Music Lessons in Naperville, IL

Instruments: Drums

I firmly believe that nurturing passion for music and the drums is the ultimate goal of any private instructor. As such, I prioritize student agency to make their own musical journey. My role is to make this journey as smooth and efficient as possible by providing the appropriate materials and guidance. Though I always provide plenty of materials to enrich a student in between lessons, I don't enforce a particular practice schedule, nor do I ever scold students for meeting any "standard". Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

Inspiration. Without inspiration there is no possibility for excitement. A balance between a push towards goals and a freedom to try new things keeps students engaged. I also like to expose my students to all possibilities for music. Recordings, live performances, or even sharing my own repertoire with students opens their eyes to new possibilities. 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

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

As a professional musician myself, I am constantly working with new people and within new musical territories. Because of this openess to collaboration, I have garnered extensive performance experience, sharing the stage with acts ranging from Califone to Grizzly Bear, as well as with improvising musicians the likes of Anton Hatwich, Eli Namay, John McCowen, and Keefe Jackson. I possess a large rhythmic vocabulary from a variety of related and disparate traditions. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I'm an English Teacher with a passion for music and education. I've been playing the piano for 17 years and I know the joy that comes from the ability to play beautiful music. I want to share that joy with others! I taught piano in High School and after college for a while and I absolutely enjoyed the experience of teaching a skill that is being taught less and less often. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

My teaching style varies from student to student. Everyone learns differently and I tailor each lesson based on that particular student's learning style. Each student will start off with warmups, even if they have warmed up themselves, so I can gauge how their voice is working on that particular day. After warmups, which encompass specific exercises based on the needs of the student, we move into working technique into repertoire. 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