Chicago, IL Music Theory Lessons

I don’t use the same strategy for each individual. I believe music should be fun and rewarding. I like to expose students to many different types of music, i.e.; jazz, pop, blues, folk and of course, classical. Students are more likely to practice music that speaks to their personality.

My teaching environment is very laid back. I expect my students to practice, but I don’t read them the riot act if they show up to a lesson not having practiced much the week before. I encourage them to practice more the next week and I give them strategies for how to fit practice time into their schedule along with the most efficient way to practice their pieces.

I encourage parents to sit in on their child’s lesson, but I don’t require it. The more a parent is informed about their child’s goals, the better they are able to assist, support and facilitate the student’s practice. Involved parents contribute greatly to a child’s success.

I love teaching adults too! It is never too late to learn an instrument and the rewards carry over into all aspects of life. As with children, music makes us all smarter. Research proves this. We learn complicated spacial and math skills without even realizing it; we’re having too much fun!

I have annual recitals for private students. I speak Spanish.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio finished and separate from house

*** Travel Equipment ***
Sometimes music. I can refer students to instrument rental or purchase places, but do not have instruments to provide. I can obtain music for the students if they prefer, otherwise I will tell them what and where to buy.

*** Specialties ***
I use Suzuki and other books for material, but my teaching is more traditional. I use actual bowhold from start. My own invention - pinky AND thumb houses. Music reading is introduced fairly early. A little at a time and it's painless.

oal to commit to my students and to create the best possible learning environment according to their needs, goals, and backgrounds.  I carefully select repertoire and technical exercises that suit the needs of my students. I am comfortable with teaching conventional classical repertoire, hymns and praise, and popular repertoire including Pop and jazz. I teach my students solid technique, interpretative and sight-reading skills, and music theory foundations. I seek to instill the love and appreciation of music in my students.

*** Lesson Details ***
Besides studying and learning repertoire according to their level, my beginner students receive training in music theory, sight-reading, and technique.My intermediate and advanced students will focus on repertoire, sight-reading and techniqueI teach all of my students how to maximize their practice time.  I teach them methods and strategies on how to approach challenging spots. I teach my students to analyze the music and find patterns that will facilitate the learning of the repertoire and increase their confidence and motivation. After 6 months of taking lessons regularly and practicing consistently, a beginner student  should be able to play simple pieces using notes within the staffs, including whole-, half-, quarter-,and eighth-notes. Students will have a good hand posture, good finger coordination, and a basic understanding of dynamics.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Students need an electronic piano or an acoustic piano

*** Specialties ***
I have used mostly Alfred's methods for the first couple of years. After that i used a combination of different resources for technique, repertoire, and theory. It has always been my goal to commit to my students and to create the best possible learning environment according to their needs, goals, and backgrounds. I carefully select repertoire and technical exercises that suit the needs of my students. I am comfortable with teaching both conventional classical and popular repertoire. In my lessons, I teach useful keyboard skills such as proper technique, sight-reading, and accompanying.

quipment ***
I can provide a stand. Student is responsible for purchasing an instrument, and any sheet music. I can definitely advise on an instrument to purchase and will instruct with specific music requests.

y flexible and open to suggestions, so I encourage students to ask questions and let me know if they want to learn a specific song or musical concept.

*** Studio Equipment ***
The studio is equipped with a 76-key keyboard, drum set, music stands, recording equipment and a PA system. Plenty of parking available, either in the driveway or on the street.

*** Travel Equipment ***
In order to teach at a student's home I will need a quiet room/area where we can concentrate on our studies. If the student is taking drum or piano lessons, they will need a drum kit or piano/keyboard.

*** Specialties ***
Trumpet - Jazz & Classical

Drums - Everything from Jazz to Rock, Waltz, Cha-Cha, Metal etc.

Singing - All Pop music, old (Frank Sinatra era) and new (The Temptations) and newest (artists of today).

Audio Recording & Production - All styles, such as Rock, Pop,
Cinematic, Hip-Hop, Country etc.

Piano - Beginning piano, building a solid foundation.

Music Theory - I can answer questions and teach the concepts.

Having trouble with your band/choir part? Preparing for an audition and want to get first chair? I can help!

deman, he performs with a slew of different ensembles including Bumpus, Greg Duncan’s Latin Ensemble, M13, Joe Clark Big Band, Ryan Adamsons’ Medium Ensemble, Ian Torres Big Band, Nootka Sound, Rich Daniels “City Lights Orchestra”, Billy Wolfe, and The Tommy Dorsey Big Band.
In addition to jazz, Corbin is also active among the funk and rock scene in Chicago.  He travels throughout the U.S. with Chicago funk/soul legend James Johnston and Bumpus.  Through James, Corbin has performed with Syl Johnson, J.C. Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Clip-Art, Terrible Spaceship, Brother Joscephus & the Love Revolution, The Right Now, J-Livi & the Party, Afro-Zep as well as many other studio projects.
Mr. A. is also a very capable doubler on clarinet and flute.  He teaches woodwinds privately from his home studio, as well as at Kagan & Gaines Music.
You can hear him on Corbin A.’s “Accidently On Purpose”, Joe Clark Big Band feat. Jeff Hamilton “LUSH”, Greg Duncan’s “Chicago, Barcelona Connections”, and Ian Torres “January.”  Otherwise, Corbin leads one of the busiest jam sessions in Chicago at Lilly’s every Wednesday night and was recently nominated for the Chicago Music Awards “Jazz Entertainer of the Year.

her orchestral career, Sarah plays with the Bradley University faculty chamber ensemble, Peoria Lunaire. She regularly presents solo recitals and concerts throughout the year, hoping to provide members of community an opportunity to make a connection with music and the performers that create it.
Outside of performing and teaching, Sarah is a devoted advocate for musicians’ health. She hopes to combine her expertise in music and physical fitness to help performers foster long, successful careers.
Check out Sarah's contribution to the TakeLessons teacher's blog on injury prevention:
http://takelessons.com/blog/piano-guide-injury-prevention

evel. Example, one of my adult beginners wanted to play the big symphonic poem Scheherazade, and I wrote out the main tunes for easy piano.

arn guitar and began by purchasing my own guitar and books and taught myself to play electrical and classical guitar. I followed my passion and continued my studies at Columbia College and graduated with a bachelors degree in Instrumental Performance.

Post-graduation, I have experienced playing in multiple bands, performing in concerts, teaching piano and guitar ranging in all levels at a music center and private home and enjoying some traveling.

Everything I have learned will be reflected in my lesson methodology and will help you learn to play proficiently in a timely manner. I look forward to meeting new prospective students while having fun teaching them music.