Piano Lessons in Waukegan, IL

Marc P

Instruments: Piano

When did you decide to become a professional musician? Was it a gradual decision or was there a defining moment for you?
Probably the best answer would be after my first year in college when I toured with a Top Forty Show Band doing disco and dance music plus shows at major Hotels throughout the USA

Does music run in your family? Tell us a little about your musical family members.
My parents were not musically inclined but my brother and sisters all played instruments like saxophone and flute. My baby sister still plays flute and some piano.

If you weren't a musician what do you think you'd be doing instead?
I would probably still be doing something in the entertainment industry like being an Audio Engineer or a music agent for other musician’s. That’s the best answer I have.

What is your favorite style/genre of music to play and why?
I’ve been playing piano with bands groups like Solo Duos Trios Quartets all the way up to Big Bands and concert bands. Jazz classical and all varieties of music.

If you play more than one instrument, how did you decide to start playing the second? (Or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc)!
I started piano first then played trumpet and French Horn all through High School and some College The piano has always been my first instrument and my favorite.

What is your dream piece to perform and why?
I have been performing and entertaining in all types of venues from recital halls to concerts in large cities across the nation. I was a Band Leader and a sideman on Cruise Ships. After graduating from college I went in the Road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra playing piano for Mel Tormè and Rosemary Clooney.

Do you use specific teaching methods or books? (Ex: Alfred, Bastion, Suzuki, Hal Leonard) Why did you choose them if you did?
I use various types of books and study materials plus a lot of hand written material as well. David Carr Glover John Thompson Michael Aaron methods are my favorites.

What does a normal practice session look like for you?
A minimum of thirty minutes once a week where we do scales songs some music theory And discussing practicing and learning the music. I try to make learning fun for both the students and myself

If you have a Music Degree, what is it in (Performance, Education, Musicology, Theory, Composition, etc) and why did you choose that degree?
Yes I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the Prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts where I studied right after High School. J performed and studied music while I was in college in the late seventies and early eighties

What do you think is the hardest thing to master on your instrument?
Probably from a technical standpoint just getting started is the biggest challenge and then becoming persistent with your practice times and studying, listening and practicing properly.

Have any of your students won awards or been selected for special honors? How have they succeeded?
Yes I’ve had a lot of students over the years who have been very grateful for the many years of lessons and time spent taking lessons and learning to enjoy music. I would be glad to tell you many stories.

What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
30 minutes a day practice time several days each week. Always try to set a time to practice every day if possible. Taking breaks if you need to.

How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
I like my students to be able to count to ten or more and make sure they know the alphabet especially the first seven letters A B C D E F G

When will I start to see results?
I think you should see results from the very first lessons and we will progress at the best possible suitable for each student. Each and every student is different and I evaluate as we go.

Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
Yes! I started lessons in the third grade but was already playing at home at the age of 5. My first teacher was Mrs Hawkey for 3 years and Mr Robert Baldschun thru High School. I had several teachers in College at Berklee.

Why did you choose your primary instrument?
My parents bought a house in the country that came with a piano so I was learning to play by ear from a very early age. It’s been something that I’ve enjoyed all my life.

What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have been very fortunate to have been able to work and perform music for my whole life. It’s always a pleasure being able to live your life doing something that you love.

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