Voice Lessons in Fox Valley, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use many ideas from various sources to combine with my instruction methods; All with a gradient level in mind rising to a higher plateau of musical knowledge and understanding. I combine theory with practical applications of each concept being taught. Music theory, practical exercises, along with ear training appropriate to the level or needs of a student. I give students songs to learn that emphasizes concepts being taught.They have an option to select their own songs, if it's not outside their level of playing. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Mastering technique is the surest way to leave the student free to express themselves musically. After an initial assessment is made of the student's voice, I create a series of vocal exercises to address any vocal weaknesses/problems. The first 20 minutes of a typical lesson are spent warming up/performing technical exercises. The remainder of the lesson focuses on applying what was learned technically to the music that the student and teacher have chosen. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I am not a teacher of "cookie cutter" lessons. I like to consult with parents and students before preparing an individually-tailored lesson plan for each of my students. It's my goal to engage students through music they already love, and (at the same time) introduce them to new music ideas and musical concepts/challenges. Building early repoire between teacher and student is crucial to building a working knowledge for performing music later on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

My teaching style is technical and yet open ended. I stress knowing scales, chords, inversions like the back of your hand to enable you to put them together just as we put the English language together. Letters become words which become sentences which become paragraphs which become stories. Keys become scales which build chords which build progressions which build phrases which build songs. Knowing this language of music, one can freely express what they hear in their mind outwardly to their audience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer French Horn Keyboard

I usually prefer a phone call or use the first lesson to guage the interest level, previous experience, and goals of the student and/or parents. I have used a variety of teaching books and methods, and will generally try to contour my methods to the needs of students while also keeping costs low. I do not often rquire students to purchase expensive music books, and prefer using repetoire and music directly relevant to students long and short-term goals. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different and I take that to heart constructing a lesson plan for each student that is suited for their personal tastes and speed. I have taught people of various ages starting at 5 years old all the way up to 60. It just goes to show you are never really done learning, especially when it comes to music. I have developed my ear to a point in which most any music you play me, especially if it's guitar based, I can learn to play in a matter of seconds or a few short minutes if it's something really tricky. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

Not every person is going to become a musician, as we all have our own passions and dreams. I want my students to find joy, acceptance, and relief from music, not dread and loathing. I like to ask questions such as "How did playing this passage make you feel? or "What is this piece of music mean to you?" Every piece of music elicits some response from us, and I fully believe that recognition and further development of that response can change the way we perceive music. Read More