Guitar Lessons in Thornton, IL

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

My methods differ depending on a students age and experience level. For the younger students who are just beginning their journey we will learn out of Hal Leonard's books for guitar or Piano Adventures for piano students. As a student progresses we will begin to take the learning outside of these books and more to music theory, technique, and to the application of these practices onto the instrument. For younger students I will make the lesson more fun and interactive, keeping the lesson positive and not viewing it as a chore. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am goofy kind of gal who is a kid at heart so, while I do not allow the students to goof-off during practice, I definitely encourage the children to have fun and take breaks. Learning a new skill is taxing on the brain so I do enjoy inserting some brain-breaks here and there, when necessary. I'm also a very big sticker advocate! Most children enjoy them, and I love rewarding them after completing a song we've been working on. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I don't really use method books; instead, I prefer to teach students using material that they like. There's nothing more tedious than studying music that you can't stand - it's enough to turn students off to music altogether. I want to stoke the flames of a lifelong passion, and I believe that all music has something to teach us, so I'm happy to couch the fundamentals into terms that students can understand. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I believe in providing a well rounded education for you or your child. My approach entails a 50/50 split between doing the hard work necessary to excel and learning to enjoy music. Therefore, their will be and allotment of standard scales, chords, sight-reading and music theory education. However, one must also learn how to use these elements to find there own stylized expression, creative abilities and improvisational voice, which I believe to be necessary if one is to really enjoy music. Read More

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

While in college, I began tutoring fellow music students in the areas of guitar, songwriting, music production, and music theory. It was during this time that I realized how fun and rewarding it is to have something I say "click" for the student that encourages their love for music! After college, I started teaching younger, beginning students, and am now looking to expand my teaching to all levels and ages. Read More