Music Lessons in South Holland, IL

Instruments: Piano

I am flexible and I adapt my method to the student. I like to start students out with learning scales right away. If you can learn the scales, it makes learning new songs so much easier. Plus, they are great excercise for building agility. I also like to use a book called "A Dozen a Day" which includes more excercies for building agility and helping students master more difficult levels of music. Read More

Instruments: Clarinet

I am a dedicated and patient instructor with many years teaching experience in many different settings. For the past ten years I was professor of clarinet and music technology at Mansfield University in rural northern Pennsylvania. I have recently returned to my hometown of Chicago for family reasons and I'm looking forward to teaching private students again. I completed my doctorate in clarinet perfomance at the University of Arizona, working with Jerry Kirkbride (Dorian Wind Quintet), in 2004. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Voice

I have studied vocal performance for many years, and continue to add to my own technique. I have been in many productions and love sharing my knowledge with students. I got my Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana Wesleyan University, and am finishing my Masters of Music at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Read More

Instruments: Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba

My methods start with building individual plans for each student. Whether this is from scratch or from a method book I try to see what each student is successful in and struggling with to guide my teaching. While I attempt to be fun, understanding, and motivating this doesn't mean I am lackadaisicalwith my lessons. I expect the best my students can put forth while they should expect the same from me. Read More

Instruments: Cello

I have been playing the Cello for 19 years, and it is my greatest passion in life. I can rarely contain my excitement when it comes to Classical music, and it is my goal as a teacher to encourage this same excitement about music in my students. I have not only studied as a cellist, but as a conductor and musicologist. I have had the opputunity to study with some of the countries greatest pedagogues, including Nancy Hair, Peter Howard, and Raimi Solomonov.I just recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Drake University, and I am currently working on my Masters of Music at the Chicago College of Performing Arts with renowned cellist Richard Hirschl. Read More

Instruments: Voice

For Vocalists, the very foundation of proper singing will be taught: Posture, Breath Management, Muscle/Core Control, and Vowel Placement. These are the basics of good singing, in any genre.  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.  But don't worry! I wont get overtly technical. I manage to teach the basics without you trying to multitask 100 different muscle groups while singing. Read More