About
Greetings! My name is Chris Keniley and I am a music educator from Mattoon, Illinois.
I currently offer music lessons to most ages (5+ to Adult) on a variety of instruments. I teach an average of 75 students in private or group lessons, and about 200+ students through my own personal clinics and ministries, Middle School and High School band programs, church music teams, private and homeschooling networks and more.
Instruments Include: (not limited too)
Drums/Percussion
Voice
Guitar (electric and acoustic)
Bass Guitar
Piano and Keyboard/Synthesizer
Wood Winds (flute, clarinet etc.)
Brass (trumpet, trombone, french horn etc)
Ukuele
Mandoline
Composition/Writing/Theory/Aural Training
Sound Systems/Boards
I also offer online lessons via facetime (iphone), Messenger, Zoom, skype or other apps.
I enjoy seeing students learn how to appreciate music and grow into functional musicians that can perform in many different musical ensemble situations including school bands, cover bands, praise teams and more.
I've been teaching for over 20 years professionally, and seeing the number of students transform into competent musicians and seeing already established musicians understand their craft is truly rewarding. Having a detailed background in music composition and reading really helps students understand the mechanics of music!
More information is available at
http://www.ChrisKMusic.com
http://www.Facebook.com/ChrisKMusicLessons
Photos and videos
Reviews
Brent Z.
Kassie E.
Andy G.
Alex B.
Brandy M.
Jasmine B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I like to get to know the student/family and find out what interests them. Usually a new student has a goal in mind, or perhaps a song they like to play. I then use this information to plan lessons so they can learn a few songs they know and love, or show them the steps to achieve it!
Music lessons are what the students make of it!
More advanced students, especially members of a band or part of a school band program usually have more questions about being first chair, getting better sound, how to lead a group and so on. I welcome all questions!!!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over 20 years of private study and many instruments.
4 Years College Training in Education, Education and Theory split between Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University
Over 20 years of Teaching professionally
6 years of Cruise Ship experience, playing with some of the worlds top artists
15+ years of touring with different bands and Praise Bands
15+ years in ministry teaching and leading youth and adult bands.
Vic Firth and Hudson Music Intergrated Teacher
Yamaha Prefered Music Instructor
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$75.00 - 4 Lessons ( 30 minutes) once a week
$150.00 - 4 Lessons (60 minutes) once a week
I also have different pricing for Homeschool, Adult, and students that wish to come more than once a week!
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching at the age of 12, and I been teaching ever since!
What types of students have you worked with?
All sorts of students. The youngest I have worked with is 4 years old and the oldest is 87. I worked with absolute begenners and establisted musicians. I even have a few Autistic and special needs students.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I scheduled a concert event for my students at Chris K Music. At this concert my little boy (4 at the time) wanted to perform with me for the first time. He brought his little 1/2 scale size guitar on stage and started to play with us. Cutest thing! He had no idea how to play, but just seeing him up there moving around and strumming made this daddy proud!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
As I been told in the past, you get what you pay for. Your going to get more out of a teacher that does this for a living than someone that does it "on the side". Full time private teachers know the ins and out of the industry and continues to study it. Even myself continues to study new music trends, techniques and instruments that are available out there.
Be careful with music stores. As I love working with them and sending students to purchase merchandise, it can be a revolving door of instructors. This can be frustrating. I had students in the past that has had 5 instructors before me, and sadly never was taught properly.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Never be afraid to express your interest or opinon. Its your lesson!!! Also make sure you have time dedicated to practice and work on your instrument. It is very easy for an instructor to become frustrated with students that do no progress (and thats what we want to see! progress).
Also do not cancel often. Before you know it you may be out of a teacher, and future teachers for the matter.