Music Lessons in Downers Grove, IL

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching because singing became such an important part of my life after I started taking lessons. I think students should want to practice for the joy of it, and so try to keep lessons fun and informative. I do believe in the importance of technique, however, and so try to encourage students to do short vocal exercises daily. What is most important to me is that my students are singing pieces that they enjoy and connect with. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have in my repertoire numerous lessons that I provide for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students alike. For young children, I start with the fundamentals, ensuring that the child has grasped the concepts before moving on. For older children or adults, I first assess the student's musical interests (e.g., genres/styles, acoustic/electric guitar, style(s) of playing, etc..) and teach to their interest, beginning with the fundamentals, the foundation, and subsequently moving on to more complex concepts, all the while ensuring that the lessons are fun and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Trombone

Hello and Welcome, My name is Michael. I am a performer and teacher who specializes in the tenor trombone and jazz music. I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's in Mechanical Engineering and have always explored the different connections between music, music education and technology. In addition to traditional learning tools I use current technology to help develop a student's own inner musical voice in a friendly non-judgmental environment. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Inspiration. Without inspiration there is no possibility for excitement. A balance between a push towards goals and a freedom to try new things keeps students engaged. I also like to expose my students to all possibilities for music. Recordings, live performances, or even sharing my own repertoire with students opens their eyes to new possibilities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Acoustic Guitar

My music backround goes back to my pre-teen days with a toy guitar and singing in front of my second grade class. Formal training began in junior high with the saxophone which continued through high school and my college years at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I became interested in the guitar and played with many groups and ensambles. Then became interested in the violin and fell in love with it. I have been playing for the past fifteen years and teaching for five. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

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