Piano Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice

My teaching style is fun, focused, and efficient. I like to keep the environment positive and encouraging, as that is what helps a student progress the most! When a student first starts lessons, we establish a few goals to accomplish over the semester, such as "become more confident" or, "learn a foreign language piece". With these in mind, I will teach the lessons, pick warm ups, and select repertoire (with the student) accordingly! Read More

Instruments: Piano

I do apply different techniques depending on my students age and level. I use John Thompson. Its a nice and interesting book with pictures and short stories.It's fun to teach that way and I usually get my students attention specially for those very young age. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

My main goal is to give each student the tools to be successful on their own. This is important because most progress is made outside of the lesson. This includes music reading and general knowledge of the music. I feel that success comes from the student feeling that THEY have accomplished something. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Clarinet

I enjoyed being part of many musical ensembles (including the Supertonic Orchestra in Dublin and Anashim in Poland) and went on to found the klezmer music ensemble ‘Klezmerado’. I performed playing the clarinet with this group at over 100 concerts all throughout Poland. Additionally, I have taken part in several musical projects across Europe aimed at bringing professional music to children. Not only do I have extensive experience playing as part of orchestras and ensembles, but I also pursued music pedagogy, and during my many years of teaching instrumental music, I was able to further develop my own skill as a performance musician. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

I am an experienced and versatile trombonist and educator living in Chicago. I hold a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Denver.. I have been teaching and playing professionally for over 7 years. My professional experiences include playing in big bands, small jazz ensembles, musical theater productions, salsa bands, wedding bands, funk groups, and traveling the world performing aboard cruise ships. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Alfred Publishing piano courses (both older and newer), Faber and Faber, Bastien, Edna Mae Burnam, and the Hal Leonard course have all been among my pre-published methods that I have used over the years. I have also adopted some technic content from elsewhere. For example, the Zion Conservatory of Music, where I taught from 2004 to 2018, uses a couple of different customized scale patterns for first- and second-year students. A book I have used with intermediate students is a Conus Russian piano method edited by James and Susan McKeever, who taught the Parkside piano pedagogy courses. Read More