Music Lessons in Cottage Hills, IL

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students, in their early twenties, I typically start by making a proper tone and learn how natural it can be. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of certain fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their performance career. As they progress, I try to find out, mutually, find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Banjo Ukulele Double Bass Mallet Percussion Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I use both classics and popular songs to teach reading, theory, ear-training, and improvisation. I teach all of my lessons differently- custom tailoring each one to the students (and parent's) wants, needs, and personal learning style. My success in teaching has come from helping the student to see the joy and pride that comes from attaining goals they might not have believed possible. Playing music should also be fun- the more a student enjoys what they are doing the more they will play- resulting in a higher level of achievement. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I consider a number of variables when determining what and how to teach guitar to a student. First, I have to know what kind of music the student enjoys. Next, I need to know what level guitar player they are. If Im teaching a beginning guitarist, I will typically spend a majority of the lesson utilizing fun methods to build basic technique. If a student doesnt have a technical foundation, it may not benefit them to present them with music theory in the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I started performing in my high school orchestra as the pianist, and had friends that wanted to learn to play. That was my first experience at teaching. I taught for the next eight years part time in Texas while I was majoring in Piano Performance and Theory. For the next 25 years, while I was working at my professional job, I kept teaching piano part time just because I loved the joy it brought to me and my students. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

  Typically, students have music they are working on for their band class. I help students overcome any difficulties they have with this music and move on to more challenging material. If the student has no material, I typically use the Essential Elements book for beginning and intermediate students, and Rochut, Arbans, and other method books and solos for advanced students. The goal of lessons is to challenge the student with appropriate material, diagnose problems, provide solutions, and improve musical understanding and knowledge. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develops passion for music! Therefore, it’s important that each student progresses at his or her own pace.I encourage this by settling realistic goals for my students at each class. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress , and makes students eager to learn more.By trying to find out what inspires the students,,l can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs . Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Flute Bass Guitar

My teaching style may vary depending upon the student. I have several books and other teaching material available for my students. These include: Berkley Music Theory I and II, several Hal Leonard, and Fischer books and more! Lesson material will mostly depend upon the student's goals and current skill-set. EVERY lesson will consist of: assessing and tracking the student's skill-set, solidifying the student's goals along with my goals for the student, and creating a plan of action to follow in order to reach these goals. Read More