Violin Lessons in Chicago Ridge, IL

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: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

1-Modern method -(Suzuki, Essential Elements, Orchestra Expressions, etc) 2-Traditional method- (Rodionov, Sevcik, Kayser, Kreutzer, Wohlfart, Dont, etc) 3-Fiddle, Bluegrass. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I teach the fundamentals of the violin (for beginners) out of the Hal Leonard Essential Elements book series. For solo pieces and scales (for students who have had a year or so of instruction), I teach out of the Suzuki Method books. For more advanced students, I use technique books such as Wolfhart and Sevcik to develop bow and finger control. Additional books I use for choosing repertoire for students include Barber's Solos for Young Violinists and various concerti depending on the student's ability level. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

From the very beginning of my work, I believe in positive reinforcement because I find that we all need our hopes and beliefs in our ability to accomplish something to be nurtured before we take on any challenge, objective or goal. This is very important because I also believe that presenting students with challenges and goals allows them to experience adventure, fun, and rewards- particularly in the context of music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

Director, String Ensemble, Guerin Prep HS, River Grove, ILPrivate Violin/viola Instructor, Kagain Gaines Music Company, Forest Park, ILPrivate Violin Instructor, Morton Junior College, Cicero, ILPrivate Violin Instructor, Wheeling HS, Wheeling, ILPrivate Violin/viola Instructor, Holmes Junior High, Wheeling, ILOwner, True Note Music, Lisle, ILAdjucator, IHSA District ContestAdjucator, IMEA District ContestAdjucator, Solo Ensemble Contest, District 5Sectional Instructor, Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, Schaumburg, IL Read More