Violin Lessons in Burr Ridge, IL

Instruments: Violin Viola Electric Violin

For beginning students (pre-Suzuki), I like to take material from different method books and even write my own songs. This way, each student has their own, individualized curriculum to help with technique or material that they find to be difficult. Once the student has a good grasp of the fundamentals, I like to use Suzuki books. I like to use the Suzuki method for younger beginners because it can be more challenging to learn to read notes, but I encourage note reading for older students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

For the child and adult alike I begin with different types of instuctional material. Since instuctional materials use similar but somewhat different ways of presenting concepts, I use the the series that will allow the student to grasp and master the fundamentals. The older student, along with learning the fundmentals, will also explore their interests. I'll begin tailoring their lessons to include their interests as well as other genres. Read More

Instruments: Violin Music

Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs. Read More

Instruments: Violin

Playing an instrument is almost like training for an athletic sport; it is important that the body is properly engaged safely in order to produce a beautiful sound and prevent injury. Injury has been a concern amongst string players, and tension tends to develop in the body in ways we don't even realize until something goes wrong. With this in mind as well as my teaching method, I encourage my students to develop an awareness of the body as well as good thinking processes to ensure that they have a healthy perspective on their own progress and relieve any tension that could possibly manifest in the body. Read More

Instruments: Piano Violin

My passion for music teaching goes back to my own experiences of starting piano lessons as a 10 year old. I was always interested in music as a child and was given the opportunity to take piano lessons from an extraordinary piano teacher. My method of piano instruction is modeled after what I was taught and also what I learned through my higher education experiences. I majored in music education at Bethel College, with piano as my principal instrument. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

The approach, overall, is to drive toward the student's goal. When someone wants to learn how to play an instrument well enough to play in a band or orchestra, I usually consider two needs - playing music and interpreting written music. These are basic parts of education, literally easy to define by achieving pages in etude books. In addition, though, there is a third component to meeting the set goal: writing music - a sensibility that you can create. Read More