Music Lessons in Custer Park, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola

I have 17 years of teaching experience starting while I was still in graduate school. My main focus is having students practice regularly, like the piece they are playing, and gain a passion for their instrument. I always play with my students in order for them to gain experience in chamber music as well as to make sure they know their parts well. My students are always encouraged to audition for local youth orchestras, join chamber music groups, and are given opportunities to give recitals. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

To me, the key element for a successful learning experience is to engage the student in the lesson and during their individual practice. I have battled with ADHD my whole life and I distinctly remember daydreaming during many of my classes in college, retaining little-to-no information. It is very difficult to engage with a topic as complex as music, but it is crucial to absorb every second. My main priority during a lesson is engaging to student in the session material, typically fun and exciting ways. Read More

Instruments: Drums

My main goal as an educator is to first and foremost teach to the personal goals of the student. Lessons are planned and taught around both fundamentals and technique, as well as material surrounding the students preferred musical styles, goals they want to reach, and music they are working on in groups outside of our private lessons. Music is such a personal and influential aspect of many peoples' lives. There is no one genre or song that will necessarily speak to everyone, and I believe that this should also translate to private lessons. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I have extensive teaching experience in both public and private institutions as well as private studios. In my years of teaching, I have had the privilege of working with students of all ages - preschool through adult - and I enjoy the challenge of tailoring lessons to meet students where they are. I find that consistency, high expectations, and respect are the key to helping my students succeed. But most importantly, I want my students to know that I care about them! Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard

For drumset students, I usually start out with basic patterns and grooves that they can play to their favorite music. That way they really start to get into it. After we have established a bit of rapport, I will go into technique and see what their tolerance is for more intensive practice and more in depth techniques, all the while trying to keep things light and fun. While technique is important, we would like to make sure the student stays interested in the material and keep their attention with engaging material. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet

I have a bachelor's degree in saxophone performance from Nazareth College and a master's degree in jazz performance from DePaul University. In pursuit of my degrees, I performed classical repertoire in solo recitals while also performing with jazz ensembles, wind ensembles, and saxophone ensembles. Additionally, I worked with various jazz and rock groups outside of school. I perform frequently throughout Chicagoland with various ensembles and have appeared at several of Chicago's top venues for jazz and improvised music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I encourage students to develop their ears, by giving them ample of exercises and homework that will eventually help in ear training. I help them to setup a realistic goals for each week so that students can see their accomplishment by themselves. Music is not only about playing alone, its get more interesting and creative when played in duet or trio or even in a band. Since, I always learned playing by looking at other people live in front of me and jamming with them, I encourage them to learn from the person in front of them rather than just play at home in front of their computers. Read More