Music Lessons in Lake Bluff, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

For beginning students of any age I start out with basic open chords and how to switch between them. We'll eventually try out different picking patterns with these chords and some simple songs that utilize them. For more experienced students I will present some chords and scales and determine what level they are on and take it from there. Once my students have a grasp on some chords and scales I like to have them take turns soloing while the other plays rhythm. 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: 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: Piano Music Keyboard

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I have experience teaching from the beginner to the collegiate level. I teach technique, songwriting, theory lessons, or any style the student prefers. Each lesson is specifically tailored to a student's individual needs and musical desires. I teach an effective practice routine involving a metronome and egg timer to promote good habits. This serves a dual purpose in measuring both time and technical progress. Further, it gives beginner students the ability to develop good habits early. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

For beggining students in guitar or piano, I would have them start with a basic beggining book such as something by hal leonard. With guitar I will teach basic chords and go from there to working on songs. Scales and chords will be a big part of beggining work in these instruments. As for Saxophone, I will usually begin with scales and long tone work- the later being something extremely important. Read More

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