Piano Lessons in Wilmette, IL

Instruments: Piano Voice Keyboard

Like most music teachers, my passions started with performing myself, and then using those experiences to educate my students. I have be a part of several operas, musicals, choirs, pop and Jazz ensembles, and each experience taught me tactics that I would not have learned anywhere else. I then paired my performing knowledge with my knowledge of education and with that I have successfully taught choirs, bands, vocal a capella ensembles, classrooms, musicals, pit orchestras and many many voice and piano students from ages 5-63! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching is very "person-centered"- in that I will adapt to the needs of the student. I do not have one stuanch approach in teaching music. I want to help students engage early on in "Music Experiences"- not just learning scales, but truly playing music with me, improvising, and enjoying themsevles. This sort of music work really formsm the bedrock of my music lesson and music therapy practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Viola Saxophone

For beginning voice students, I focus on opening and relaxing the throat by way of diaphragm support and healthy, strong breathing. These are the fundamentals of good singing, regardless of the style.We work on these techiniques with both vocal exercises and repertoire.From there, I focus on the student's quality of tone and helping them find their "natural voice." The best singers use their authentic sound, and are not a second-rate imitation of someone else. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer French Horn Keyboard

I focus particularly on comfort adn compassion on my lessons. I always want to help students develop and discover their own most efficient way of learning. I check in with students regularly before, during and after lessons to make sure I am tailoring the lesson to their needs as much as possible. I believe in positive reinforcement, and if my students aren't practicing, I need to make my lessons more engaging! Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

My teaching style is technical and yet open ended. I stress knowing scales, chords, inversions like the back of your hand to enable you to put them together just as we put the English language together. Letters become words which become sentences which become paragraphs which become stories. Keys become scales which build chords which build progressions which build phrases which build songs. Knowing this language of music, one can freely express what they hear in their mind outwardly to their audience. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin Music

To me, it is important that I meet each student exactly where they are at. Each student is unique and no two paths will be the same, so my instruction varies from student to student. Typically with the younger students, I do like to incorporate a lot of games, challenges, and rewards to help them find their motivation. For my older students, I encourage them by setting realistic goals and acknowledging their accomplishments, no matter how small. Read More

Instruments: Piano

I have been a full time musician on graduating from undergrad in 2010, since then I have played the most prestigious clubs in Chicago as a leader and as a sideman, The Jazz Showcase, Andy's, and the Green Mill. I have two albums under Chicago's premier record label, Delmark, and received extensive international airplay. I continue to perform all around Chicago playing jazz, Hip-hop, pop, rock, and funk. I perform in solo piano style as well as with bands. Read More