River Forest Music Lessons

c schools.

After 15 annual visits to Spain to study with master flamenco teachers, Diego finally moved to Seville for 3 years where he graduated with honors in flamenco guitar performance from the Fundacion Cristina Heeren de Arte Flamenco. While living in Spain Diego developed his knowledge and skill by performing flamenco guitar 2-4 nights a week with some of Spain's top up and coming flamenco performers. His extensive training and experience in flamenco guitar make him a highly qualified teacher in the field.

Lessons are based on time-tested methods in guitar pedagogy as well as on up-to-date scientific research in the neurological and psychological processes of skill acquisition and expertise. My goal, as a teacher, is to help students learn HOW to practice effectively and efficiently in order to develop the neurological pathways necessary to form, improve, and maintain high-level, musical skills.

WHAT KIND OF GUITAR DO YOU NEED?
For flamenco or classical lessons, you will need a nylon-string guitar (e.g., classical or flamenco), NOT a steel string guitar. If you don't own a nylon-string guitar, you can certainly rent one, but it must be available to you for home practice AT LEAST 6 days/week.

******IMPORTANT*****
Please check with me BEFORE booking a lesson to check availability.

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

Travel Equipment ***
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.

to all/both of them. I strive to help every student find their own creative voice, while building the skill sets required to work in any style of music.

I also offer group lessons for 3 or more students. For friends at similar skill levels, this can offer a fun and more affordable way to learn a subject. It also serves as an additional motivator as the students in the group feed off of each other for ideas and inspiration.

Please feel free to contact me with the "Ask Phil a Question" button on my profile here. This can include questions about my method, or regarding days and times for lessons. What you see in my availability here is based on my schedule away from TakeLessons. I have students elsewhere and perform shows regularly. I may have additional times available and tend to have some flexibility. I teach worldwide online. Just ask.

As soon as you're ready to book lessons, you can use the Green Button after selecting your area of study, day and time. I will receive a notification that you've signed up. I will then confirm with you and send a questionnaire regarding your lesson needs within 48 hours.

Thanks for your interest.

I look forward to working with you!

along to
• looping, editing, and adding effects to recorded audio

These aspects of a lesson not only better prepare students for the likely future of music but it also makes lessons more exciting, creative, and fun!

s experience tutoring both. She is also an advanced speaker of Italian.

in 2015, and am currently studying at Harold Washington College. In the spring I will graduate with my Art Studio AFA. I genuinely look forward to any time spent with someone with a desire to hone their craft, and hope to bring more inspiration to those wanting to bring forth their vision. Aside from photography, I also teach a handful of other subjects that you or someone else may be interested in!