Music Lessons in Wildwood, IL

Instruments: Flute Piccolo

For beginning students, I use standard method books, including Moyse, Taffanel-Gaubert, Rubank, and Suzuki. Once the student has demonstrated a sufficient grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce repertoire, always gauging their level so that I can provide them with a challenging and rewarding experience. For adults and intermediate to advanced flutists, I try to get sense for the student's level and how they are interested in growing, and tailor my methods and repertoire selections to that. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

While at Millikin University, Mary took piano lessons from Aldo Mancinelli (and his wife and former student, Judith Mancinelli), who took lessons from Claudio Arrau, who took lessons from Martin Krause, who took lessons from Franz Liszt, who took lessons from Carl Czerny, who took lessons from Ludwig van Beethoven, who took lessons from Joseph Haydn. Haydn was friends with and had a huge influence on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Ludwig van Beethoven also studied with Christian Neefe, who studied with Johann Hiller, who studied with Gottfried Homilius, who studied with Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the students, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion Djembe

Beginner students with me, no matter what age, start by studying out of the Stick Control book which has many sticking combinations for developing strong hands. It's designed for snare drum but I convert those combinations to the drum set to make unique rhythms that exercise all four limbs. I also stress rudiments for everyone, which I apply to the drum set as well to make it fun. The other aspect of drumming I work on is independence of both hands and both feet. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I highly encourage each student to progress at their own pace, and as weeks pass and they've got a few lessons under their belt, I'd plan to tailor my teaching style (in terms of pacing) to fit where each individual student is at. I'm also a firm believer in positive reinforcement, so I'll make it clear to students when they're doing a good job, because I think that'll only fuel them to keep doing better and better. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Trombone Euphonium Tuba

I have always loved teaching. I taught martial arts for several years, and I have also taught private lessons for most of my college career. I think that there are fundamentals that are necessary to brass playing, and that if you work to build those fundamentals then you can be successful in any playing situation. I am also adament that musicianship has to come first and technique issues have to be subservient to making great music. Read More