Viola Lessons in Evergreen Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

My teaching experience began in the Chicago public and private schools in the 1970's. Wanting to have the ability to work with a student on a one on one basis, I went into business for myself as a private teacher. From 1976 to 2010 I taught music in a music store that I co-owned in the Chicago area. During that same period I worked with several universities with theMethods of Private Instruction in the area of Music Education. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I mainly teach the Suzuki method, especially for beginner/intermediate players. After Book 5, I tend to use conservatory repertoire such as technique books ( Sevcik, Hrimaly), Scale Books, Etudes, and concertos. When it comes to keeping my students interested, I try to find songs that my students are interested in learning. I find those songs according to their level and the technique I want to teach them and then move on from there. Read More

Instruments: Viola

For beginning students, I primarily use scale cycle, and some of Suzuki Music to start with the ear opening to how the sound or melody work can be done and see how it can be applied from the scale work we do on the technical practice. I try to find what student want from the overall lesson time because that set up the different goal for different student. When the student enters in the intermediate level, I try to find a little longer literature for student to learn in long term goal, and expanding students music literature. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I love using the Suzuki method for skill building, but I also believe that students should be musically literate! I utilize supplemental books, such as "I Can Read Music," Essential Elements, and other sight-reading materials to encourage note-reading from the get-go. All of my students, including those who are 4 years old read notes. I emphasize etudes (studies), scales, warm-ups, physical stretches, and favorite songs of my students as part of a balanced repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Nothing is more rewarding than when my students leave the lesson more motivated than when they came. I understand that it is a challenge for students to go home and practice, so I address this by setting goals for the student. I want the student to leave the lesson feeling proud of what they accomplished and motivated to continue learning. I want them to be able to apply the techniques they learn in music to other areas of study so that they can explore and be curious about everything. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students (pre-Suzuki), I like to take material from different method books and even write my own songs. This way, each student has their own, individualized curriculum to help with technique or material that they find to be difficult. Once the student has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I like to use Suzuki books. I like to use the Suzuki method for younger beginners because it can be more challenging to learn to read notes, but I encourage note reading for older students. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More