Piano Lessons in Elmhurst, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

While instructing private voice students, I teach the functional approach to singing. This mindset allows the vocalist to focus on singing freely in all genres. I believe it is important to not only teach a wide variety of repertoire, but to also inform my students on vocal health. Along with a functional approach to the voice, I promote a safe and welcoming environment to make music in. If a student does not feel comfortable in the space they are in, then they will not perform to their fullest potential and I would not have completed my job. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Viola Music Keyboard

Every student progresses at their own pace. So many factors will determine progress such as age, experience, instrument, and learning style. I do what is necessary to adapt to these different things to ensure my students are learning what is necessary, progressing, and still having fun all at the same time! I also ensure to incorporate music theory as part of my course as well so students are as well-rounded as possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

As I mentioned previously, I find it very important that every student be approached from an individual, customized standpoint. However, I do find it important that every student has a strong basis in fundamentals and sound quality so that they have a strong foundation which they can then build upon. For beginning students, I will typically start them with rudiments and eventually work them into a mix of published and improvised solos to foster both technical progress and artistic creativity. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons part time , and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio . Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Young students love playing the pop tunes, so I whole-heartedly accept them finding a book of broadway or pop tunes and brining it to lessons. For the older students, I always go to the Rose 32 Etudes for Clarinet, focusing primarily on the slower etudes to continue developing tone. Scales are also a must for all ages - I stress the importance of tone with these exercises because it's not just about the fingers. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

écoutez et répétez. Translation: hear and repeat. There is simply no better methodology in grasping and understanding an instructor’s directions so that a student, no matter what the age, can progress confidently and successfully. In addition, theoretical and historical subject matter is also introduced appropriately to keep him or her engaged continuously. Performances throughout the year, which include solos, duos, trios, and quartets will further inspire the student to progress even further. Read More

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

Dan M is a freelance musician and private lesson instructor in the Chicago area. Born in the Chicago suburbs, Dan graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance, and traveled to Colorado where he earned a Master of Music in trombone performance at the University of Colorado at Boulder. As an active musician, he has performed on trombone, and euphonium in many musical groups ranging form wind ensembles and orchestras to brass quintets and other chamber groups. Read More