Piano Lessons in Lake Forest, IL

Instruments: Piano

For 5 to 6 year old beginners, I create an individualized lesson plan based on observing the student's learning style, strengths and weaknesses as well as personality. For the first 4 or more lessons, this includes my own big-note, large-symbol work sheets and simple songs. Next, and with older or more advanced students, I use a combination of lesson, technique and performance method books (Faber, Bastien, Hal Leonard), a scale/chording book and adjunct material consisting of songs the student wants to learn such as pop/rock, movie themes, holiday and theme music, and classical, to maintain interest and enjoyment. Read More

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

i'm a music teacher that loves working with kids. i have recorded and performed with many musical acts. i'm a singer/songwriter and producer as well. i have been teaching for the last 25 years. i have my own recording studio and music school and a music store. I have a musical family background. i teach all styles of music and several instruments. have studied music theory in schools. i'm very focused on teaching kids and adults to learn about music. i think music is very important and should be in everyone's life. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Cello Viola Music Keyboard

écoutez et répétez. Translation: hear and repeat. There is simply no better methodology in grasping and understanding an instructor’s directions so that a student, no matter what the age, can progress confidently and successfully. In addition, theoretical and historical subject matter is also introduced appropriately to keep him or her engaged continuously. Performances throughout the year, which include solos, duos, trios, and quartets will further inspire the student to progress even further. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Trombone Music Keyboard

I was fortunate enough to receive partial scholarship to attend the DePaul University School of Music and concentrate my work there in Jazz Studies. During my time at the university, I had the opportunity to broaden my perspective on the trombone by studying with several of the trombone faculty. I spent most of my time working with Tim Coffman, but was able to work with composer and arranger, Thomas Matta, and Charles Vernon, the bass trombonist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano Keyboard

For beginning students I usually start with either Fundamentals of Piano Theory or just basic note reading and writing. Since each student is different and responds differently to any variety of instruction methods, it’s important for me to be flexible and find the right one for the student. For kids, keeping the material light enough to understand while being challenging and engaging is important. For adults, being aware that they have busy lives with not as much time to practice as kids is something I always take into consideration. Read More

Instruments: Piano

Dennis H. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Moody Bible Institute of Chicago in Bible and Theology and has studied Piano Pedagogy and Literature at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He first privately studied piano with Mrs. Ethel Cliff Stried, a Zion Conservatory of Music graduate, from 1979 to 1989. At Bethel College he studied under Gordon Howell (1989-1990).  At Moody he studied under Gary Rownd (1992). Hello and welcome! If you are searching for piano lessons in Racine, you can meet with me at the Racine Family YMCA Lakefront campus, where my studio is located. Read More

Instruments: Piano Saxophone Clarinet Harp

Understanding that every student has unique experiences, interests, strengths and weaknesses, I always work to ensure that lessons are to the benefit of the student. Instead of thinking of my role as a director who prescribes a set path, I like to think of private lessons as an opportunity for partnership, where I play the role of facilitator. To do so, I regularly check-in with students to build a lesson structure that works for them. Read More