Voice Lessons in Knollwood, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

I was known as the "Music Mentor" and would help those graffiti writing kids who wanted to funnel their creativity into a positive musical outlet. Also, I founded an arts start-up five years ago that creates opportunities and a platform for independent artists. So, in short, I am very passionate about helping the struggling young musician get to the next level, and this is why I talk about providing advice on the other aspects of becoming a musical artist, if needed. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For my first class with my students, I typically would get to know them in terms of their goals, experience as a singer, and get to know where they are in their pursuit of those goals they set for themselves. After which, I would do warm-up exercises, vowel, and consonant work, and establish fundamentals of vocal techniques for the desired genre. Once the student feels more comfortable with their voice, I would suggest an introductory repertoire (usually an Art Song) according to their age, level, voice type, and their personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Music

I believe each person is uniquely different in this life and that goes for music too. For piano beginners, I like to use the standard Faber curriculum, if you're more advanced we can explore adding some more challenging books such as the Hanon scales, Junior Hanon for beginners, etc. I like to supplement core pieces with scales, technical books, and ad hoc assignments that I sometimes have students pick. For voice, it will very much depend on your goals and where you are at vocally, but my voice teaching style is very much grounded in healthy technique and learning about vocal pedagogy, no matter what genre of music you want to sing! Read More

Instruments: Voice Recorder

My teaching style is heavily based on empathy and drive. To be where I'm at right now in my musicianship, I was once in the position of not knowing what to do or how to get better, and I know how intimidating or nerve-wracking it can be to perform for another person. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at their own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson, which creates a sense of continuous progress for the student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

I always figure out where a student is at, and prefer to grow off the student's strengths as opposed to harping on their weaknesses. I have been in lessons before where teachers couldn't get past the smallest details, and these ruined the experience for me, as well as greatly affected what I was able to accomplish in my lessons. The opposite is also true, in that I have had teachers that haven't even informed me of a weakness that I had, and I wasn't able to improve because of it. 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: 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