Music Lessons in Crestwood, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Flute Piccolo

I always figure out where a student is at, and prefer to grow off the student's strengths as opposed to harping on their weaknesses. I have been in lessons before where teachers couldn't get past the smallest details, and these ruined the experience for me, as well as greatly affected what I was able to accomplish in my lessons. The opposite is also true, in that I have had teachers that haven't even informed me of a weakness that I had, and I wasn't able to improve because of it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have loved singing since I could first talk! I grew up singing in choirs, shows, and church. When I attended the Governor's School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA for high school, I realized that music and singing would be my career path for life. There, I was classically trained and learned to sing opera. I went on to complete my Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in voice. I am excited to have moved to Chicago with my husband, Sean. Read More

Instruments: Piano

For my beginner students who are children I typically start out with either Hal Leonard or Fabre lesson books to learn all the very important foundational keys in music. As I notice they are grasping the concepts and able to apply them I then like to find outside resources such as sheet music, classical, pop to allow them to enjoy and discover what they love most. When it comes to my beginner adult students I usually start them off in the Fabre adult beginner book. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

My beginning students often learn their first scale within the first 5 lessons! Once a student completes the Elementary Method, I will have them work on the Rubank Intermediate Method, which covers dynamic expression as well as major and minor scales. I will also assign solo repertoire at all levels, so students are always excited to play and motivated to practice. Furthermore, I often play duets with my students to teach them ensemble skills, rhythm, and how to have fun! 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: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

For beggining students in guitar or piano, I would have them start with a basic beggining book such as something by hal leonard. With guitar I will teach basic chords and go from there to working on songs. Scales and chords will be a big part of beggining work in these instruments. As for Saxophone, I will usually begin with scales and long tone work- the later being something extremely important. Read More