Music Lessons in Glenwood, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I don't believe there is one absolute method and encourage my students to find whatever sparks musical joy in them, so I can help them pursue that. I can learn so much as a teacher by being shown what makes other people creatively stimulated. This is one my favorite parts about teaching! I can provide the knowledge and exercises to build a strong musical foundation, but it is up to the student to use these skills to express their own musicality and to access all the of the music they love on a deeper level. Read More

Instruments: Violin Viola Music

I am a certified Suzuki teacher (and a Suzuki kid myself!). I have taken Suzuki training through Book 3, though do teach books beyond that level. I have been teaching for over 10 years in all different settings-- private lessons, group classes, elementary school side-by-side programs, and love it all. I believe people of all backgrounds, whether children or adults, have the capability of learning an instrument because we all have an innate musical side to us. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Notebooks! I'm a big believer in writing things down so before your lesson, don't only bring your guitar but also a notebook to write down what we learned, and what you should practice before our next lesson. It is vital that students have a physical reminder of our lessons and the techniques we covered, because in my experience, I've found this really helps with not only learning but retaining the information we go over. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

For the child and adult alike I begin with different types of instuctional material. Since instuctional materials use similar but somewhat different ways of presenting concepts, I use the the series that will allow the student to grasp and master the fundamentals. The older student, along with learning the fundmentals, will also explore their interests. I'll begin tailoring their lessons to include their interests as well as other genres. Read More

Instruments: Flute

I will begin by asking a student what their goals are when it comes to playing the flute. I will base my teaching material and instructions methods off of this consultation and tune specifically to each student. If a student comes in knowing nothing, I will start with the very basics of the instrument (instrument set up and care, sound production, fingerings etc.). once they have the building blocks, I can them begin teaching them the specifics of whatever genre they want to focus on, be it classical, jazz, soul, hip hop etc. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary according to the student.  If the student is less than 12 years old, I like to use the Hal Leonard Method 1 book.  If the student is 12 or older, I may still use the Hal Leonard book, but I assess the students goals, and find out what they would like to learn.  Whatever style of music the student is interested in learning, I believe in teaching proper posture and sound technique.  For anyone interested in learning classical guitar, I recommend a book titled Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Drums Bass Guitar Keyboard

Basically I start with questions on why the individual wants to learn how to play that particular instrument. Then I follow with how much do they know about the instrument of their choice. So following a brief historical lesson we get into how to start playing that instrument. Also why I love to play that instrument and why I'm playing it with passion. I start teaching with basic scales or vocal warm-ups. Read More