Guitar Lessons in Highwood, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I began teaching while I was in High School and I would teach the younger students who were freshman and sophomores the tenor saxophone. Once I went to Eastman, I taught several people throughout the course of the four years there. I beleive that, particulalry when teaching the saxophone and flute, a mix of classical fundamental technique is very important as well as incorporating the jazz or rock repertoire. I feel that my skills as a music therapist can be very unique particularly because I can really attend to the needs of the student and adapt the music and lesson accordingly. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a student of acoustic guitar, I was never more excited to learn a new piece of music the day of my lesson. I was very eager to learn. So as a teacher, learning from your students is also very important because their approach has to be handled appropriately. There are many ways to encourage a student. But understanding how to tailor a lesson is crucial to the growth of the student and development of their sound. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am an instructor and performer who specializes in teaching drum set methods, rudiment training and independent mobility exercises based off of Hal Leonard's "Drum Set Methods" book. Not only do I teach the fundamentals but I cater to what each particular student wants out of a lesson. If a student wants to learn how to play a rock beat or a particular song, we will learn the necessary skills to get to the point to where they leave their lesson confident and capable of their abilities! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a result, I highly encourage my students to spend time listening to traditional rhythms so that they may understand the feel and the cultural significance of each rhythm. Rhythms in West Africa are played for every single significant event, including baptisms and weddings. Therefore, a large part of my teaching will entail understanding the cultural significance of the rhythms we are learning. Of course, none of this matters if you aren’t having fun. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

I will continually focus on vowel-forming exercises and funneling the singing air through the nasal cavity and middle of the face. This way, the student will understand how to produce a big sound without straining. Breathing exercises such as 'underwater noises' and 'tornado siren' are fun and keep the mood open and lively. I want to create an atmosphere that lets the student feel strong enough to test their limits. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. 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