Piano Lessons in Elmwood Park, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

For my intermediate students, I will teach them all 12 major keys and the circle of fourths and fifths and how they interplay with song writing and chord progressions. I will then teach them the chords of the scales and turn the chords into progressions and into songs. For my advanced students who know all of their scales and chords, I will tailor the lesson around what they seek to learn and improve on. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

My lessons are about technique and applying the technique to repertoire. I spend about a third of the lesson on specific technique work and I always encourage students to bring in their own material that we can work on as well. I of course always have songs to suggest and I cater to each individual student's needs. If you need a high song, I'll find a high one. If you need a pop song, I'll find a pop song. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trombone

My passion for teaching began my senior year of high school when I assumed a leadership role within my band program. I led trombone and brass sectionals and helped to mentor younger students. As a result of those experiences, I built a private studio of trombone students made up of my classmates and have maintained a private studio ever since. As I grew as a musician I began to teach jazz improvisation to other instruments and added beginning piano students to my roster. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

I'm a passionate teacher who understands and cares for the success of my students. I treat each students differently as everyone learns in a different manner. I began taking classical piano lessons at the age of four and then began learning the guitar at age ten. I was mostly self taught on guitar and took a developed a deep understanding of music theory and a love for the guitar itself. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

I always knew I wanted to study music, and chose Illinois State to do so. While there, I participated in musicals, as well as concert choir and the women's elite chorus "Belle Voix." Since college, I have been writing original cabarets and performing live around the city of Chicago. It's my philosophy that one should never stop learning, so I study regularly with my voice teacher of eight years, Sandra DeAthos, take class at the Bloom School of Jazz (vocal performance and jazz piano), and with the Second City Music Conservatory. 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

In essence, my love of teaching stems from my Mom's love of teaching. She sincerely desired to teach my siblings and myself to pursue our highest dreams. It turned out that I did succeed as a star performer in music, on stages around the world. But also, when I decided to settle down, I added education to my 10-year plan. So, I went back to school for another master's degree, and taught music in CPS - performing three nights per week with my the Bartels/Benson duo, Connexion Band, Prohibition Orchestra, Bryan Skyler Trio, and other groups. Read More