Criser Studio

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I have loved music since I was a child. I had excellent teachers and have had many wonderful experiences performing on piano or singing. My goal is to teach students to love and enjoy music. Music is a life enriching artistic outlet. It can also encourage life shaping characteristics such as self-discipline, poise, self-confidence, gratification for hard work and much more.

I give very individual and special attention to each student. No two students are alike. I teach them according to their age, ability and style preferences.

My Musical Education Background

I have a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska

Genres and Subjects Taught

I have had excellent training and experience in all styles of classical music for voice and piano. And I love to teach using the classics. But I also teach all styles of music . . . Sacred, Popular, Jazz, Broadway Musicals, Movie Themes . . I like to expose students to many different styles. It helps them determine their own preferences and can be a great help in motivating the student to practice.


I include theory and technique appropriate to the level of the student with each lesson.

Lesson Rates

$25.00 for 30 minute lesson
$37.50 for 45 minute lesson
$50.00 for an hour lesson

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

Piano lessons - age 6 to adult
Beginning to Advanced

Voice Lessons - Age 10 to Adult
Beginning to Advanced

My Certifications and Awards

I am a published composer and free-lance arranger for vocal music, piano, bands and orchestras. I worked as a pianist and arranger for over twenty years on staff in churches. I have done free-lance work for groups such as the Betty Haag Academy of Music in Buffalo Grove. I wrote the orchestrations for her "Magical Strings of Youth" violin students to use with Symphony Orchestras on their trips to Prague, Czech Republic and in San Diego, California.

My Musical Influences

One of my strongest influences as a pianist was my teacher Beth Miller-Harrod. She founded Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, Colorado, where I spent one entire summer when I was in high school and another summer during my college years. She was an excellent and inspiring teacher and had been trained at some of the finest schools in our country, Julliard, Eastman School of Music and also at a prestigious School of Music in France. I spent eight years as her student and began teaching in her studio as a freshman in college. I am so grateful for that privilege

One of my finest experiences as a singer came during my University years as part of the University Singers. The director of this group was Dr. Pete Jenkins. His direction, music selection and shaping of vocal sound was amazing. We had the privilege of singing with Dr. Robert Shaw as our director for one concert during my years at the University. This also was a wonderful, memorable experience.

Service Area

May
Palatine, IL

My son has been taking lessons with Debbie for 4 years, since he was 5 years old. Debbie is very passionate about her work, is very patient and kind to the kids and they in turn highly respect her and love her. I highly recommend Debbie for her professionalism and love for the children.