Hinsdale Performing Arts Classes

ach. He feels that music is within all of us, and a desire to learn is a sign of talent, so anyone can develop their musical abilities with methodical practice.

The musical journey for Daniel began at an early age with trumpet and piano studies which became a passion for him by the age of 14. He was the drum major of the high school marching band, and successfully completed a paid contract to arrange music for the high school jazz band which performed in a state beauty pageant. He began teaching privately after high school, and continued playing in bands, and composing original music. He formed a professional jazz ensemble under the name of the Chicago Jazz Players by the age of 22, and developed his arranging techniques while having it performed by an eighteen piece orchestra consisting of many great local artists. It was in this environment that he gained experience with brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. He was granted a position at Columbia College as an instructor at age 29 where he taught theory, sight singing, musicianship, ear training, harmony, orchestration, and composition. He scored the music for several plays, and conducted his own pieces with Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Players. During those years he found himself playing the guitar and singing more than anything else. It was in 1995 that he focused on singing and playing the guitar with his rock band. He has produced several CD recordings of his original music in his own studio, and has helped produce local bands and artists. He performs regularly in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***
Daniel exhibits patience and care with each student, and develops an individualized approach based on clear goals with practical procedures. Most beginners can expect to have a working knowledge of music notation and how it applies to their instrument within three months, and should be developing fluency in performing music that they enjoy within six months. Advancing students will enjoy the rewards that will follow by studying with an experienced teaching musician that will recognize strengths and weaknesses, and recommend proven techniques for personal musical development. Studying music should be fun, fulfilling, and in harmony with the needs and desires of the student, and this is key to the philosophy held by Daniel.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Eight track recording gear; grand piano; guitars/bass (acoustic & electric); cables/amps, drum kit and percussion.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide lesson materials, and always have a metronome with me. I expect the student to have an instrument. I prefer that a student has a music stand.

*** Specialties ***
Customized approach to the individual based on needs and goals.

about helping others express themselves and take risks to push their artistic accomplishments to the next level! She looks forward to meeting you!

ions that are placed on students in order for them to succeed. In college, I was the head student researcher on a two-year lab project. I took several upper level science courses including: biochemistry, calculus, organic chemistry, calculus based physics, cell biology, anatomy, and physiology. I studied marine biology in the Virgin Islands and am CPR certified.

*** Lesson Details ***
Voice lessons with me are fun and effective. You can expect to hear improved technique from day one, eventually reaching your long term goals. I begin every lesson aligning the students voice through various vocal warm ups and exercises. We then work together to pick repertoire that will suit the singer'€™s voice and they will enjoy singing. During a lesson we will also cover performance presentation, acting, diction, rhythm, musicality, style, and interpretation.

During tutoring you can expect a personalized plan based on your goals and aspirations. Since every student is different you can be assured we will come up with a plan that is designed just for you. I am a laid back tutor but will be sure to get the most out of you after our time together. Most students see at least a one letter grade improvement. My main goal for every tutoring session is student learning and comprehension.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Piano, recording equipment, large collection of sheet music

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in helping students find their true singing voice.

n Costa Rica 1982-1984 before calling Chicago home in 1986. My performances have usually been of scored acoustic vocal and choral soprano in mainly traditional formats. I teach private lessons in classical vocal technique from a body awareness perspective, how to sight-read keyboard scores, and music theory translated into something that makes sense.

Approaching vocal technique from a physical perspective allows us to discover the student's unique and true voice. Reading paper piano music at first sight means you can play it without knowing the song. Music theory is essential to understanding how and why the art works the way it does. Most students need help ditching the confusing silliness they've already been exposed to, and putting together the pieces of the numbers puzzle we call melody, harmony, and rhythm.

Why sing or play piano? Do you want improved balance, posture, relaxation, abdominal strength, confidence, cultural awareness, emotional expression, memory support, and stress relief? You'd be surprised how many people take lessons just to feel better. I can't guarantee you'll have the same results, but I promise you'll know if you want to pay me more money or not after about five lessons.

Label me Traditional, or Classical, or even Persnickety, but we all transcend labels. I can perform opera, simplify unifying concepts, teach folk singing, direct a church choir, suggest country repertoire, coach performance charisma, and even officiate a marriage ceremony as a Dudeist Priest. I also bake a mean pie.

Complete beginners are welcome in all areas. Advanced lessons are available for voice only. In my studio I teach adults only. Singing and voice lessons have minimum 45min duration. Prices for lessons at my studio are $30 for 30min, $41 for 45min, and $50 for 60min. Online lessons, available for singing and theory but not piano, are the same price. Schedule-As-You-Go lessons with no recurring schedule slot are an option, if you prefer that to taking a lesson the same time every single week.

My teaching studio is a residential office on a high second floor walk-up near the intersection of Chicago and Ashland. I might be able to travel within East Village / Ukrainian Village / Wicker Park / Noble Square for an additional $15 travel fee. If I travel to your location, we can negotiate younger ages and group fees.

What do you want to learn? As partners, the student and I build a plan, balancing current aspirations with proven methods. I work with the paper music and workbooks you already own, and TAILOR THE LESSONS TOWARD PRACTICAL VALUE. On the other hand, I believe I have an ethical responsibility to provide a minimum of classical instruction.

I honor the opportunity to share the joy of music with you.

Upfront deal breakers:
• Communication outside of lesson time will be mainly internet and email. The email address in your profile must be a valid form of official business communication.
• Students may not bring pets, children, or guests to the lesson. A quietly observing adult guest is welcome with 48-hour notice.
• My students know if they use too much fragrance, whether it be laundry scent boosters or hair treatments, they may be refused entrance into my studio. It's a big deal.
• You pay for any lessons not canceled or rescheduled before the 24-hour deadline, whether you attend or not. Do not be near me when you are contagiously ill. Ask me to forgive late cancellations caused by true emergencies, but realize I don’t have to.
• If you are a singing student, you need a place where you can practice. Prior to your first cancellation deadline, you must read the "Your First Singing Lesson" section found on each Singing or Voice Subject Page.
• If you want to learn how to read keyboard scores or understand how to play keyboard by ear, sign up for Music Theory. If you don’t have regular access to something that can legally be called a piano, including weighted keys and a damper pedal, sign up for Music Theory. Repeat: if you can’t practice on a real piano, don’t take Piano lessons. Music Theory lessons will probably teach you what you want to learn, anyway.

Ask me a question using the Ask-A-Question feature. Watch my videos and think about it. I'm a good teacher. I sincerely appreciate the time it took you to read my profile. Thank you.

ter, Illinois Theater Center.

er that beautiful stage means to you...and I am here to teach, guide, inspire and be your biggest fan when you get one step closer to your dreams.

Cheers and here's to your success!