Performing Arts Lessons

In River Forest, IL.

It's your time.

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.

practice will help train the body and bring it to the mind's level.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Finished Basement studio: drum set, snare drum, small mallet, xylophone and electric piano, room for parents to sit in on lesson

*** Travel Equipment ***
Student should provide sticks and mallets and purchase a book that we will work out of weekly.

*** Specialties ***
I feel comfortable teaching all levels of percussion. I have experience teaching a variety of styles Jazz, rock, classical, and world.

nd "I Don't Want To Be a Cliche."

Serena loves working with people who particularly share her love of Musical Theater and Shakespeare, but she finds all ages and levels exciting and fulfilling.

Serena also specializes in coaching high school students for their auditions for BFA or BA Acting or Musical Theater programs. She is completely informed about the audition process for each individual school and is able to help select repertoire to fit your needs.

Additionally, Serena has significant experience training people for unique singing and acting experiences, such as singing at friends' weddings, bar mitzvah singing, and corporate improv/acting. She helps people loosen up, have fun, and succeed to their highest potential.

*** Lesson Details ***
I have a very good balance in my lessons of nurturing the student, but also pushing the student to his or her highest potential. I always remain encouraging and supportive. I spend about a third of the lesson on technique work and I always encourage students to bring in their own material that we can work on as well. You will get excellent vocal and piano technique from me, but you will also learn to have fun and appreciate the ease and relaxation of singing and playing piano.

*** Studio Equipment ***
F/w keyboard, seating for parents - main room

*** Travel Equipment ***
n/a

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in musical theater singing, especially preparation for any auditions (singing or acting) for shows, college auditions, etc. Musical theater is my main passion, but I also focus a lot on pop music. I am especially experienced in introducing newbies to singing or piano.

n Chicago to attend graduate school. In 2013, I earned my M.F.A. in Acting from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Currently, I am Co-Artistic Director and Director of New Works with The Arc Theatre. Additionally, I direct plays for other prominent theatre companies in the city. I am capable of teaching a variety of theatre skills, including classical techniques, performance of literature and speaking voice.

A bit about you:
YOU are a new actor, an experienced actor or "getting-back-into-the-swing-of-it" actor. YOU need help with an upcoming camera or theatre audition, choosing new monologues, developing a script, exploring different techniques, or understanding this fantastic business.

YOU are excited, scared and most importantly READY TO DIVE IN!

I am here for YOU!

*** Lesson Details ***
I am extremely laid back and open to trying new things. In a lesson, you can expect to bravely explore the world of acting in a safe, nurturing environment. I believe in the "YES" philosophy- anything is possible and everything is valid in developing a creative life. There are no wrong answers! Just millions of GOOD questions. Acting is DOING and through trial error, anyone with the drive and determination can be a successful performer. I will instill the confidence and skills you need to take the next step in your acting career- whatever that may be!

*** Studio Equipment ***
I have a growing library of books on acting, auditioning and play scripts. I am happy to loan you material and use any of my resources to further your learning.

*** Travel Equipment ***
We can both provide music, books and props as needed.

*** Specialties ***
Shakespeare, Contemporary, Film, Dialects
*Linklater-Trained

you are not 100% stoked to sing- promise!

Maybe you don’t like your speaking voice and want that to be stronger for either professional or personal reasons. I do that, too. I can help you with confidence in basic conversations and accent reduction. Maybe you want singing lessons just ‘cause, and don’t ever want to sing in public because that terrifies you. I totally get it. And I say do it!

Acting? Music theory? These are also things I love to teach, especially newbies. I love helping beginner performers get confident in selecting material that shows THEM off- comic and dramatic.

Online voice lessons are my jam. These are especially convenient for those that are pressed for time or maybe a little shy or anxious.

I am the teacher for those that don’t want someone too …well….teacher-y. I want you to laugh as you learn, and love love love the results you’ll get . I understand what what it's REALLY about- expression and fun, not judgement . Vocal exploration that's 100% customized . Join me!

More about me:

BMus Millikin University, further studies Boston Conservatory . Coachings with professionals from Rossini Opera Festival, Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera. Rock vocals with Melissa Cross. Musical theatre with Sheri Sanders of Rock the Audition!, Vocal Instrument 101 training with Dr Shannon Coates. Dalcroze Eurythmics. John Henny's Science of Singing course completion. Belting with Lisa Popeil. Teacher masterclass with Maestro David Jones. Proud member of NATS. One of only a few CoreSinging teachers in the USA!

In progress: Ultimate Music Theory Teacher certification.

Former students from ALL walks of life, including many beginners of all ages - an even an American Idol Top 12 Finalist!

*** Lesson Details ***
I teach in person ( Schaumburg, Northwest Suburbs of Chicago) and online via Zoom, FaceTime or TakeLessons Classroom, of course!

*** Studio Equipment ***
Sing and See Software. Additional materials I use: Funky n' Fun Vocal Exercises, Estelle Liebling Vocal Methods, Bona and Dannhauser for sight-reading, Full Voice workbooks for young and serious singers!

*** Specialties ***
Beginner vocalists! Very shy singers. Very young singers. Lapsed singers, and seniors. Post-menopausal voices, adolescent voices. Experience in working with those with learning disabilities, anxiety, special needs, and victims of abuse. Have also worked with the LGBTQ community and studied with experts in transgender voice .I also love to give workshops!

Michael Fennely (Carnegie Hall), Wei-En Hsu (Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra), and Candace Evans (Santa Fe Opera). Nicole earned her Associates in Theatre from Brigham Young University ('12) and went on to acquire her BM in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University ('14). Nicole obtained additional training from Boston University, Elon University, and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

nd this is why he loves acting. In Andrew’s own words, “Nothing worth having comes easy.”

ming.