Violin Lessons in River Forest, IL

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: Violin Viola

Since college, I have focused on honing my skills as an educator, having taught in both public school and private lesson settings. I have worked as an orchestra teacher in both Elmhurst and St. Charles in addition to maintaining a thriving private studio, serving diverse learners aged six to 60. With a breadth of teaching experience already under my belt, I strive to personalize each lesson to the student and their individual goals, finding practical approaches to arm students with a solid foundation of musical knowledge and technique. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I am a Suzuki teacher. I love this method because it places emphasis on the skills learned, which can transfer over into any piece, rather than just learning the notes of a piece. I do think it is important to learn to recognize what you hear and play by ear, but I will not let my students fall behind with note reading. I typically begin basic note reading in the middle of book 1. 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: Piano Violin

I do this myself without straining the student. Gradually, the student begins to naturally hold the instrument. From this point on, we gradually begin to play songs on our own. Children are eager to play because it is easy and interesting for them. With older children who are already playing, there are other tasks. I work on the technique of playing the instrument, while motivating them in various ways so that it is interesting for them to do routine work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

For the child and adult alike I begin with different types of instuctional material. Since instuctional materials use similar but somewhat different ways of presenting concepts, I use the the series that will allow the student to grasp and master the fundamentals. The older student, along with learning the fundmentals, will also explore their interests. I'll begin tailoring their lessons to include their interests as well as other genres. Read More

Instruments: Violin

I look to guide my students on two things; how to practice, and how to perform and be expressive. Whether you are preparing for a solo recital, school or community concert, or personal enjoyment we will still be focusing on developing a tension-free technique as well as taste and style. I generally follow the Suzuki series, however, I will also be assigning additional etudes, scale studies, and repertoire according to the playing level of my student. Read More