Piano Lessons in Elmhurst, IL

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

I have been a private lessons instructor since 2006. The instruments I have taught include: piano, harp, saxophone, and clarinet with an emphasis on classical music. I have also worked as an elementary general music teacher since 2014. Our curriculum includes developing knowledge and skills in performance (vocal/ instrumental), literacy, history, composition, appreciation and evaluation. In addition to my teaching experience, I also have many years worth of performance experience in both classical and jazz settings, which has greatly helped me in being able to provide instruction and direction to students seeking to pursue music performance as a career. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

I began playing the piano when I was 5 and started with the Suzuki method on violin when I was 7. I went to a performing arts high school where I played in orchestras, chamber ensembles, and had theory classes half the day, and regular classes the other half. I also took lessons from Frank Huang, the current concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic. I received my BM from the University of Texas at Austin in 2017 where I studied with Sandy Yamamoto, and I received my MM from DePaul University in 2019 studying with Janet Sung. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet

Every student is unique in their ability level, dedication to the instrument/craft, et. al; therefore, I cannot expect that every student will be the next Larry Combs. I do, however, expect that every student take their responsibility for practicing each week, coming prepared to lessons, and being a good student. In lessons, I am kind and personable as anyone should be, but I like to make clear my expectations right from the beginning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

I have been a teacher my whole life. In high school, I tutored Shotokan Karate classes, taught swimming lessons, tutored younger students, and taught drum lessons. In college, I was a peer tutor for writing, and continued to teach drum lessons. Since graduating, I have regularly taught drum lessons, and now instruct Kundalini Yoga/Meditation as well. I have an intuitive sense of what any individual student needs and can always break things down in the most digestible way possible, and can teach anybody how to do anything. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The approach, overall, is to drive toward the student's goal. When someone wants to learn how to play an instrument well enough to play in a band or orchestra, I usually consider two needs - playing music and interpreting written music. These are basic parts of education, literally easy to define by achieving pages in etude books. In addition, though, there is a third component to meeting the set goal: writing music - a sensibility that you can create. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

I like to get to know the student as I am teaching so I create small breaks to get to know who I am teachign and their interest, so that I may taylor my lessons to the student. For beginning students I like to use essential elements books as a guide for their practice. For adults I try to find out their long term goals and taylor my lessons to gettimng them to reach that goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I require my students to put in the work to make these lessons a worthwhile investment, but I think the most important thing is to retain the joy of taking piano lessons. I don't want practice to feel forced, however I do think there is a certain amount of will power that goes along with learning a skill. Therefore, I require students to do a time minimum of practice appropriate for the age and skill level. Read More