Piano Lessons in West Chicago, IL

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 Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Music Keyboard

My teaching style is relaxed and easy going. This is because I try my best to cater to my student's needs. My goal when teaching a student is to be a resource to help them reach their full musical potential. This can be done by setting realistic goals, practice routines and using tension free techniques. I also try my best when teaching to give my students a safe space where they can feel free to grow, create, and express. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I typically divide my lessons into quarters so that the first part is just scale work. The second part is scale patterns and technique. The third portion is prepared materials, and the final portion is listening. I bring an Ipod with close to 750,000 songs on it for kids to choose pieces featuring their own instruments for inspirational purposes. I find that listening can be just as informative as pressing down keys:) Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

Balancing the radically different musical backgrounds of each student was difficult at first, but I have realized that the core struggles are universal. The solution for each roadblock typically revolved around the students attitude, rather than their approach. Once the student figured out what they truly wanted to learn and feel from music, they were able to set their mind to it and drastically improve. I sincerely enjoy helping the student find their voice and interests, rather than enforcing my own upon them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Music Keyboard

I've taught private lessons to students of all ages for the last 10+ years. Additionally, I have taught at the middle school and high school levels. I've taught instrumental, vocal, and general music. I enjoy watching students progress in their studies. Most importantly, I enjoy watching students reflect upon their growth musically. I consider music to be a very important investment in a child's future. Many parents do not know that their children can earn college scholarship dollars for playing an instrument well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For all students I'll be going over various ways to memorize any piece. I'll go over intervals, imperfect pitches, scale structure, chord progression, and how to apply all of it. I will start off with identifying notes in a scale, what they mean and how to use them. From there I'll go over rhythm and understanding time signatures. I will teach the importance of identifying and analyzing various compositions that the student finds interest in. Read More