Private Lessons & Coaches in Smithton, IL

Singing has always been my language. As a classically trained singer with 7+ years of experience teaching singing, I'm passionate about helping aspiring vocalists find their artistic voice and express themselves through music while also developing healthy singing technique. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and achieve your musical goals.

"Fitz has been an absolutely incredible teacher to me. But he’s also so much more. He’s one of the absolute most remarkable human beings I’ve ever known and I feel incredibly lucky to have been his student. I am an adult learner who had taken extended time off from any singing while focusing on my career and raising a family. Fitz was a kind, but firm teacher with huge expectations as well as the skills and leadership necessary to help me reach his high expectations. In a lot of ways, it felt like I was starting all over and he was so patient at meeting me where I was and helping me to grow. He’s a master at technique, vocal health, strengthened my breath support, is a amazing with how to teach a variety of different languages for singing, and best of all-has a real art behind having his students connect emotionally to our music. In short, he isn’t just training singers. He creates artists. He doesn’t only forge relationships 1:1 with his students in lessons. Fitz has created a community among the artists that train under him. He created monthly singing salons where his students could come together and share our love for singing-whether classical, pop, and even some students who were writing their own music. This was in addition to our twice yearly performances where friends and family attended our performances to showcase what we’ve been working on. Fitz is one of the best studio teachers you can find, but he knows music is to be shared and fosters the artist community to come together with each other and perform in a variety of settings. You won’t find a better teacher, community-builder, or human being out there. I recommend Fitz without hesitation.

I’m a 5.0 rated player with a strong background in high school and college tennis. For the past two years, I’ve been teaching pickleball to my friends, and now I’m excited to broaden my reach and help others discover the game. I’m deeply passionate about pickleball and find great joy in watching players grow in both their skills and their enthusiasm for the sport.

Hello! My name is John and I’m an avid pickleball player and am passionate about helping people improve their game. I have been coaching both tennis and pickleball for 10 years and am comfortable working with beginners to advanced players and helping my students reach their goals. Let me help you skip through the grueling pains of learning by yourself and apply personalized tips to help you efficiently improve each and every time you play with me. Looking forward to seeing you on the court!

As a former D2 athlete with 14 years of coaching experience, I'm dedicated to helping players unlock their full potential on the court. My tailored approach combines technical expertise with a fun and supportive environment, ensuring lasting improvement. Let's elevate your game!

"Kenzie has been an incredible coach for Ada—so much more than just an instructor. From the very beginning, Ada looked up to her not only as a coach but as an older sister and role model. Kenzie constantly pushed Ada to reach her next level, always believing she was capable of more and refusing to let her settle. She paid close attention to the details, making sure Ada developed the right technique and strong fundamentals that would carry her far in the sport. More than anything, Kenzie encouraged her to step into tournaments with confidence, helping her grow not just as a player, but as a competitor and a young athlete with self-belief.

Embark on a transformative vocal, songwriting, or solo cabaret journey! With 20 years of experience as a teacher, songwriter, choral arranger, and concert performer, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every lesson. My background ranges from classical to musical theater to pop and classic rock. I've taught both privately and acted as a former music department chair at a prestigious school in St. Louis, Mo. Both myself and my students have gone on to perform at places like The MUNY and STAGES St. Louis, as well as featured and solo performances in cabaret venues and music concert halls. I look forward to making great music together!

I'm a former tennis player turned pickleball addict. I bring a strong background in competitive tennis and focus on helping players develop the basics with clean, efficient mechanics, smart shot selection and a good understanding of the game of pickleball. My lessons combine strategy, repetition, and fun — whether you’re new to the game or already competing in tournaments. Let’s take your game to the next level.

"My friends started playing pickleball a while ago but I was injured at that time. I decided to take some lessons to gain basic knowledge of pickleball and get to a beginner level. It helped me a lot because Michael teaches everything with attention to detail and makes it easy to understand.

I’m a dual-certified Pickleball Coach (PPR and IPTPA) who loves helping beginners and early-intermediate players level up fast. I specialize in teaching 2.5–3.5 players the what, how, and why of good pickleball so you build real skills and confidence—not just shots that work “sometimes.” I’ve coached hundreds of players at Vetta Sports and even taught as a Visiting Pickleball Instructor at Club Med Punta Cana. I bring drills and techniques I’ve learned directly from top pros and tailor them to make learning easier, clearer, and more fun. I’m a competitive 4.0+ player with medals from regional tournaments and experience on the inaugural St. Louis Shock Minor League Pickleball team. I also use tech and new AI tools to help pinpoint the quickest ways for you to improve. Let’s get you playing smarter, stronger, and having more fun on the court.

"I was fortunate enough to meet Jeff at the Webster Tennis Center where he was doing some organized beginner classes. I had been struggling with progressing as an intermediate player and asked Jeff for some individual instruction. I was able to work with Jeff individually for a few sessions and saw immediate improvement in my play in the transition zone. Jeff was patient, kind, and made several excellent suggestions, that have helped me to develop more consistency in my play. Jeff also helped me to re-grip my paddle and discuss ways to weight the paddle to gain better control and to diminish stress on my elbow. After a few initial sessions, I was able to set up group lessons for several of my playing partners and the feedback has been glowingly positive. Jeff is knowledgeable and approachable in his instruction and I would absolutely recommend him for anyone looking to improve their game.

I’ve been playing soccer since I was 3, and now at 17, I’ve racked up 14 years of experience on the field. The game has shaped how I think, move, and lead—both on and off the pitch. I’ve learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and strategy through every match I’ve played. Coaching lets me pass that on and help younger players grow into confident, skillful athletes. My approach focuses on building strong fundamentals while encouraging creativity and self-belief. Soccer isn’t just something I do—it’s part of who I am.

With eight years of volleyball instruction, I foster skill and passion for the game. My coaching focuses on fundamentals, strategy, and building confident athletes. I believe in creating a fun and challenging environment where players thrive. I started learning how to play Volleyball in the 7th grade. Since my school didn’t have any volleyball programs for kids my age I wasn’t allowed to play until I got into high school. I was captain of varsity all my 4 years and my aces won my team 2nd place in districts. Our first ever trophy for girls Volleyball at my school. When I graduated I got asked by my high school to come back and help coach for the school. I felt a lot of gratitude about being able to help young girls who will soon be out into the real world and play for someone’s college. I promise I will teach you so many things about volleyball when you get out on the court you will be unstoppable!!!

"During the 2025 season of volleyball I’ve gotten to know coach Shaw more as a person and as a coach. She truly is one of the best coaches I’ve had over the years. She’s helped me and many other players with their progress in volleyball. Coach Shaw has connected with us as a group and I hope to have her continue to be apart of CPA’s volleyball team. - Alexia’

I have empowered athletes to reach their full potential on the volleyball court for over a decade. My coaching style blends technical expertise with a positive and encouraging environment. Let's unlock your potential together!