Island Lake Language 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.

he knowledge of using there instrument properly and efficiently so that they may utilize their talents to their fullest potential. Through lessons with me my students will enjoy and flourish in using their talents and become confident in doing so. Both learning and performing should be fun and exciting and that is what my students should know, that I am here to have fun and to help you embrace your natural talents and use them with ease and comfort.
What sets me apart from other teachers at Take Lessons?
Well, I am here to help you find how you learn best and what you feel most comfortable with. You will learn about yourself, your emotions, what makes you who you are, and your goals. Once we find that, we will use that to bring out your strengths and help you thrive in all areas of your life.
My training includes, but is not limited to;
Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, Sherman Oaks, CA- Fitness and Group Instructor Certification and Personal Training
Act One Studios, Chicago IL- Acting, and On-Camera, Commercial Techniques, Film and TV
Visceral Dance Center, Chicago IL- Modern, Tap, Jazz
Ruth Page Dance Center, Chicago IL- Ballet, Jazz, Pilates
Lou Conte Dance Studio, Chicago IL- Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Musical Theater, Hip-Hop, Pilates, and Yoga
Oakland University, Rochester MI – Integrated Studies of Music, Theatre, and Dance, B.A.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI & Flint MI- Music Education, Dance , Vocal Performance, and Acting
Major studies and supplemental continued education in Health and Wellness, Nutritional implementation and lifestyle coaching.
Also, a professional athlete and fitness model with Ultimate Fitness Events Ontario, Canada.

Though I am your teacher, instructor, coach and I am also a fellow performer. I understand that everyone learns differently and I try to take various approaches to help the student get the most out of each lesson. I encourage my students to be open and honest with me about each aspect or their lesson so that we can, together, tailor a lesson plan that best fits each individual.

I am also CPR/AED certified- this is just one way to make sure your child or you are safe while taking lessons while me.

*** Lesson Details ***
Lessons are designed to better the performances and techniques of a singer, dancer, or actor.
Techniques such as breathing, diction, pitch, tone, posture, rhythm, smoothness, and stage presence will be practiced. I do my best to develop lessons that are tailored to each student based on their individual needs. Lessons start simply with gentle vocal exercises based on humming and open vowel sounds. Each student can expect to be challenged through exciting a stimulating exercises. I also teach techniques to improve posture, poise and vocal performance. I enjoy using simple scales to improve pitch and volume while also working on clarifying the students voice. A students performance, whether they aspire to be a performer, teacher, or just enjoy performing should have a positive self portrait of themselves. We will work on building confidence so we as performers can take pride in ourselves and what we represent. My students are expected to practice outside of the lesson. I also encourage them to keep a practice journal of when and how long they have practiced. It helps the students to trouble shoot areas of their performance and take the opportunity to ask questions during the next lesson.
My students and I will strive to
- To develop an understanding of basic music theory.
- To take responsibility for their musical and vocal growth.
- To reach for improvement and not perfection.
- To work on the memorization of a performance.
- To try their hardest with each lesson.
- To come to each lesson with an idea of what they would like to achieve.
- To constantly sing correct pitches and rhythms in all songs/performances.
- To practice correct posture and breathe support.
Most importantly,
- To enjoy their performance and learn to embrace the natural talents they are given.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I work from a loft apartment, consisting of an area next to computer with a home recording studio area for music and keyboard. There is also seating for parents if they desire to attend lessons.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I highly suggest the student have their own keyboard/piano. I do have a keyboard and music along with theory books and lesson plans, but would expect a quiet work environment for the student to pay attention.

*** Specialties ***
In dance I am well educated in every area but my strengths include: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Modern.
In vocal performance and technique: Opera, Musical theater, Lyric Soprano and Alto
Music: Classical, Contemporary, Rock, Pop, Christian, Country, R&B, Hip Hop

been recognized and awarded by organizations like the Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, and the DuPage County Health Department.
I enjoy teaching because there is no better satisfaction that helping others to accomplish something they considered almost impossible; I will be happy to help you get there!

age me often.

I am always excited to teach someone this language I love so much.

¡Gracias!

transformative experience for anyone. Whatever it is you're looking for in learning piano, I'm eager to help and share the gifts my teacher gave me.

(Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language) examiner certified by Instituto Cervantes.

Look for me in LinkedIn for more information about me and check my art portfolio Red Summers Tea at Carbonmade dot com.

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ABOUT MY PRIVATE LESSONS

I can help you improve your current level of Spanish, help your children with Spanish at school, or teach you Spanish from scratch!

⋆ LOCATIONS
I live in Bloomingdale and work in the DuPage county area. I meet most of my students in local coffee shops like Starbucks or Panera, but at-home lessons are possible as well.

⋆ LESSON FREQUENCY AND LENGTH

It would depend on your goals. School tutoring usually requires less time because Spanish at school is extremely basic and it’s doesn’t really lead to fluency in the language. Anything else needs a greater degree of commitment! I meet my students for one hour once or twice per week AT LEAST.

⋆ TEACHING METHOD
For school tutoring I try to adapt to your school’s method. For other types of lessons, I prefer avoiding translation and memorization and make use of effective Spanish textbooks, technology, games and free conversation.

⋆ SCHEDULE / AVAILABILITY
I mostly teach Monday-Friday afternoons and weekends in the morning.

⋆ RESCHEDULING / CANCELLATIONS / PUNCTUALITY
I understand flexibility is convenient and appreciated, so I allow rescheduling and cancellations in case of emergency or with enough advance notice. I recommend students to stick to their agreed schedule if they want to achieve their goals, even if that means to meet at another time during that same week. If I am already on my way to your lesson and you need to cancel, I will charge for the lesson. If you’re going to be late, please let me know, and I can’t guarantee that I can stay later than our scheduled time.

⋆ FIRST LESSON
During our first lesson we will take time to go over any important information, set our goals and answer questions regarding nature of our lessons. We can talk about fees and teaching materials during this lesson as well.

For any more details or any questions, please don’t hesitate contacting me!