Music Lessons in Hodgkins, IL

Instruments: Trombone

Hi! My name is Matthew, and I have been playing trombone for 15 years and teaching for 3 years. I graduated from the Eastman School of Music with my Bachelors degree in trombone performance in 2017 under the tutelage of Mark Kellogg of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and I am currently pursuing my Masters degree at Northwestern University under the tutelage of Michael Mulcahy of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. I began my college career with a seat in an orchestra being my end game, now that I have had the privilege to teach a full studio of students, I want to pursue any opportunities in music education that I can. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is designed to give each student a feeling of progress and real growth each lesson. It's essential that every student practice every day for at least 30min in order for my method to really work. In short, I like to be a resource for my students. A person who can present the information as clear and concise as possible. If the student wants to learn just rock or blues, I would show them licks and scales that are primarily used in those styles as well as learn any song they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

As a teacher, I believe one of my greatest responsibilites is to foster a love and care for music. If the student is not caring about music,then why are they studying? How will they progress? The best students are the ones who teach themselves. I can show the student the door, but he or she must walk through it. My second greatest responsibility is to teach the craft of music - including all the disciplines it needs. 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: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Latin Percussion Music

Every student comes at a different level, no matter what age they are. For younger students who are just beginning, I feel like it is my job to first and foremost get them excited about playing the drums. I find it to be difficult to teach anything if the student dimply does not want to be there because they do not have a good relationship with the instrument. Once I feel the student is excited and ready, I usually introduce the "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer." This book is important for building skills in reading music, ear training, and general funky rhythms! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

Lessons with me will be laid-back but focused. Each student will receive an individualized curriculum based upon their needs/wants from their lessons. Believe me, I've had some bone-dry teachers in the past, and if you're not having fun and liking what you're doing, you're most likely going to forget the lesson you just had. We're going to learn by having fun and doing what I love most! Read More