Bass Lessons in Blue Island, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I was the recipient of the Hibbard Perry Mandolin Scholarship (2003) and the Mandolin Symposium Scholarship (2009). After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business with a concentration in classical guitar from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2006), I moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I held the position of Finance Coordinator at Sony Music Entertainment. In 2008, I relocated to Chicago to continue performing in various ensembles and was awarded a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2016, where he I studied jazz mandolin and guitar under the tutelage of virtuoso guitarist Fareed Haque. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to give each student an idea whats coming next, every few lessons or so, while practicing what their on currently. This idea is not for every student so it is a selective process I use with the brightest ones, or fast learners and good practicers.When I see a student really start to play well I gain confidence in my teaching style...but when needed I can dial it back a notch or two. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style is designed to give each student a feeling of progress and real growth each lesson. It's essential that every student practice every day for at least 30min in order for my method to really work. In short, I like to be a resource for my students. A person who can present the information as clear and concise as possible. If the student wants to learn just rock or blues, I would show them licks and scales that are primarily used in those styles as well as learn any song they want to learn. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching guitar, electric bass, and woodwinds for over 30 years.  I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.  I have performed all over the Chicago area in a variety of Rock, Americana, Country, Folk, Blues, and Celtic ensembles.  I write original songs and compose music for dance and film. Some of the bands I have been in include; The Flynn Brothers Blues Band, Small World, Honeysuckle Road, Body Parts, Al Day and the Victors, and I have also performed with Bo Diddley as his bass player. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I start my students with a single lesson where I gain a knowledge about the student's musical abilities and personality. I don't generally start with a single method book, because I believe that in individual lessons, the methods used should be tailored to fit the student. I will pull from Essential Elements, Accent on Achievement, and Standard of Excellence, as well as writing and devising my own warm ups and methods. Read More