Lessons

My teaching philosophy evolved from the passion of being a lifelong student, and from this, I have distilled one fundamental truth that all learning starts with a goal. Along with proper goal setting, we can then form a syllabus for the achievement of the goal. The curriculum I have developed is compulsory and is designed to create and refine the key points of musicianship. With these skills applied correctly and consistently, the student can then become his or her own teacher.

Lesson Information
Drums and Percussion

Greg has been playing guitar and singing professionally for 53 years and is knowledgeable in a wide variety of styles and genres, the experience that simply speaks for itself when teaching others to play. His long history as both a band and solo performer, as well as extensive songwriting and recording abilities, enable Greg to offer any student, of any age, a solid foundation on which to build a musical education. Whether you plan to learn basic chords and play for your own enjoyment or jam with friends or set a long-term goal to perform in a band…Greg will show you the way while making the journey an enjoyable one. It is never too late to learn to play an instrument or improve upon what you may already know, and music is a wonderful way for us all to rise above daily pressures in life. Try and really imagine what kind of world it would be without music…then make plans to create your very own.

Lesson Information
Guitar and Bass Guitar

Mario Ramirez has been teaching guitar and bass since 1987 in the Pekin/Peoria area. Teaching every student to play is not all his students will learn. In every lesson Mario teaches, he incorporates musical theory and most importantly shows how to actually read the music. Mario is well-known around the area by anyone who knows music and his list of successful apprentices is a resume within itself. Mario has been deemed the Socrates of his generation, needless to say, his name speaks for itself.

Lesson Information
Mario teaches from ages 5 and up (must know their alphabet). Guitar and Bass Guitar 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Saturday

Teaching Experience
Melissa Markle is a Central Ilinois native having grown up in a small town south of Champaign and now loving in Dunlap, IL. At the age of 4, her parents caught her teaching herself how to play the piano (long before YouTube videos were available) and quickly enrolled her in piano lessons.

After graduating from high school, Melissa studied music education at EIU where she concentrated her studies on both voice and piano, She has been performing as a pianist and vocalist since the age of 9 beginning at her local church and even performing and directing with major theater groups located in Southern California including various shows such as “the Music Man,” “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more.

Melisssa has been teaching private piano and voice lessons for the past 22+ years and has had several students continue to their music studies in college by majoring in music as well. Melisssa has taught students ranging in age from 3-92. She focuses on technique, music theory, performance etiquette, and much more. A little bit of trivia: Melissa is also an award-winning and published professional photographer.

Lesson Information
Piano, Beginner to Advanced, Ages 5 and up
Voice, Beginner to Advanced, Ages 8 and up

Every student needs a devoted teacher who gives a solid foundation while learning to play the piano! I focus on helping my students learn the fundamentals, along with classical, pop, jazz and current music, by teaching each student with a positive attitude. What is most important to me is a student who loves to play the piano! I began my musical education with piano lessons at age 5, learning technique, classical, theory, jazz, and pop. Continuing lessons in piano, I also learned organ, most band instruments, and how to conduct. I attended St. Mark’s & The Academy of Our Lady, ICC, and Bradley University majoring in music education and piano performance. I started teaching private piano lessons at age 15 to children, teens, and adults. In the early 90’s I created and taught all of the Peoria Park District piano program classes. I taught group lessons at Valeska Hinton and several private schools. While living in Champaign-Urbana and Southern California, I taught private, group lessons, and theory classes at community college. I love teaching every age, especially ages 14-90 years old, with a few spots open for children. My hobbies and interests are art, crafts, knitting, and pets.

Lesson Information
Maureen teaches ages 5 and up. Piano and Theory

Mr. Patrick is a recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he studied the Great Books together with the classical liberal arts curriculum. He has been playing piano for about 21 years and teaching piano for 15 years. He is a member of the Peoria Area Music Teacher’s Association. He teaches beginner and intermediate students – both group classes through the park district and private individual lessons. His forte is in piano performance, classical and popular, but also enjoys teaching technique, theory, sight-reading, and some ear training. In addition, he has a background in rhythm guitar and loves to glean all sorts of music for the big questions.

Lesson Information
Piano

I give beginning to advanced instruction on drums and drum set, beginning to intermediate instruction on piano and beginning guitar. Weekly lessons include reading music, ear training, music theory and music history. I will also work with you on learning current popular music, classical, blues, country or whatever your musical interest. Dons Music Land also has a great facility to showcase your talent. You will be encouraged to perform as a solo or in a group of other students. Music is the most fun when there is a performance. I have been teaching music for 40+ years and playing with touring musical groups and as a solo performer. I have worked on various CBs and LPs in a variety of musical styles. Lessons will be structured but still lots of fun.

Lesson Information
Drums and Percussion

Robin Gathers is a native of Peoria, IL. Her musical background is in classical piano beginning at age 7. By the age of 19, Robin became the lead musician for her church where she still serves to this day and has been teaching piano for the past 28 years. Ms. Gathers also plays drums and bass on occasion.

Lesson Information
Piano, Keyboard, and Voice

Sarai Marchan attends Illinois State University. She is majoring in Music Education, with an Instrumental/Orchestra sequence. After graduating there, she was hired to conduct the Intermediate and Beginner Orchestra. Meanwhile attending ICCS, Sarai was very active in the music field. She was the first chair of the orchestra, participated in the choir, and many contests with instrument and vocal ensembles. Sarai also plays flute, piano, and sings. She has taught private flute, violin, and piano. She has danced in “Nutcracker” and participated in school plays.

Lesson Information

She is available to teach Violin, Viola, Cello, and Upright Bass.