Piano Lessons in Elmhurst, IL

Instruments: Piano

I believe students must first acquire competence in theory and proper technique, followed by artistic expression. My teaching style is encouraging, patient, thorough, nurturing, engaging, challenging and fun. To progress, students must practice daily. I let my students know that quality and focus of practice is far more important than duration. They learn to isolate 2 or 3 measures, and repeat them slowly until accuaracy is achieved consistently. I convey my love of teaching by: complimenting students on achieving goals, smiling, being energetic, making sure the student lets me know when he/she does not understand a concept and re-explaing it until it is understood with gentleness and patience, bringing in adjunct music from which the student, after hearing me play several excerpts, can select several pieces, playing duets with the student, and encouraging students to compose their own songs by ear, which I later notate. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

For beggining students in guitar or piano, I would have them start with a basic beggining book such as something by hal leonard. With guitar I will teach basic chords and go from there to working on songs. Scales and chords will be a big part of beggining work in these instruments. As for Saxophone, I will usually begin with scales and long tone work- the later being something extremely important. Read More

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

Helping a student become passionate about music is the most rewarding thing I can get from teaching. I set realistic goals that help the student progress at a rate geared towards the student's own pace. Positive feedback helps instill a desire to continue working and practicing regularly. This also pushes the student to wish to learn and work on more challenging materials. By learning where each student draws his/her own inspiration, I tailor our lessons to their goals while opening up their possibilities to go even further than what the student thought possible. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

Instruments: Piano Music Keyboard

My music curriculum Ages 3-4 1) sing along alphabet and music alphabet 2) learning notes with flash cards where is thump kin song 3) 15-20 min of piano lessons 4) music together 5) piano on the piano mat Ages5-7 1) fundamental of sight read such as learning how to read music through staff lines starting with middle C to middle G 2) Go over notes and time signatures through flash cards 3) piano lesson 4) Playing on the piano mat Ages 8+ 1) learning how to sign read. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I am highly motivated to determine the unique musical talent of each individual student, and their learning style and developing their potential. I have a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Music in Piano Pedagogy, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Special Education. This degree is the same as an ED D, but many electives. Mine was in brain sciences, neurology, autism, developmental disorders, and music. This degree enables me to use music for cognitive improvement in autism. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Cultivating a love of learning, and a love of music, is the most important part of any lesson. One can be the most masterful and technically skilled musician, but if he/she hates to play, we will never hear the beautiful music. I believe that above all else, students really need to develop a love for learning, and the teacher has a unique qualification and responsibility of developing that love. Read More