Music Lessons in Ontarioville, IL

Instruments: Voice

For my first class with my students, I typically would get to know them in terms of their goals, experience as a singer, and get to know where they are in their pursuit of those goals they set for themselves. After which, I would do warm-up exercises, vowel, and consonant work, and establish fundamentals of vocal techniques for the desired genre. Once the student feels more comfortable with their voice, I would suggest an introductory repertoire (usually an Art Song) according to their age, level, voice type, and their personality. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Helping a student become passionate about music is the most rewarding thing I can get from teaching. I set realistic goals that help the student progress at a rate geared towards the student's own pace. Positive feedback helps instill a desire to continue working and practicing regularly. This also pushes the student to wish to learn and work on more challenging materials. By learning where each student draws his/her own inspiration, I tailor our lessons to their goals while opening up their possibilities to go even further than what the student thought possible. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

I am a professional musician and violin, cello, and viola teacher with over 25 years of experience in Europe and the United States. I am including some background information about my training and professional experiences: I graduated from the University of Tirana in 1992 with a Bachelor Degree in Music, where I majored in Violin, Viola Performance and Music Education. Shortly after completing my studies, I performed as a principal second and first violin section player in the University of Tirana Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners and intermediate drummers, I teach Hal Leonard's Drum Set Methods as well as rudiment drum pad training exercises designed to build control and confidence when stroking. Once students have learned the fundamentals and are using all four limbs to create drum patterns, I individualize my lessons for the drummer, making sure they are getting what they want out of the lessons while still staying sharp on notation, pad practice, drumming diction, etc. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am a clarinetist and pedagogue based in Chicago. As a freelance performer, I have presented solo recitals throughout Illinois and can frequently be found woodwind doubling in musical theater pits around Chicago. As a teacher, I have experience with students of all ages and abilities both in my own studio and as a faculty member of The People’s Music School. I received a Master of Music from DePaul University (2017), where I studied with Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal clarinetist Stephen Williamson and renowned pedagogue Julie DeRoche. Read More

Instruments: Violin Music

I like to provide a variety of methods for instruction. This includes three different forms of learning, Visual, Aural, and Kinesthetic. This is especially true for younger ages. Its important for me to engage all of the students senses while teaching since it is essential to play. Use technique and repertoire as a source of learning. I like to start students out with Essential Elements 2000 Vol. 1. This method book is a means of learning technique and introduces smaller glimpses of repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion Conga

Seeing a student progress week-by-week is an exubertant experience. I encourage all of my students to be honest about what makes them inspired to play music and from there we work on capturing all of the components of that source of inspiration. What is so effective about this approach is that it blends both discipline and humanism. By critically examining our strengths and weaknesses in a musical context, we become better able to do the same in other areas of life. Read More