Piano Lessons in Wood River, IL

Instruments: Piano Organ Keyboard

My teaching experience goes back to college when I would help out non-piano playing music students for their piano class. (Yes, if you go to school for music, you have to learn some piano, no matter what!). I've also taught students as young as 7, and I was a piano and band instructor at Columbia College Chicago's Blues Camp, which is for students ages 6-18. I was also a keyboard instructor at School Of Rock before having to leave due to touring with Nick Moss. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Piccolo Keyboard

My first experience teaching music began immediately after graduation college and had continued to the present day. Originating as the music teacher at a girl's club the summer after my college graduation, my music profession soon began. There my eyes were opened to the benefits music has on children. This is also where I learned a lot about myself musically. While teaching music theory, choir & directing the summer musical started its cycle of my evolution here, this was only is beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I teaching methods vary, depending on the age and experience of the student. With elementary, novice students, I use some of the progressive series of lessons, such as Hal Leonard and Bastien. As every lesson changes from what I had planned, using my own teaching methods seem to work the best. In the first 2-3 years, I combine playing songs with learning theory. It is all combined into one teaching method which assures the student is up to speed on both. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For beginning and intermediate students I utilize the Bastien Method books series, which includes supplemental Theory and Technique books that can be purchased if needed.  These students each select performance pieces which they enjoy and are level-appropriate from a variety of sources. More advanced students focus primarily on challenging performance pieces, several of which are selected as 'keepers' for practice and review.  Lessons include technique practice (scales, arpeggios, finger exercises), theory (from textbooks, flashcards etc.) music history, instrument mechanics, ear training and musicianship (such as rhythm and sight reading drills, dictation) and student compositions (notation and continuation methods). Read More

Instruments: Piano

Looking back over my professional career -- which includes several public relations, marketing and advertising positions -- my favorite and most rewarding activities have centered around music. Whenever possible, I use my own method, which includespromoting spatial relationships and patterns. Although composition is not my specialty, I certainly can do the basics and then point them to a more accomplished musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use both classics and popular songs to teach reading, theory, ear-training, and improvisation. I teach all of my lessons differently- custom tailoring each one to the students (and parent's) wants, needs, and personal learning style. My success in teaching has come from helping the student to see the joy and pride that comes from attaining goals they might not have believed possible. Playing music should also be fun- the more a student enjoys what they are doing the more they will play- resulting in a higher level of achievement. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am an experienced classically trained Pianist who has been playing since the 3rd grade. I enjoy all styles of music and love sharing that enjoyment with my students. I have certification from the State of Missouri that I am proficient in educating beginning Piano students and have continued to expand my knowledge through my participation with local musicians’ groups. I am also working on expanding my instrumental abilities through perfecting my percussion skills and learning guitar. At this time, I do work a morning part time job but am looking to expand my teaching schedule so this is no longer necessary. Read More