Music Lessons in Edgebrook, IL

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass

I am a passionate and dedicated instructor who loves working with students of any age and interest. In 2013, I graduated from Lawrence University with a Bachleor of Music in Double Bass Performance (with a Jazz Emphasis). While at Lawrence I studied bass with Mark Urness, jazz improvisation with Bill Carrothers and Jose Encarnacion, and compostition with Fred Sturm. In 2011, I spent a semester at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I studied with Dutch bassist Frans van der Hoeven and bass guitar with Lene Te Voortwis. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

As a teacher, I am most interested in helping students develop solid fundamental technique while discovering the joy of playing and mastering an instrument. I am very flexible in the use of method books, prefering to discover the individual needs of my students and tailoring instruction and materials to each individual. My teaching stresses the fundamental operation of the instrument (use of air, embouchure, posture, and hand placement) in order to unlock the student's full potential. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

I believe every student pursues music for a different reason, so I approach every student with a custom curriculum. For all students I stress the importance of scales, arpeggios, ear training and scale patterns (3rds, 4ths, etc) to improve technical facility from the beginning. For beginners I typically use the Rubank Edute book to begin reading music. All students are introduced to 'Top Tones for the Saxophone' by Rascher early on to improve range, intonation, breath support and tone quality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

In my last semester at Butler, I student taught at Avon High School for band and Franklin Township Middle School East for choir. Responsibilities at the former included sole direction of Concert Percussion, intermediate Symphonic Band, and AP Music Theory, and at the latter 7th Grade General Music and 8th Grade Mixed Choir. While at Butler, I was also principal clarinetist of both the Butler Symphony and the Butler Ballet Orchestras, and at one point principal of the Wind Ensemble as well. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I adjust my teaching based on the particular student. For adults I take the lessons in whatever direction they like. Subjects covered are more often than not dictated by the student's interest. For children I do take their interests into account but also guide them towards getting better at their instrument. Reading music is an important thing for all my students. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I start each student with a diagnostic lesson where I assess the strong points of their playing, and I also identify the areas that could use work. After that initial lesson I formulate a customized curriculum that is aimed at improving the technical, musical, and theoretical aspects of the student to create a well-rounded musician. I believe that incorporating solo repertoire into lessons is important as well. Exercises are important, but I believe that the implementation of new skills with repertoire is key to solidifying the skills that the student is working on. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Synthesizer Music

Tommy has been teaching since 2017. He has taught in both one-on-one and group lessons for students of all ages. Tommy has taught flute, clarinet, saxophone, and theory lessons to both beginning students and at the collegiate level. Tommy also performs with many different ensembles across a wide variety of genres. Tommy is 3rd/Bass Clarinetist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, runs the Delicious Bass Bass Clarinet Choir, runs the Elite Four Jazz Band, and is a reoccurring performer with the Oswego Chamber Musicians. Read More