Music Lessons in Round Lake Beach, IL

Instruments: Saxophone

I can remember the first time I heard the music of John Coltrane. I was thirteen and had just begun learning saxophone. His music was deeply moving and inspired me to pursue a life of music - specifically jazz saxophone. Best decision I've ever made! I graduated from Western Michigan University with a BM in Jazz Saxophone Performance. While in school I had the privilege of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Bobby McFerrin, Randy Brecker, Stefon Harris, Fred Hersch, and many more. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet

I start each student with a diagnostic lesson where I assess the strong points of their playing, and I also identify the areas that could use work. After that initial lesson I formulate a customized curriculum that is aimed at improving the technical, musical, and theoretical aspects of the student to create a well-rounded musician. I believe that incorporating solo repertoire into lessons is important as well. Exercises are important, but I believe that the implementation of new skills with repertoire is key to solidifying the skills that the student is working on. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have been teaching studnets of all ages and experience levels for 4 years. I previously taught at the School of Rock, before starting my own private studio. I encourage all of my students to get as much performance experience as possible. My students can be seen performing all over Chicago. I have helped several of my students prepare for a role, work on their original music, and record CDs. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

Ben maintains a small but thriving private studio of guitar, bass, clarinet, and theory students in Milwaukee and via Skype. Since 2005, Ben has developed a reputation as a first-call jazz, blues, fusion, and rock bassist. He has shared the stage with the late great tenor saxophonist James Moody, Grammy Award-Winning alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal, John DeSalme (tenor sax, US Army Blues), and Duffy Jackson (drums). He has also opened for Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Edwin McCain Band, and Chase Rice. Read More

Instruments: Saxophone Flute Clarinet Recorder Music

I typically answer questions with a question of my own. My goal is to always make the student THINK about what they're doing when making music - at all levels. There are few things as rewarding than seeing my students learn. I've learned that everyone enjoys learning new things and especially if it's a difficult idea to grasp. I strive to instill a thirst for knowledge in all of my students because this thirst drives musical growth! Read More

Instruments: Voice

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with The Full Voice Books. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. With students of all ages I try to find balance in repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching methods involve a mix of real music, etudes, dexterity exercises, and rudimentary technical drilling. In each of these lessons I choose in one of the aforementioned areas the one I feel is the most pressing and in need of improvement. I am very strict about students using their metronomes to practice what I teach them. My view is that playing a song or drill slowly and in time with a metronome is better than playing it at the proper tempo incorrectly. Read More