About Alexis Ross
*Background:
Born and raised in Arlington Heights, I began piano lessons in first grade. I continued with lessons all through college, but I also participated in other areas of music. I started trombone in fourth grade and continued with band all through college. I started guitar lessons in eighth grade and was part of Saint Viator High School's jazz band. I also took drum set lessons for a short period of time in high school.
I attended Elmhurst College and graduated with a degree in music education and a certificate in piano pedagogy. Although I am certified to teach K-12 music in any public school in Illinois, I decided to continue in growing my private studio after college in order to work with students on a one-on-one level.
I studied under Linda Camp and Wendy Unrath-Young during my time at Elmhurst College. I would also like to attribute my strong background in music theory and ear training to another Elmhurst College professor, Kevin Olson, whose beginner piano method books I use in my studio today. I gained invaluable teaching knowledge from my two outstanding Music Education professsors/ band directors at Elmhurst University, Judith E. Grimes and the late Ross Kellan. I spent two weeks in Jamaica volunteering with grade schools and high schools teaching children how to play trombone and piano. The trip was made possible from a generous scholarship from the United Church of Christ. I have performed in numerous recitals, was a featured soloist with the Elmhurst College Chamber Orchestra, have accompanied for high school choirs, accompanied several solo and ensemble contests with local schools, and am a substitute pianist at a few local churches, and have played for several weddings. I have also joined the pit orchestra at Cutting Hall in Palatine on trombone for a few musicals.
Aside from my private studio, I have worked with the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and teach students with special needs piano and guitar lessons. I currently teach students with special needs from all over the Chicago area in my home studio, and students come from as far as Volo and Chicago.
*Philosophy*
Each student is unique - everyone has a different learning style, personality, and taste in music. As much as I strive to teach fundamentals for every beginner, it is also fun to venture into the music the student wants to learn. We have fun during the summer taking requests of anything from Taylor Swift to Childish Gambino. I try to incorporate AS MANY Beatles songs as I can, along with other classic rock pieces (Don't Stop Believin' and Sweet Caroline are quite popular!). During December, most students chose to work on the holiday music of their choosing. I hold an annual recital during the Spring, and choose a fun theme each year. Over the years, I have chosen patriotic music, Beatles, 80s, Disney, Sonatas & Sonatinas, as well as contemporary American composers. For the 2024 recital, the students performed pieces composed by Brock Chart, and each piece came with a backing track (with guitar, bass and drums) that some of the students were able to perform along to.
I use the Piano Adventures series by Faber & Faber as a general guide for structuring lessons, but honestly, there is so much great music out there, I'd hate for students to miss out on all of the fantastic pieces available, from John Williams to Elton John! I incorporate a wide range and try to expose my students to as many different sounds and styles as possible.
*Outside of Music*
Aside from teaching music lessons, I am a passionate runner and gardener. I love talking to my students about their athletic endeavors. I believe every human needs to develop skills and passions to make him/herself a well-rounded individual, and in addition to the arts, athletics is an equally important component of life. I also love being in nature, whether it's running with a jogging stroller and baby during a snow shower, or hiking with my daughter on my back when it's 95 degrees! I am an avid reader and can talk Harry Potter all day long with my students. I grow as much of my own food as possible - I even have a grow tent in the basement for the winter - and have a rule at home to use at least one home grown ingredient per day, YEAR-ROUND!
Joining my husband and toddler are Reggie, our lab-pointer dog, and Julep and La Crescent, our cats. They love attention from my students!
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*Background:
Born and raised in Arlington Heights, I began piano lessons in first grade. I continued with lessons all through college, but I also participated in other areas of music. I started trombone in fourth grade and continued with band all through college. I started guitar lessons in eighth grade and was part of Saint Viator High School's jazz band. I also took drum set lessons for a short period of time in high school.
I attended Elmhurst College and graduated with a degree in music education and a certificate in piano pedagogy. Although I am certified to teach K-12 music in any public school in Illinois, I decided to continue in growing my private studio after college in order to work with students on a one-on-one level.
I studied under Linda Camp and Wendy Unrath-Young during my time at Elmhurst College. I would also like to attribute my strong background in music theory and ear training to another Elmhurst College professor, Kevin Olson, whose beginner piano method books I use in my studio today. I gained invaluable teaching knowledge from my two outstanding Music Education professsors/ band directors at Elmhurst University, Judith E. Grimes and the late Ross Kellan. I spent two weeks in Jamaica volunteering with grade schools and high schools teaching children how to play trombone and piano. The trip was made possible from a generous scholarship from the United Church of Christ. I have performed in numerous recitals, was a featured soloist with the Elmhurst College Chamber Orchestra, have accompanied for high school choirs, accompanied several solo and ensemble contests with local schools, and am a substitute pianist at a few local churches, and have played for several weddings. I have also joined the pit orchestra at Cutting Hall in Palatine on trombone for a few musicals.
Aside from my private studio, I have worked with the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and teach students with special needs piano and guitar lessons. I currently teach students with special needs from all over the Chicago area in my home studio, and students come from as far as Volo and Chicago.
*Philosophy*
Each student is unique - everyone has a different learning style, personality, and taste in music. As much as I strive to teach fundamentals for every beginner, it is also fun to venture into the music the student wants to learn. We have fun during the summer taking requests of anything from Taylor Swift to Childish Gambino. I try to incorporate AS MANY Beatles songs as I can, along with other classic rock pieces (Don't Stop Believin' and Sweet Caroline are quite popular!). During December, most students chose to work on the holiday music of their choosing. I hold an annual recital during the Spring, and choose a fun theme each year. Over the years, I have chosen patriotic music, Beatles, 80s, Disney, Sonatas & Sonatinas, as well as contemporary American composers. For the 2024 recital, the students performed pieces composed by Brock Chart, and each piece came with a backing track (with guitar, bass and drums) that some of the students were able to perform along to.
I use the Piano Adventures series by Faber & Faber as a general guide for structuring lessons, but honestly, there is so much great music out there, I'd hate for students to miss out on all of the fantastic pieces available, from John Williams to Elton John! I incorporate a wide range and try to expose my students to as many different sounds and styles as possible.
*Outside of Music*
Aside from teaching music lessons, I am a passionate runner and gardener. I love talking to my students about their athletic endeavors. I believe every human needs to develop skills and passions to make him/herself a well-rounded individual, and in addition to the arts, athletics is an equally important component of life. I also love being in nature, whether it's running with a jogging stroller and baby during a snow shower, or hiking with my daughter on my back when it's 95 degrees! I am an avid reader and can talk Harry Potter all day long with my students. I grow as much of my own food as possible - I even have a grow tent in the basement for the winter - and have a rule at home to use at least one home grown ingredient per day, YEAR-ROUND!
Joining my husband and toddler are Reggie, our lab-pointer dog, and Julep and La Crescent, our cats. They love attention from my students!
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