Lessons in western Chicago suburbs

[Slideplay]

Does anyone have any recommendations for a teacher in this area? I'm returning to the instrument after 10+ years, so near but not quite beginner level. Thanks for your time.

[JLivi]

I live in Arlington Heights, and I'm sure there are plenty of great teachers in your area. How far west? Oak Park, Elmhurst Wheaton?

[Slideplay]

West Chicago, but I'm willing to travel within reason for sure. I've just been out of the loop for so long I'm not sure where to start.

[kingsk1117]

I live in Batavia (next door to W. Chicago) and can check in with some of my High School band director trombone playing friends and get you some best recommendations.

[Slideplay]

Much appreciated!

[JLivi]

There should be plenty of options in or around the Naperville area. I would reach out to the high school directors and see who is teaching there. Also, maybe check out Wheaton College and College if Dupage.

Unfortunately I don’t know anyone specifically out in that area. But whoever is I’m sure is great.

[jorymil]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet: Douglas Yeo is on the faculty of Wheaton College. Even if he isn't personally accepting students, one of his current or former students might be offering lessons.

Another fantastic trombonist is Audrey Morrison, who's been in the Chicago area for several decades. She currently teaches at the Music Institute of Chicago. I met her at a summer jazz camp as a teenager 20-odd years ago (dang I feel old), and she was a huge influence on me. She turned me on to Clifford Brown, who was just about the greatest musician ever. Not biased or anything

Both of these folks would probably be glad to answer an e-mail.

[jorymil]

Just realized: the Music Institute would probably be a trek for you. Looks like most of their classes are up on the North Shore. Still worth an e-mail, though: they may know someone closer to home.

I'd forgotten just how big Chicago is: it's a 90-minute train ride from West Chicago into the city! In New England, that could take you through four states.

[lupusargentus]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet: Douglas Yeo is on the faculty of Wheaton College. Even if he isn't personally accepting students, one of his current or former students might be offering lessons.

Another fantastic trombonist is Audrey Morrison, who's been in the Chicago area for several decades. She currently teaches at the Music Institute of Chicago. I met her at a summer jazz camp as a teenager 20-odd years ago (dang I feel old), and she was a huge influence on me. She turned me on to Clifford Brown, who was just about the greatest musician ever. Not biased or anything

Both of these folks would probably be glad to answer an e-mail.

I met Audrey at probably the same music camp about 35 years ago. She's a fantastic teacher and player. I took some strictly technique lessons from her and progressed further in a month than two years with my private "teacher" in music school.

[jph]

The University of Illinois search for a Jazz professor failed to surface Audrey Morrison, a nurturing teacher as well as tested performer.
Jim Pugh has earned his leading edge status in jazz innovation, so hiring Jim bolstered the program, but Audrey could have been brought in to teach the classical AND jazz repertoire.
Yeo would be a natural for the Northwestern or Depaul campus.

[spencercarran]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned it yet: Douglas Yeo is on the faculty of Wheaton College. Even if he isn't personally accepting students, one of his current or former students might be offering lessons.

Second this; I've had only a handful of brief interactions with Mr. Yeo but have found him to be extremely kind and approachable. Even if he doesn't have time to take on new students, he almost certainly has good recommendations.

If you're willing to travel into Chicago itself there's a huge number of good trombonists in the city - you might try contacting Catie Hickey, the trombone professor at Loyola. Or up in the north suburbs, Mark Fisher is willing to take time to teach hobbyists and returning players, with appropriate sensitivity to an individual student's musical goals.

[jph]

Yeo is at Illinois now, although I suspect he still serves Wheaton.
You really can’t beat Evanston’s suburban offerings, Doug Wright and Randy Hawes (bass).

[Vegasbound]

Steve Wiest is also now a Chicago resident

[spencercarran]

You really can’t beat Evanston’s suburban offerings, Doug Wright and Randy Hawes (bass).

I had no idea Randy Hawes moved to Evanston! I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for any faculty recitals.

[jph]

Not sure he’s permanently moved, but he’e there enough to teach at NU.