Piano Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard

I have been teaching privately for over 15 years now and absolutely adore my students. They teach me just as much as I teach them. One of my true joys in life is giving back the knowledge that was imbued on me from an early age. I like making the music fun, encouraging students to "play" rather than "practice." Integrating music they love into lessons is also a great tool, in my experience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Flute Piccolo

I first started teaching piano and flute/piccolo back when I was in high school. When I started, I mainly focused on helping my fellow students prepare for performances and competitions. When I was in college, I was offered a temporary teaching position to teach piano at Allegro Music Academy (Lemont, IL) and I was able to work with children of all ages and playing levels. I realized that I really enjoyed working with children and from that point on, I sought out to teach mainly children. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Harmonica Recorder Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

my teaching style is fun and fast. as each student progresses at their own pace. it is very important to set realistic goals. i motivate kids by giving them stickers for each exercise they passed. and that allows them to study and practice more. after they finish a method book, they receive a certificate of achievement. i can successfully guide students thru any challenges they go thru in the music learning process. that gives them the motivation to keep going. i teach them discipline and to have a consistent practicing schedule. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

There are so many opportunities to be creative and there are also chances to not only enhance the knowledge of a student, but also to teach them how to appropriately deal with anything that comes their way. I also believe that if you are working in an educational environment whatsoever, you must be a positive role model. Students latch on so easily to adults, especially someone that they admire, so in order to guarantee their success later on in life, they must have the appropriate role models in which to do so. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ

Organ concerts at the Washington National Cathedral, Creative Arts Center, West Virginia University, Alexander Arts Center, Concord University, churches throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Illinois. Private teaching in piano with Ascendo Piano, Fort Wayne, Indiana from 2003-2006 and Fun with Piano, Western Springs, IL starting in 2011 and Musika Piano also beginning in 2011. For the last five years, I was an instructor in piano at Naperville Music teaching classical, jazz, popular, ragtime, christian, and contemporary. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

First I think it is important to get to know the student and chat about what their intentions are musically. Then I can customize a lesson plan for them which includes warming up, techniques, and repertoire. I sometimes find it helpful to discuss of elements music theory, aural skills, and reading music depending on the students desires in those areas. I strive to motivate students by picking material they are excited about. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard

For beginning students and youth, I typically start with music theory and proper positioning. I have found an easy method for playing songs almost immediately. For students that desire sight reading as a priority, I will start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements and walk them through exercises that will keep them sharp and focused. For adults, I want to learn their goal and their niche. I will structure my course around their needs. Read More