Piano Lessons in Wheeling, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Music Keyboard

For my younger students, I often use a balance between classical, pop and jazz music. Fabers Piano Adventures or any variety of the Faber books with a theory book is often used so that students will have a firm foundation on how music works. They can then apply that knowledge to any piece of music going forward. We skip around in the book as needed for every students different learning style. 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 Voice

Each of my students learns to read music, practices sight singing, and learns solfege. In my opinion, these are the neccessary fundamentals to being a great singer AND musician! Each student also does warm ups including breathing exercises, vocal technique exercises, and vocalises. Picking repertoire is always a lot of fun, and the choice of song is a shared decision between teacher and student! I try to tailor the lesson and approach to each individual student. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Organ

For all students during the first lesson I have them play something regardless of their skill level. Based on personal experience I’ve noticed that not all students have the same level of ability. For example in drum lessons I’ve had some entry level students sit down and play a groove and have another sit down and have no coordination. After determining the students ability level, my next step is to determine what the students likes. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

For beginning students, I typically start with the Piano Adventures series. I learned from those books and they provide a well-rounded foundation of technique, lesson material, and performance material. That series also begins teaching basic music theory from the start. Piano Adventures is also great for visual learners- with pictures and diagrams to help understand the concepts in the lessons. My goal is to start students with strong technique and a practice plan. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I like to rely both on method books and insights I have gained over the years. I believe that a student's familiarity with all the major and minor scales is an important goal to arrive at as soon as it could be achieved. Just about as important is a steady rhythm. So, I stress this too. When my student reaches a satisfactory level, I invite him or her to participate in a recital. Read More

Instruments: Piano Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I started playing piano since I was 7. My dream was to be a church musician so I when to a college and graduated with a Bachelor of Church Music. My job title is a church pianist and church organist. It's been almost 30 years since I've been playing and teaching my skills to people. I'm a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and sharing my love of music. Read More