Piano Lessons in Wilmington, 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 Voice Drums Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I begin by teaching them the C major scale and many nursery rhyme songs that can be played at that key. I then elevate to simple blues and gospel songs in the Key of C for example, the C major blues. I will then teach C minor and the introductory song, Blue Bossa to acclimate students to the sound of C minor. Beginner students that seek to learn classical music will be introduced to Notation music theory from rhythm dictation, reading the grand staff and the introductory piece, Minuet in G, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

My mindset when it comes to teaching is that if you are not having fun with music, then I am doing my job wrong. Everyone learns differently and wants to learn different styles of music. So each student gets a completely personalized lesson plan to fit their wants and needs. I encourage all my students to take things slow and to not get discouraged if they don’t get something right away. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

Basically I start with questions on why the individual wants to learn how to play that particular instrument. Then I follow with how much do they know about the instrument of their choice. So following a brief historical lesson we get into how to start playing that instrument. Also why I love to play that instrument and why I'm playing it with passion. I start teaching with basic scales or vocal warm-ups. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Piano Adventures series. I learned from those books and they provide a well-rounded foundation of technique, lesson material, and performance material. That series also begins teaching basic music theory from the start. Piano Adventures is also great for visual learners- with pictures and diagrams to help understand the concepts in the lessons. My goal is to start students with strong technique and a practice plan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

It is rewarding to see a student achieve a strong desire and a sense of accomplishment when they begins to play the instrument of their choice. I believe that a person should learn at their own pace. With that in mind I try to set realistic goals and make each lesson understandable. Acknowledging their success helps build their confidence and knowledge which translates into the student wanting to practice more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

The student will learn music theory and of course also how to sing or play the piano. I always use a combination of what the student needs and also what the student wants to play.For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's 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. Read More