Piano Lessons in Galena, IL

Instruments: Piano

I am flexible and I adapt my method to the student. I like to start students out with learning scales right away. If you can learn the scales, it makes learning new songs so much easier. Plus, they are great excercise for building agility. I also like to use a book called "A Dozen a Day" which includes more excercies for building agility and helping students master more difficult levels of music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Piano Adventures series. I learned from those books and they provide a well-rounded foundation of technique, lesson material, and performance material. That series also begins teaching basic music theory from the start. Piano Adventures is also great for visual learners- with pictures and diagrams to help understand the concepts in the lessons. My goal is to start students with strong technique and a practice plan. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My methods differ depending on a students age and experience level. For the younger students who are just beginning their journey we will learn out of Hal Leonard's books for guitar or Piano Adventures for piano students. As a student progresses we will begin to take the learning outside of these books and more to music theory, technique, and to the application of these practices onto the instrument. For younger students I will make the lesson more fun and interactive, keeping the lesson positive and not viewing it as a chore. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I believe music is unique because of individuality. I make lesson plans depending on each student's interests and learning progress. For young beginners, I encourage lots of participation from parents because it helps children feel supportive and it is always nice to see how much they grow. I like advanced students to express their ideas about the needs and wants as well as musical ideas. Different opinions would make lessons more interesting and inspiring. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

My passion is teaching. It's my profession, as well as my hobby (I am a Volunteer Sunday School Teacher). My main goal in music lessons is to make the experience enjoyable for the student -- I'm not very strict when it comes to progress. In my opinion, a student should genuinely enjoy playing their instrument because progress inevitably follows. I love to do risk-free trials because the student and the teacher need to have a certain rapport for the lessons to be fully effective. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I believe that each student has something unique to bring to the table, and that students should feel that they are valued because of their cultural identities, not in spite of them. I also believe that music in itself can be used as a means through which the world can be impacted for good. Bringing students to a positive outlet such as this, can bring about passion within themselves, for both music and other issues in the world, music being the way they express this passion and use it to send a message. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

Every student is unique. Therefore, a student's learning process should complement that uniqueness. I like to take time to figure out exactly what "speaks" to a student. What really works for some is completely lost on others. I tailor my instruction to their wants and needs, and take close note of the activities to which they respond well. In doing so, the student meets their goals in a quicker and more enjoyable way. Read More