Viola Lessons in Burr Ridge, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have loved music for as long as I can remember. At three years old I was dancing around my dad’s office as he played Stevie Ray Vaughn. At four I was begging my older brothers to teach me something on their guitars. By eight I was teaching myself “I Want It That Way” on my MIDI keyboard and by nine I finally decided to play the violin through my school orchestra program. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Double Bass Euphonium French Horn Tuba Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Oboe Bassoon

For beginning students, I typically start with Hal Leanord's Essential Elements. Once the student has a grasp of their instrment and the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire and tecnique exercises. I will try to find out what the student is interested in to help guide my instruction and keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter the age or ability level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have students of very different levels, and with different goals in music. Most important, I discuss goals with students to help them set their own goals, and also to know what we need to achieve in the lessons. I encourage students to practice every day, and see their lessons as a little performance. When performing, students see their own progress and become eager to make more progress for the next lesson. Read More

Instruments: Viola

“Talent” is a widely misunderstood concept. As a teacher, I don't believe talent is born. Talent is developed as an artful skill. This skill is made through practice: concentrated sessions of self awareness, mindful repetition, and craft. Anyone can learn how to play an instrument with the right mindset and the right instruction. My lesson plans are based on what goals and interests the student has, while also keeping in mind long term progress in technique for bodily ease. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

Every student is unique. Therefore, a student's learning process should complement that uniqueness. I like to take time to figure out exactly what "speaks" to a student. What really works for some is completely lost on others. I tailor my instruction to their wants and needs, and take close note of the activities to which they respond well. In doing so, the student meets their goals in a quicker and more enjoyable way. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

Suzuki instructional books and supplemented by traditional methodology for reading the various clefs: treble, alto, tenor, and bass. In addition, historical and theoretical subjects are introduced appropriately to keep the student engaged no matter their current abilities. We also have at least two public performances a year at a venue which has a high quality grand piano so the students can get used to the notion that every piano will be different and performing scales before playing their chosen repertoire will help them immensely. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More