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Ian M Teaches Online
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4.7
  4.7 (19)

Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

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Ian M  
4.7
  4.7 (19)
Teaches Online
Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Latin, Funk, Hip Hop, Electronic, Flamenco, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Reggae, Swing, New Age, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Punk, Mariachi, Avant-garde

Where I Teach:
Online
Ages Taught: 4-80
Levels Taught:

EMAIL US OR CALL 877-687-4524

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ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:

By the time I reached college age I was so proficient in my musical knowledge that I found it unnecessary to major in music (despite the fact that I was offered a scholarship to Columbia College). I still stand behind this decision. But while we're here, let's talk about what I did instead. First of all, I have NEVER stopped, at any point in my life, studying music.There is no point where you can say "I'm done. I know it all!". I've devoted most of my life to learning more about music through teaching and underground sources (such as playing in numerous successful bands, recording and running my own recording studio, running a music venue and playing with real life working musicians who have experience in almost every genre from around the globe). I opened a music venue and recording studio in 2006 and ran it for over 9 years. The experiences and stories I can tell about that would take almost the 9 years it was open. I've been teaching professionally since 2001 in schools, music stores (one of which I was the top teacher for over 5 years) and people's homes and mine. There are things I believe I can teach about music and the musical world that you would not learn in school. We won't have time for me to pass on to you all that I know. But I will focus our lessons around what you will NEED to know to accomplish your musical goals.

Awards:

I have become the top teacher in several schools and music stores, opened a music venue/recording studio where I met musicians from around the world and now run my own lessons business. My longevity/success rate with students speaks for itself. As an example, I have an entire family of kids (three sisters and a brother) that I have been teaching since 2012 who have moved across the country and now take their lessons with me online. During those years they have become not only proficient in guitar and ukulele but I have consistently created recitals for them to entertain their whole family. This is just one example. I have taught literally hundreds of students over the years and have watched most of them not only become great musicians, but many have also played the stage of my music venue and recorded albums in my recording studio.

Overview:
I was raised with music. My parents favorite pasttime was listening to my Dad's collection of over 2000 records and having me decipher the lyrics. When I started playing guitar, I got every book I could find (because this was before the internet- and my family couldn't afford lessons) and studied them all, day and night for many years. Classical, folk, blues, rock, metal and more. At 17 I played my high school battle of the bands and won with a standing ovation from the audience. From there I have had several successful bands in Chicago (to name a few: Mantra, Gift of Tongues, Swing State)- all of which I wrote all of the music- guitar, bass, drums, lyrics and more. I started teaching in 2001 and haven't stopped. I can teach up to advanced guitar, bass and ukulele- any style/genre.
EXPERIENCE
I started teaching guitar and bass in 2001. I started teaching ukulele in 2013. Over the years, I have taught professionally at schools, park districts and music stores- in most cases becoming the top teacher (meaning, I was the most requested and had the best enrollment longevity). When I realized my ability to teach and how perfect it felt for me, I never looked back. In 2006, I opened a music venue/recording studio that was open to all ages- closing 9 years later in 2015. Many of my past students had the opportunity to play the stage. It was a very rewarding experience for all of us. Since we closed, I have been teaching full-time again as a career. Most of my students now take their lessons live online via Zoom, but I still have some in-person students as well if we live close enough.
METHODS USED
The first thing I do is find out where you already are. If you’re a beginner, we’ll get right into the basics and build from there. I like to use a book to supplement lessons but not as a main focus. If you’ve already been playing, I’ll usually try to find anything you may have missed along the way that I consider to be important. Once the basics are covered, our path is greatly dependent on your goals. There are so many styles and genres that you can delve into for years without touching upon them all so I always want to know what you find the most interesting first and foremost. Songs are always worked in and I always try to do some analyzing of them based upon the concepts we’re always covering. Either way, there is always a structure. Each week I will give you specific homework to work on.
LESSON STYLE
I always have a gameplan. But it’s always based upon where we’re headed/your goals as a musician. Each lesson will usually be focused on 3 concepts- whether that be adding on/advancing something we’ve already done, or bringing in something new. One of those 3 things will almost always be a song of your choice (and if you don’t know what songs you want to work on, I’ll help you pick something). The other 2 will be based on theory and technique which will almost always be applied to whatever song we’re working on.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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RATING & REVIEWS
4.7
  4.7  (19)
5 star
(14)
4 star
(5)
3 star
(0)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Ashley Merced

4

Ian is very patient with my 5.5 and year olds. He is knowledge and breaks things down so they can easily understand.

Tim Schroh

5

Ian is very knowledgeable and comes with a lesson plan every time. He also listens to what my goals are and accommodates me with my job schedule which can change from one week to another. I'm so happy he was paired with me through Musika.

Hazel Wasseluk

4

Very professional, tries to accommodate with your schedule. Works well with my kids.

Michael Kelner

5

Very happy with Ian. He is punctual, and has a clear plan to help me achieve with guitar what I hope to at my own pace. He's patient and easy-going and a pleasure to work with.

Noelle Young

5

Ian is always on time. He is professional and friendly. My daughter loves working with him. He has also been flexible when we have needed to reschedule times. While we're new to taking lessons with Ian, my daughter is excited to continue learning from Ian and we are confident that she will continue to grow in skills.

Candice Hickman

5

He is very knowledgable, patient, and organized.

Lourdes Garcia

5

Ian is a patient, highly knowledgeable teacher for my young sons. I’ve seen their growth, and I couldn’t be prouder; I know that it takes a great teacher to see those results. The learning has not stopped a bit throughout the pandemic, as Ian is flexible and tech savvy. I’m very grateful to have him, especially now, as our music teacher.

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