Teresa W  
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Synthesizer, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, Euphonium, French Horn, Tuba, Piccolo, Mallet Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, Oboe, Bassoon, English Horn
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Opera, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Merengue, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

From 2004 - 2014 I taught all Band Instruments, Piano, Violin, and coached singing lessons at the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center in Palos Park, Illinois. I got start teaching lessons as 6th Grade Saxophonist. I was selected to tutor two students from the 5th Grade Beginning Band.  When I began attending summer camp after 7th Grade, I loved learning enough to perform a concert by the end of each week of camp.  In High School, my music practice skills carried over to my academic studies and I was able to graduate with Honors, a 4.00, and earn 14 scholarships to attend college to become a music teacher.  Since then, I have had the privilege of teaching1000's of students, and mentoring several college students.  One of my favorite examples is a student I started teaching in 4th Grade who later added lessons for 3 other instruments and accomplished his dream of making it into the Chicago Symphony Youth Orchestra.   Last year, one of my 2nd Grade Chicago Public School Band students performed the National Anthem for memory on the Alto Saxophone in front of 1000's of people at a race.  One of my 1st Grade Violin Students impressed the president of Columbia College of Music so much that my students were offered life-time scholarships to attend Blues Kid's Camp, held annually at Columbia College in Chicago.  Taking an active role in supporting people of all ages accomplish their goals and enjoy life is why I teach music.

I ask all of my students to be prepared for their lessons with a notebook and pencil for lesson notes and assignments.  I ask them to bring any materials they have and will often recommend books and supplemental material I have had success with.  I believe in writing down notes that help students understand what they are learning, exactly what students should practice, and setting goals for their practice and overall progress.  I have judged solo contests and have rarely had a private student achieve less than a 1st Place rating.  Most of my private students achieve "Superior" rating at solo and ensemble contests.  Good communication and genuine concern for the students needs, desires and goals will always be my focus.