Cello Lessons in Northtown, IL

Instruments: Cello

Individuality, personality and enjoyment are three things that I value highly. Each student has their own motivations for learning the instrument, their own personal goals with the instrument and their own personalities. Music is such a personal, emotional and intimate form of expression, and while there are technical aspects of playing the cello that require a more analytical approach, I believe that students must remain true to themselves, to their respective motivations and to their individuality to discover their own sense of fulfillment and the joy of playing music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

Piano students: For younger beginners, I like to use the Alfred series. These are the books that I grew up on and I have used them in my own teaching. I like their use of multiple companion books throughout each and every level. For adult beginners, I like to use Alfred's All-In-One adult books, as they feature all of the key elements of the series for younger beginners, simply geared to a more mature learner. Read More

Instruments: Cello

For beginner students, I use the Suzuki method. This is what I learned on and I find it is an incredibly effective method. With the later suzuki books, I begin to incorporate the staples of the cello repertoir. I focus very heavily on scales and excercise. I believe very strongly in forming a strong basis of technique and form before conquering the greats of the repertoir. Once a student has advanced to intermediate and advanced level playing, I focus very highly on musical experession and understanding, as well as teaching the importance of stage presence and performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

Suzuki instructional books and supplemented by traditional methodology for reading the various clefs: treble, alto, tenor, and bass. In addition, historical and theoretical subjects are introduced appropriately to keep the student engaged no matter their current abilities. We also have at least two public performances a year at a venue which has a high quality grand piano so the students can get used to the notion that every piano will be different and performing scales before playing their chosen repertoire will help them immensely. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The most important philosophical concept about private lessons is this: proceed in a way that will maximize your potential to achieve an excellent goal that you can call your own. Although I am not limited to one method book or another, I typically use Arban's for trumpet lessons - with other books and repertoire along with it. My background is Suzuki violin, followed by music literacy and transposition. So, whatever method book we select, we must consider basic furthering of direct musical perceptions, in addition to achievement of stated goals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I adjust my teaching based on the particular student. For adults I take the lessons in whatever direction they like. Subjects covered are more often than not dictated by the student's interest. For children I do take their interests into account but also guide them towards getting better at their instrument. Reading music is an important thing for all my students. Read More