Music Lessons in La Grange Park, IL

Instruments: Violin

For my beginner students who are children, I usually start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and sometimes Lee W. Kikuchi's Musicianship for Strings. Scales and arpeggios follow shortly after. As the student progresses, I follow up with Harvey S. Whistler's Introducing the Positions (this book can also work with adults). Etude books such as Wohlfahrt and Kreutzer come into play when the student is ready. As far as repertiore, I use the first few Suzuki books and Barber's "Soloists for Young Violinists" for my younger students (the latter can also work with adults). Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My passion for music teaching goes back to my own experiences of starting piano lessons as a 10 year old. I was always interested in music as a child and was given the opportunity to take piano lessons from an extraordinary piano teacher. My method of piano instruction is modeled after what I was taught and also what I learned through my higher education experiences. I majored in music education at Bethel College, with piano as my principal instrument. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to adapt all of my lessons to fit the unique the goals of each student. For younger students, I prioritize building a firm foundation of music fundamentals before diving too far into instrumental study. I am a fan of the Suzuki school of thought that music is a language. For older students and adults, I work towards more specific goals that the student has. In the event that students or parents want classical instruction that emphasizes musical literacy, I start with the Hal Leonard guitar method and progress to the William Leavitt books once the student is capable. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated guitarist, going on just over forty years of experience playing for fun and as a career. Having been raised among musicians in the family, my start in music was ultimately a destiny of many different and exciting opportunities as a performer as well as teacher and instructor. I began to study classical guitar as a young boy and since then, I have given my life to the guitar! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone

The most important part of my job as an instructor is listening - to how the student plays, why they play, and what they hope to accomplish. Each student is different - do you want to play just for fun? Advance in your school band? Audition for college entrance? Prepare for a solo recital? Whatever your goals are, I will provide you with the guidance to fulfill them - the practicing is up to you! Read More

Instruments: Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I began teaching in my first year of college when I started working for a company that organized after school programs for hundreds of schools across the Chicagoland area. With this company, I taught many group guitar classes for almost 4 years. In this time, I taught hundreds of students and I learned that each individual student is different and must be treated as such. After leaving this company in 2017, I began teaching full time at a private school for grades JK-4th. Read More