Professional Comes Home to Teach Music and More!

Hello!
Music is a great way to stimulate your mind and soul.
I've been teaching piano since 1979 and expanded to other instruments from there. I started my training with my mother in a full pedagogical method: performance, but also theory, harmony, and ear training,

After a few years of teaching and more education I began to play professionally with many different instruments; Piano, Cello, Alto & Baritone Sax, Voice, Keys, Percussion, Electronics, Mandolin and Banjo.
I have had the wonderful pleasure of traveling most of the world to perform music of my composition and others.

Two years ago I was asked to come back and teach here in Chicago and this had been such a joy! My teaching started here with General Music and varied instruments (I currently play 15 and have started studies in Pipe Organ). I work with individual students as well as pairs, ensembles and even a bilingual choir. depending on the needs of my students.

I am a National Federation of Music member and judge, and a member or the National Guild of Musicians.
In so, I can prepare and enter students in competitions of great respect and merit.

Music truly stimulates the brain and soul and is a gift that lasts forever. Depending on the student and situation it can help with language, mathematics, coordination,concentration, and group interaction and problem solving. But mostly, it enriches the life experience and is a universal language that connects people from all over the world.
See how I can help you to untangle this language into ease satisfaction, and fun!

Deanna's Subjects

Music:	ear training, general music, guitar, music theory, piano, saxophone, sight singing, songwriting, voice (music)
English:	English, reading, writing
Elementary Education:	reading
Homeschool:	English, piano, reading, writing

Reading

My educated and loving father gave special attention to reading and instilled the love of it to all his children. I was very fortunate to be able to read before I entered school at 4 years old. Reading and reading comprehension seems to be a weakness in the current education atmosphere and I would love to help anyone struggling to fully enjoy and succeed in their reading goals.

Music Theory

Theory can be a daunting subject for many, but as you start to decipher the meaning or all the symbols, and terms you will have a much broader pallet to use to become as versatile as musician as you want to be.
Music is a language, and as such is most powerful when understood and executed appropriately.
Step by step this language is begun and expanded until you can really understand how different composers use these symbols to effect the beauty and meaning of different pieces.
Whether... Read More

Writing

The written language has always been a love of mine. In my work, poems, songs. and inspirational writing are the ones most often used.

However, a well written essay, report, or novel, can take the reader and the writer to enjoyable places and even advancement.

It is very important to be able to correctly translate and explain your ideas, achievements, and even emotions in written form.

A good knowledge of grammar is important, but knowing your "audience" and... Read More

English

You might notice that music teaching subjects are my specialty. However, I have always enjoyed and excelled in my English courses and am a celebrated lyricist in the professional music industry.

The longer I have been teaching music in the Chicago area, in schools, at Churches, and in private lessons. In interacting with these communities, I see a rampant lack of proper grammar and pronunciation. These skills, I feel are most important in projecting ones best impression of oneself.... Read More

Ear Training

Ear training is a wonderful way to help understand this language of music with more ease and success.
Some advances as a musician provided with good ear training are:
Do you know when you are "in tune"?
Can you recognize intervals by listening, as well as by sight- improving faster sight reading and ensemble work, especially with creating or learning harmony parts.
Can you distinguish different tempos (steady beat vs. tempo variations) dynamic changes (forte vs. piano, crescendo... Read More

General Music

This area of study can have many facets.
What makes a good song?
What are all those crazy symbols?
What is rhythm, tempo, legato, and why does it matter?
Which beats should I clap on?
Where do I put accents?
What are the different style changes of different cultures?
How can music change moods?
We can explore many of these things and more!

Guitar

I began my studies on guitar with classical lessons from my sisters, and folk guitar with my church's youth group, then as the years went by went on to learn and perform in many other styles: Rock, Jazz, Blues, Spirituals, Contemporary Christian, and more.
What are your goals as a guitar student? Do you want to learn to finger pick, classical, folk or country styles?
Do you want to be a lead or ensemble player?
How can different dynamics change the mood of your performance?
How... Read More

Piano

I have been teaching classical piano since 1979 with students of all ages and goals.
My goals as a teacher are to help the students to understand the expanse of this percussion instrument.
There are so many different ways to understand and play this instrument.
For instance, how does your approach to the keys change the mood or style?
As you increase your general knowledge of piano and it's diversity you can then focus on which styles you prefer. The different periods of... Read More

Sight Singing

This process is focused on the process of matching music reading with the skills of quality singing and an understanding of the music piece as a whole.

A general understanding of tempo, dynamics, and inflections are necessary to excelling in this area.
If you understand a piece by just looking at a page you will have much more success at accomplishing your goals in any music situation, whether singing show tunes, pop songs, or ensemble work with your church or chorus group.

Voice (Music)

The essentials of becoming or improving your singing are knowing how to breath correctly and listening.
As we continue to practice these skills, you will begin to learn how to control your breathing to change pitch, dynamics, mood, and character of your performance as a singer.
Is your goal to be an excellent ensemble singer, soloist, or harmony singer? Different skills are needed for each situation. We can focus on one goal or work towards your ability to be able to do them all.

Saxophone

Like singing, how to breathe, control your breathing, and listening are the most important factors to being a great saxophonist.
Once you get these basics down you can take this versatile instrument in many directions.
The most common direction for this instrument is ensemble playing so having a good ear, good timing, and understanding or where you fit in the group or ensemble is key. We can explore the different textures, roles, and how to achieve them.
Are different saxophones... Read More

Songwriting

How do you become a great songwriter?
Being a fan or music and a great listener is key.
I began as a poet then realized I could mix my two loves together and become a songwriter.
There are many different approaches to songwriting depending on your goals, but always remember to "know your audience".
Different styles have different nuances to be learned so knowing that is very helpful.
Then remember there are rules to follow and rules to ignore; the song is yours and you... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

BFA Middle Tn State University VanderCook Colege of Music (EdD)

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $50.00

With Prepaid Discount: $42.50 - $47.50

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 24 hours notice required

Discounts for students willing to travel to my studio. Some instruments available for rental or purchase.

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Deanna will travel within 40 miles of Chicago, IL 60647.

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Deanna V.