Sean Danielson, Piano Teacher

 Sean Danielson is a teacher, musician, composer and music historian based in the Bolingbrook area outside of Chicago. He began taking piano and bass lessons from the age of 7 and by the time he reached middle school became interested in the craft of composing. It was during his first year in middle school that he was exposed to the music of Thelonious Monk. This not only encouraged him to hone his playing technique, but to also seek out the colors used in Monk's palette of harmony. In high school he began to take lessons on the saxophone and cello. Around this time is when he first began to tutor other students and neighbors. Thelonious Monk once said "A genius is the one most like himself." This is a message Sean tries to instill in the growth of all of his students. It's not about comparing your playing to your idols. It's about finding your own path and having fun along the way!

Sean believes in getting to know his students and adapting lessons according to their unique learning styles and goals. This approach helps tailor each lesson to fit every individual's unique needs.

"My favorite musician would have to be Charles Mingus. He has such a great way of telling his life story in every composition and solo. I consider his 1964 sextet to be one of the greatest lineups of musicians in American music history. Do yourself a favor and watch his performances in Liege and Stockholm on YouTube to witness the chemistry between Charles Mingus and drummer Dannie Richmond, the contrast of multi instrumentalist Eric Dolphy's synthetic scales and extended use of alternate fingerings (on alto sax, bass clarinet, AND flute) and pianist Jaki Byard's stylistic swaying between stride playing and late nineteenth century inspired harmonies, and the ability of tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan and trumpeter Johnny Coles to keep the music grounded through the blues."