Piano Lessons in Melrose Park, IL

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

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium Tuba Music Keyboard

I am a driven and holistic instructor that finds meaning, passion, and understanding from sharing music with others. I graduated from Northern Illinois University, in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Trombone Performance. During my time at NIU, I studied with Jeremy Moeller, principal trombone of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. As a former member of the Cavalier's Drum and Bugle Corp, I have traveled around the country performing for various crowds with some of the best young brass players in the country. Read More

Instruments: Piano Trumpet Music Keyboard

A lot of the students I worked with were severely struggling with music at first, many of whom felt extremely insecure. The most important factor is making sure a student is comfortable. It is terrifying to play an instrument that you may be feeling insecure about, and a condescending or arrogant teacher will only reinforce the insecurities. I try my best to create a relaxed and animated environment to combat the initial insecurities. 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

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

I continued teaching private lessons, while also conducting a high school youth choir in Chicagoland after moving to IL. After a few years my family and I moved to the greater Cincinnati area where I currently teach as a high school choral and drama teacher while serving as the theatre manager as well. I strongly encourage my students to learn to communicate with their music; while building strong technique and working on artistic expression, I want each student to be able to use music as a language. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I also like to incorporate improvisation into my teaching method, from very simple improvisational patterns for beginners to jazz improvisation for advanced students. I think teaching beginners that music does not always come off of a page is an important concept and can free them up to be their most creative selves, to feel connected to the music, and to be able to focus on creating a relaxed and natural technique. Read More