Piano Lessons in River Grove, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

For beginning piano students, I begin by teaching them the C major scale and many nursery rhyme songs that can be played at that key. I then elevate to simple blues and gospel songs in the Key of C for example, the C major blues. I will then teach C minor and the introductory song, Blue Bossa to acclimate students to the sound of C minor. Beginner students that seek to learn classical music will be introduced to Notation music theory from rhythm dictation, reading the grand staff and the introductory piece, Minuet in G, by Johann Sebastian Bach. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

I am a teacher by vocation, because my work brings me satisfaction. I love my profession and treat it as a creative process. Yes, this is my creative process and each student is the material through which I create my masterpiece. I invest completely in my student with my knowledge, experience, love, attention and responsibility. I began my teaching career in 1994, working at the conservatory with students. Although it was not easy to start right away with adult students, I understood back then that this was my calling. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I allow the students to progress at their own pace, and I love developing in them a passion for learning the piano. Learning to play the piano should be fun! Some of the process can be repetitive, but helping students see the payoff makes the repetitive part worth it. I am a positive, encouraing person. Students are comfortable with me and enjoy the lessons because of my attitude towards it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

I began teaching when I was in middle school when I got the opportunity to assistant direct theater workshops in my town. I was hooked and for my Girl Scout Gold Award in high school, I ran a theater company for children of social service recipients. In college, I tutored struggling music theory and piano students and felt it was the perfect way to use my enthusiasm for music in a positive way beyond teaching. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Latin Percussion

I also strongly believe in the power of performance and having the opportunity to share what you learn and enjoy with others, so depending on the age I always strongly encourage finding performance opportunities of any kind, playing/practicing with friends, studying abroad, etc. However, as I said, every student is different, so these approaches have to be flexible in order to successfully accommodate my instruction to each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

PIANO: For beginners who are children, I usually start with the Alfred's Music for Little Mozart's series of 4 levels. After that, students can graduate to the Alfred's upper level book series, which includes theory and practical playing books as well as fun solo and popular music books leveled specifically for them. I also find the Fingerpower series userful as a supplement, and I make sure to work on scales once students have attained a basic mastery of the keyboard and various hand positions. Read More

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

Helping a student become passionate about music is the most rewarding thing I can get from teaching. I set realistic goals that help the student progress at a rate geared towards the student's own pace. Positive feedback helps instill a desire to continue working and practicing regularly. This also pushes the student to wish to learn and work on more challenging materials. By learning where each student draws his/her own inspiration, I tailor our lessons to their goals while opening up their possibilities to go even further than what the student thought possible. Read More