Voice Lessons in Mettawa, IL

Instruments: Voice

The best thing about teaching are the "a ha" moments! I love seeing a smile - that tells me a student LOVES what they were just able to do. And then we high-five, of course! I love when students tell me they surprised themselves , saying something along the lines of , "I didn't know I could make that sound!". I start everyone with the same vocal overview when we first meet , to show you what your amazing voice is capable of doing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I highly encourage each student to progress at their own pace, and as weeks pass and they've got a few lessons under their belt, I'd plan to tailor my teaching style (in terms of pacing) to fit where each individual student is at. I'm also a firm believer in positive reinforcement, so I'll make it clear to students when they're doing a good job, because I think that'll only fuel them to keep doing better and better. Read More

Instruments: Voice Trumpet

Since I have so many ages and levels of students, I customize lessons to fit each student. Through feedback from the student (and sometimes with the help of parents) we figure out together what the students musical goal is. These evolve over time of course, but focusing on playing a certain song, learning scales, composing original music, gaining performing confidence (among other goals) are what I base lesson plans off of. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Viola

My methods depend on the student's age, what they may have already begun in lessons with another teacher, and I also take into consideration the assessment of their learning style-choosing a method that works best for their needs. Basically you could say that I have no 'one' method. I have as many methods as I have students because every single student deserves for me to take the time to get to know them and to find out what educational practices will fit best with their learning style and personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. 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: 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