Violin Lessons Cook County, IL

Instruments: Guitar, Violin, Cello, Viola

I am a professional musician and violin, cello, and viola teacher with over 25 years of experience in Europe and the United States. I am including some background information about my training and professional experiences: I graduated from the University of Tirana in 1992 with a Bachelor Degree in Music, where I majored in Violin, Viola Performance and Music Education. Shortly after completing my studies, I performed as a principal second and first violin section player in the University of Tirana Symphony Orchestra. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Drums, Bass Guitar, Organ, Synthesizer, Accordion, Harmonica, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Recorder, Electric Violin, Fiddle, Double Bass, French Horn, Piccolo, Orchestral Percussion, Conga, Latin Percussion, Music, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's Essential Elements. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I play along with my students to help them with interpretation, phrasing, articulation and dynamics. Read More

Instruments: Piano, Violin

I encourage a parent/guardian to be involved in helping students build a practice pattern. My philosophy is that students need to practice every day, even if its only 5-10 minutes they have time for. Practicing a little bit each day is more effective than cramming practice into the day before the lesson. I want to be a team, making sure students and guardians feel comfortable communicating their needs as the lessons take off! Read More

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

In essence, my love of teaching stems from my Mom's love of teaching. She sincerely desired to teach my siblings and myself to pursue our highest dreams. It turned out that I did succeed as a star performer in music, on stages around the world. But also, when I decided to settle down, I added education to my 10-year plan. So, I went back to school for another master's degree, and taught music in CPS - performing three nights per week with my the Bartels/Benson duo, Connexion Band, Prohibition Orchestra, Bryan Skyler Trio, and other groups. Read More