Piano Lessons in Western Springs, IL

Instruments: Piano

I believe in a balance between challenging my students and encouraging them. Students are at their very best when they feel affirmed and empowered, but also when the teacher is aware of their full potential and pushes them to achieve that. I believe in a very detailed approach where I am actuely aware of each of the student's particular strengths and areas for improvement and closely monitor their progress in areas of technique, musicality, expression, articulation, facility, and finesse. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

I began teaching in my sophomore year of high school. I was asked to be a student teacher at the summer camps hosted at the School of Rock Chicago. I learned a great deal as I taught rock songs to kids of all ages, prepared them to record original music, and helped direct their performance. I fell in love with the process of engaging a students learning style and figuring out how to relate to each student as an individual. 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 Voice

For young beginners in both voice and piano, I typically begin with literature from the Hal Leonard company. Once the student has progressed in their technique, I will introduce repertoire that requires more work and/or incorporates different styles. For adults, I try to find out what the student is most interested in, and guide my instruction to keep lessons engaging and positive, regardless of ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Cello

For beginning students, i'll typically start with Suzuki books. It's important for students to learn the left and right hand separately before putting everything together. Once a student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I'll introduce some simpler solo repertoire appropriate for his or her skill level. For advanced, I'll be happy to talk about more advanced musical techniques and theories. I play the piano as well, and I will be happy to accompany my students playing repertoire that needs an accompanist. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

I have been a teacher my whole life. In high school, I tutored Shotokan Karate classes, taught swimming lessons, tutored younger students, and taught drum lessons. In college, I was a peer tutor for writing, and continued to teach drum lessons. Since graduating, I have regularly taught drum lessons, and now instruct Kundalini Yoga/Meditation as well. I have an intuitive sense of what any individual student needs and can always break things down in the most digestible way possible, and can teach anybody how to do anything. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I am neither strict nor laid back. In order to improve, however, students are required to practice everyday (even if it is for 15 minutes a day). I do not demand perfection from my students, but I do expect students to put in the effort to learn. I truly want to teach students to play music and I want to encourage students to find joy in making music. Read More