Piano Lessons in Steger, 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

I am passionate about teaching the piano, an instrument that I love. I connect well with students and adapt my teaching style to their learning preference. I have been playing the piano for over 30 years. I also play the keyboard. I am able to teach both piano and keyboard; learning the piano and the keyboard is essentially the same, it just requires a different touch and the keyboard can create more sounds. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums

I use humor and my own experiences to first establish a caring environment in which the student can be comfortable. Once that connection is established, I like to find out the students interests and make sure a personal goal is set that we can achieve together. There has to be something exciting the student can achieve in order to develop self-motivation. I employ a number of tactics to stimulate self-expression and problem solving skills, as independent work and practice is crucial in any musician's journey. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice

For beginning piano students, I select a method book that will be best for the individual student. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for a recital performance. For voice students, I use the bel canto style of singing. Students will learn proper technique through vocal exercises and solo repertoire. We will focus on breathing, intonation, vowel formation, and posture among many other things. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Coming back to goal setting, each student will want something a little different out of it from the next. So I find it helpful to ask and figure out; if there's a specific song they wish to learn, what some of their favorite artists are so we may get a grasp what style they are into, or just want to learn about music in general so that one day they may be able to create their own original work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Keyboard Djembe

For every instrument I teach, I always focus on tone primarily. To have whatever instrument the student is learning, be it drumset, piano, or voice, it is of utmost importance to me to have them re-sounding the whole body of the instrument with confidence, and with passion. When we start from this place, I then work on rudiments/scales, and aim to endow students with basic vocabulary, so that they may become fluent on their instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Synthesizer Mallet Percussion Orchestral Percussion Conga Keyboard

I like to set realistic goals for students so that they can feel accomplished. I also find it's great to get an idea of exactly what they would like to play. For instance, if they love ACDC, picking a simple song like Back in Black to play and work up to something like Thunderstruck. It is important not to push them too hard. Nothing more gratifying than achieving a goal and receiving praise for it. Read More