Voice Lessons in Berkeley, IL

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching because singing became such an important part of my life after I started taking lessons. I think students should want to practice for the joy of it, and so try to keep lessons fun and informative. I do believe in the importance of technique, however, and so try to encourage students to do short vocal exercises daily. What is most important to me is that my students are singing pieces that they enjoy and connect with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone

I began my teaching career as a private lesson teacher in 2000. Then I advanced into the private schools from grades k-12 from 2001-2003. During this time I taught children that had special needs. They became one of my best students. I taught in public schools as well in 2008. I did private lessons for six years in between from 2003-09. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with The Full Voice Books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. With students of all ages I try to find balance in repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Music Director of the Chicago Philharmonia Orchestra since 1985, Farobag has also served as Managing Director of the University of Chicago’s Performing Artists Series from 1990 through 2002 and principal conductor of its resident professional ensembles. A skilled interpreter of Baroque literature as well, Cooper continues in his capacity as Artistic Advisor to the Baroque Masterplayers, a virtuoso ensemble that concatenates period performance techniques with modern instruments thus creating a unique voice within the realm of 17th and 18th- century repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

Guitar (all levels): Chord Instruction, Lead Work, Hammer On's, Scales, Sightreading Music, Songwriting/Arranging Trumpet (all levels): Articulation Studies, Breath Control, Increasing Range, Embouchure Voice (all levels): Solfege, Sightsinging, Range Articulation Instruction, Breath Control Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

My approach is definitely supportive and positive, but I don't let that get in the way of challenging the student. I am not afraid to tell the student that they can do better. It's very important to get to know the student's goals and inspirations. That way, I can focus on the skills they need. Also, I like to let the student learn songs by artists they love (if applicable) because it motivates them and sometimes it ends up being the sound they want to go for anyway. Read More