Guitar Lessons in Berwyn, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Over the past 20 years, I have developed a very successful method of getting students up and playing the guitar very quickly focusing primarily on the mechanics of playing the guitar. The guitar is a highly physically demanding instrument and requires very regular practice just to get to the point where sound that can be turned into music can be made. For more intermediate and advanced students, I draw on my extensive performance experience and focus on practical, real world techniques and theory to help them advance their playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My style is largely based on my passion to create a comfortable environment and rewarding lesson plan for my students. Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've played music for over half my life now, and guitar has shaped my life for the better in ways I've never thought possible. Throughout that time, I've taught lessons on and off for the past 7 years. I have always enjoyed teaching, and passing on my knowledge and hopefully my passion for playing the guitar and songwriting has always been a wonderful experience. One of my favorite things about teaching is that when I dissect every element of my playing to be able to teach it to someone else, by the time I've shown someone else a new technique, I've found that my own playing improves. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Almost immediately after starting to play music, I began teaching my friends and family members how to play. I became the guitar teacher at my high school, teaching beginning guitar students for the last semester of my senior year. Then, when I went to college, I continued teaching friends and starting picking up students who I did not know at all for the first time. These experiences taught me how to deal with all age levels, and different styles of student learning. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm of the opinion that what interest's the student most is what they'll be most likely to practice, so, to an extent, any student of mine can expect at least some amount of time working on whatever they enjoy the most. At the end of the day though, practice isn't all fun, and getting students to realize that is one of the hardest parts of starting an instrument. This applies ever more so with beginning students who have never played the instrument before--They can't practice the fun stuff when they can't even hold the instrument right! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have a strong background in the fingerpicking style so I naturally gravitate towards the acoustic guitar. But my teaching style overall has more to do with expression and feel. Developing control with both hands. Understanding the importance of intonation. And most importantly, listening to your instrument. Afterall, music is how we hear sounds we like. Over time, how we listen will help us play better to further our ability as musicians. Read More