Piano Lessons in Elmhurst, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

Personally I am interested in many different genres of music (classical voice, jazz voice, classical piano, jazz piano, accompanying), and in college I was able to take many different kinds of lessons to fulfill my needs. As a result, I feel very comfortable teaching others about all sorts of different genres of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Beginning students will start out with technique practices, while introducing solo literature when appropriate. Technique studies can always be improved and studied, no matter a student's age or proficiency. I try to work within the repertoire a student is interested in at first, then expanding to materials and genres the student may find interesting to help broaden the experience and knowledge a student can gain from our lessons. No matter the age or ability level, I help students understand that each lesson and new idea or piece we learn adds to their experience, and experiences are building blocks for our futures. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

For adults, I like to assess their skills and goals individually and choose a program that will work best for them. I usually still stick with the Alfred's books, but there are combination levels geared toward older learners. VOICE: For voice students, I start with vocal exercises and conversations that help me to get a full picture of a student's abilities and needs. I then start with a comprehensive program of breath support awareness, pitch matching and intervals, vowel shape, vocal placement, and more depending on what kind of singing (musical theatre, rock, pop, etc.) they are interested in developing. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

I always knew I wanted to study music, and chose Illinois State to do so. While there, I participated in musicals, as well as concert choir and the women's elite chorus "Belle Voix." Since college, I have been writing original cabarets and performing live around the city of Chicago. It's my philosophy that one should never stop learning, so I study regularly with my voice teacher of eight years, Sandra DeAthos, take class at the Bloom School of Jazz (vocal performance and jazz piano), and with the Second City Music Conservatory. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I typically begin by teaching students how to visiually identify the keys on the piano, as well as notes on sheet music. Then I like to begin to work on finger shape when playing, as well as basic scales. As we continue practicing with the fundamentals, I like to pick simple identifiable songs for students to move into next. Easily recognizable melodies make the learning process easier, more attainable to the student, and fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

Mary began taking music lessons at age 5. She still retains the record at her high school for most awards in music. After high school, she earned a Music/Business Administration degree from Millikin University, a certification in audio engineering from the Conservatory of Recording Arts Sciences, and an MBA in e-Business from the University of Phoenix. Mary is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), as well as the National Academy of Recording Arts Sciences (NARAS). Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I am a Suzuki teacher. I love this method because it places emphasis on the skills learned, which can transfer over into any piece, rather than just learning the notes of a piece. I do think it is important to learn to recognize what you hear and play by ear, but I will not let my students fall behind with note reading. I typically begin basic note reading in the middle of book 1. Read More