Music Lessons in Arlington Heights, IL

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet

I typically divide my lessons into quarters so that the first part is just scale work. The second part is scale patterns and technique. The third portion is prepared materials, and the final portion is listening. I bring an Ipod with close to 750,000 songs on it for kids to choose pieces featuring their own instruments for inspirational purposes. I find that listening can be just as informative as pressing down keys:) Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners at the start of the lessons, I usually get the know each student. Why would they like to learn? and What would they like to learn on guitar?; in order to make some reachable goals! Some will prefer to learn how to just physically play the guitar, and others may want a little more in depth understanding about the theory behind it and how to read music. When it comes to children, I believe the best way to keep them engaged and wanting to learn more is by making these lessons as fun as possible, while keeping nice and easy. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Cello Viola Electric Violin Fiddle

I first began teaching as an undergraduate college student in 2002. One of my childhood piano teachers invited me to teach violin, viola, and cello in her studio of primarily piano students. A short time later, after being hired as an accompanist at a local string studio, I was hired as a string teacher within the studio, where I taught for several years. Over the next fifteen years, my teaching continued in these two settings: studio teaching, as well as private lessons given in my home or the home of my students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Acoustic Guitar

All people progress at different paces but if the subject is interesting and there is no pressure or judgement and pleanty of encouragement, then there will be progress and that is our objective. Music is all around us. Movies, elevators, stores. You can hear music in the waves in the ocean and the breeze in the trees. There are many studies that relay various benefits of learning an instrument. I have met many good people that I am still friends with through playing that I would not have if it were not for playing music. Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching in my first year of college when I started working for a company that organized after school programs for hundreds of schools across the Chicagoland area. With this company, I taught many group guitar classes for almost 4 years. In this time, I taught hundreds of students and I learned that each individual student is different and must be treated as such. After leaving this company in 2017, I began teaching full time at a private school for grades JK-4th. 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: Saxophone

When I am introduced to a new potential student I try to assess the level of interest, and the reason behind the desire to take up an instrument. I also like to understand what the extracurricular activities are that may create a roadblock when it comes to practicing. As a father of 2 boys 8 and 11, I know the number of distractions, homework, and how life can get in the way. I enjoy working with everyone from the casual enthusiast, to the dedicated pupil. Read More