ELIZABETH PLEMMONS

Every student is innately musical.  Even before we're born, our brains are hardwired to hear, process, create, and understand music. It's how we learn to recognize our mothers' voices, and it's the first step towards language acquisition.  It can also be a powerful tool for positive change in the world.

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I knew from the age of 12 that I wanted to be a music teacher, and  Ms. Fromke’s 7th grade chorus at Theisen Junior High brought that into sharp relief for the first time.  I was enchanted, completely hooked, and it was then that I decided that I wanted to teach others how to make music. More importantly, I wanted to show them how music can not only entertain, but inspire, move, and heal.

 

Between grandparents, aunts, cousins, and parents, I have been surrounded by excellent educators my whole life. Because of this, I was infused with perspective on what it means to be a good teacher. From my mother (a band director), I learned what it means to work hard and well. From my father (also a band director), I learned how to stay at the top of my game but cultivate humility, and how important it is that your students know that you care about them.

 

I began creating my own philosophy teaching piano and voice lessons out of high school and have built up a successful studio over the last 30 years.   Additionally, I cultivated a sense of community service through my teaching with the idea that music can be used to strengthen the bonds of humanity across different areas of human experience.  I learned sign language to help the hearing-impaired kids in my community learn to make and connect with music. I started a music lesson program at a large Chicago-area non-profit that brought high-quality and affordable music lessons to at-risk youth in the area.

 

Through these and many other experiences, I have cultivated a sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy for music and its power. Not just in teaching of it, but its presence in the world at large. I have been to different countries, experienced different cultures, taught in foreign languages, and seen how the power of musical expression is a universal language amongst all of us. Even in something as simple as jamming out to a favorite song, that capacity is there within all of us. I hope that I am able to help my students recognize this in themselves, and encourage them to use it for the power of good in the world.​

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It's my firm belief that the joy of making music is within everyone's reach, regardless of age or ability.  This can happen through private instruction, classroom engagement, or shower singing!   Please click the links below to find out more about my teaching philosophy, educational practices, and approaches.