Voice Lessons in Abbott Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

For beginning musicians, I like to start with the very fundamentals of music theory in order to get them comfortable with reading music and understanding what they are doing. Books I have used in the past include the Essential Elements series and the Melodious and Progressive Etude series. I also understand the importance of enjoying what one is playing, so I always urge students find pieces or books for themselves that they are interested in, and incorporate them into my lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and loves showing that making music can be both rewarding and fun! I have a degree in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, and I am on my last semester to get my Master's in Orchestral Conducting from Illinois State University. I have sung in numerous choir, played jazz and classical trumpet all through college, and have a burning interest in Music Theory and how it relates to playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I break up lessons into three parts - warmups/breathing exercises, learning a song, and acting the song. Warmups prepare the voice to sing without any strain. I also implement vocal exercises during warmups where we work on range and quality. During the first lesson with the student, I get to know what they want to work towards in terms of repertoire and suggest a few pieces. We will typically add one or two songs per week in order to build a solid repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola

The goal for each lesson is for the student to notice their progress and develop a passion for music.  Student input is very important to me.  In my lessons I strive to make the student feel comfortable enough to ask questions and make comments about their own progress.  I am encouraging yet firm and expect a lot from my students.  My lessons are fun and informative, and they help me convey my love of music!  Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

PIANO: For beginners who are children, I usually start with the Alfred's Music for Little Mozart's series of 4 levels. After that, students can graduate to the Alfred's upper level book series, which includes theory and practical playing books as well as fun solo and popular music books leveled specifically for them. I also find the Fingerpower series userful as a supplement, and I make sure to work on scales once students have attained a basic mastery of the keyboard and various hand positions. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I graduated with my Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from Oberlin Conservatory in 1986. While there, I studied with Richard Miller, regarded by many as one of the greatest voice teachers of the 20th century. Millers books on singing are now standard texts in music schools all over the world. I then received a fellowship and teaching assistantship at Yale University (1986-88) while receiving my Master of Music in Vocal Performance. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Generally, I like to discuss what kind of music the students are interested in studying first. Then, after vocalizing and assessing the voice, I'll start the students with English art songs or 24 Italian Songs Arias, or some classic music theater repertoire. From there, the student and I will assess what best fits the student's interest. Read More