Violin Lessons in Cragin, IL

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

For the past 20 years, I've studied and performed with keyboards, guitars and woodwind instruments while exploring a very wide variety of music ranging from classical and rock to jazz and avant-garde. Expanding and sharing that knowledge with other people in a helpful and friendly manner is something that I consummately enjoy- especially if they're beginning where I once was. My education includes a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from DePaul University, and I've been working on my Music Education Certificate at UMSL since August 2014. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Piano students: For younger beginners, I like to use the Alfred series. These are the books that I grew up on and I have used them in my own teaching. I like their use of multiple companion books throughout each and every level. For adult beginners, I like to use Alfred's All-In-One adult books, as they feature all of the key elements of the series for younger beginners, simply geared to a more mature learner. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Because I accept children as young as 3, my methods vary quite drastically. I also work with children who have learning disabilities, so I like to cater my lessons to the needs of the student. We play a LOT of games and when I feel they are ready, they can progress to books. I use everything from Hal Leonard and Bastien to Alfred and Faber Faber. Being a Special Education Aide, I understand that no book is a one size fits all". Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My passion for music teaching goes back to my own experiences of starting piano lessons as a 10 year old. I was always interested in music as a child and was given the opportunity to take piano lessons from an extraordinary piano teacher. My method of piano instruction is modeled after what I was taught and also what I learned through my higher education experiences. I majored in music education at Bethel College, with piano as my principal instrument. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 17 years of teaching experience starting while I was still in graduate school. My main focus is having students practice regularly, like the piece they are playing, and gain a passion for their instrument. I always play with my students in order for them to gain experience in chamber music as well as to make sure they know their parts well. My students are always encouraged to audition for local youth orchestras, join chamber music groups, and are given opportunities to give recitals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

I am a singer, violinist, and songwriter that thoroughly enjoys helping students get closer to music and find their sound. Over the past 10 years, I have fronted multiple bands and I have backed or recorded for other artists such as Prateek Kuhad (NYC/Indie - singer-songwriter), Baby Alpaca (New York City - soul pop), The Vampyre Bunnies (New York City - punk rock), Valley Shine (Los Angeles - folk pop), Orlando Vick Jr. and Divine Glory (New Jersey - gospel). Read More

Instruments: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More