Music Lessons in Western Springs, 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: Viola

Teaching is one of my greatest joys and students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests are welcome to study with me. I have taught private lessons since 2012. My violin and viola pedagogy teachers include Dr. Olga Kaler, Dr. Carla Trynchuk, Dr. Clifford Colnot, Dr. Frank Diaz, and Mimi Zweig, director of the internationally renowned Indiana University String Academy. I am interested in focusing my teaching on viola lessons only. I had the privilege of studying with Edward Gazouleas, Rami Solomonow, Dr. 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

Instruments: Voice

I love teaching because singing became such an important part of my life after I started taking lessons. I think students should want to practice for the joy of it, and so try to keep lessons fun and informative. I do believe in the importance of technique, however, and so try to encourage students to do short vocal exercises daily. What is most important to me is that my students are singing pieces that they enjoy and connect with. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

Fun, energetic and productive! My students always say that they leave their lessons with a burst of inspiration. I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I like to adapt all of my lessons to fit the unique the goals of each student. For younger students, I prioritize building a firm foundation of music fundamentals before diving too far into instrumental study. I am a fan of the Suzuki school of thought that music is a language. For older students and adults, I work towards more specific goals that the student has. In the event that students or parents want classical instruction that emphasizes musical literacy, I start with the Hal Leonard guitar method and progress to the William Leavitt books once the student is capable. Read More