Bass Lessons in Park Forest, IL

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 Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For younger students I try to focus on simpler concepts and to revisit lessons to help solidfy the material until they feel comfortable progressing. Familiarity with material before it's necessary for application I feel is also a good approach. I currently study using the guidance of University of West London's curriculum for practical knowledge as well as theory and my lessons are geared towards mastering the instrument and not just learning songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Drums Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard

As an educator it is my goal for students to be able to communicate through the language of music. Whether the student is a beginner or advanced, the first thing they will be taught is to listen and respond. Ive always believed that the best way to learn music is as if you are learning a foreign language. When learning a language, one is given a small amount of vocabulary, they learn what it means, and practice using it in conversations. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have in my repertoire numerous lessons that I provide for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students alike. For young children, I start with the fundamentals, ensuring that the child has grasped the concepts before moving on. For older children or adults, I first assess the student's musical interests (e.g., genres/styles, acoustic/electric guitar, style(s) of playing, etc..) and teach to their interest, beginning with the fundamentals, the foundation, and subsequently moving on to more complex concepts, all the while ensuring that the lessons are fun and engaging. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I love to teach my students the basic tools of what it takes to be a professional musician, whether or not they are into music as a hobby or as a serious profession. I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. Read More

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

Aside from whatever primary genre they (or their parents) care to learn, students under my tutelage should expect to learn bits and pieces of everything; jazz, bluegrass, classical, metal, and anything else that I feel can create a 'musician-of-all-genres,' so to speak. One note: for parents interested in having their child learn classical guitar, I feel it's good to have the kid learn at least some other genres prior to moving onto classical. Read More