Voice Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Voice

I am an engaged, driven teacher who loves guiding a student's exploration with his/her voice. Performing in Chicago and throughout the US, I enjoy singing with small local companies as well as companies like the MN Opera. I have had the opportunity to perform overseas, as a soloist for The Messiah in London, as well as in Florence. I look forward to using my performance experience to inform lessons. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I got my start in the experimental Minneapolis music scene as an adolescent in the early 2000's, the spirit of which I carried with me to Oberlin, OH. I got my Bachelors of Music from the conservatory there, where I designed my own major in Contemporary Bass Performance. The major allowed me to pursue my interest in Jazz, Classical, Computer Music and composition, extended techniques, and historical performance. In addition to my studies, I have toured internationally with the Oberlin Orchestra and several other groups, and have released seven albums of my own material. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Drums Keyboard

I teach both by rote and by reading. When it comes to music theory, notation and reading music, I am also methodical in wanting my students to fully understand what they're reading so that it becomes so natural to them, it's as natural as reading a newspaper or understanding a conversation. Once the foundation is laid, a musical conversation can be had with the sound of their instrument. At the end of the process, students will find their love of music enhanced now that they know what they are doing and are doing it on purpose. Read More

Instruments: Voice Music

My teaching style varies from student to student. Everyone learns differently and I tailor each lesson based on that particular student's learning style. Each student will start off with warmups, even if they have warmed up themselves, so I can gauge how their voice is working on that particular day. After warmups, which encompass specific exercises based on the needs of the student, we move into working technique into repertoire. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Organ Synthesizer Keyboard

I combine the technique, expression, and performance practices from my teaching line of musical masters with more modern teaching methods to give students a well-rounded music education. I cater each lesson to the individual needs and interests of the student, while giving them a strong technical foundation and fostering their love of music. I use scales, arpeggios, and other methods to help build technique. I also want the student to enjoy what they are performing, so I often ask the student if there are pieces they would like to learn and do my best to find an arrangement suitable to their level of difficulty. Read More

Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Trombone Euphonium French Horn Tuba Music Keyboard

Beginning students will start out with technique practices, while introducing solo literature when appropriate. Technique studies can always be improved and studied, no matter a student's age or proficiency. I try to work within the repertoire a student is interested in at first, then expanding to materials and genres the student may find interesting to help broaden the experience and knowledge a student can gain from our lessons. No matter the age or ability level, I help students understand that each lesson and new idea or piece we learn adds to their experience, and experiences are building blocks for our futures. Read More

Instruments: Voice

Mastering technique is the surest way to leave the student free to express themselves musically. After an initial assessment is made of the student's voice, I create a series of vocal exercises to address any vocal weaknesses/problems. The first 20 minutes of a typical lesson are spent warming up/performing technical exercises. The remainder of the lesson focuses on applying what was learned technically to the music that the student and teacher have chosen. Read More