with an equal passion for passing on the knowledge and inspiration I have had the opportunity to gain to others. I am a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky with degrees in Music Performance and Arts Administration and am now working on a Master of Music with a focus on jazz and world music at Northern Illinois University.I have had many invaluable opportunities so far in my life, but a few that stand out include opportunities to study and perform overseas (West African Drumming in Ghana, Steel Pan in Trinidad) and opportunities to perform and work with artists such as Jeff Coffin, Bob Mintzer, Wycliffle Gordon, Brad Dutz, Chris Wabich, Liam Teague, and many others. Read More