Bass Lessons in Timber Lake, IL

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 Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a graduate of Northwestern's Bienen School of Music and have been playing and performing music since childhood. I hold two degrees, one in Music Performance for Classical Guitar, and the other in Cognitive Science; both affect my teaching method--in different ways, of course! I think one of the most important things when starting out as a musician is to have the intent and drive to practice (encouragement counts for quite a bit too!). 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 Bass Guitar

I believe in providing a well rounded education for you or your child. My approach entails a 50/50 split between doing the hard work necessary to excel and learning to enjoy music. Therefore, their will be and allotment of standard scales, chords, sight-reading and music theory education. However, one must also learn how to use these elements to find there own stylized expression, creative abilities and improvisational voice, which I believe to be necessary if one is to really enjoy music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I enjoy guiding students to their specific goals and helping them gain understanding of their instrument and also of their own innate musicality. I tailor all lessons to meet both of these areas and find that it not only helps students motivate but also learn to engage their instrument in a way that is both fun and rewarding for themselves. I encourage students to have an open mind especially in regards to genre and what can be gained by broadening our musical palette as they build their practice and fundamental skills. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I highly encourage each student to progress at their own pace, and as weeks pass and they've got a few lessons under their belt, I'd plan to tailor my teaching style (in terms of pacing) to fit where each individual student is at. I'm also a firm believer in positive reinforcement, so I'll make it clear to students when they're doing a good job, because I think that'll only fuel them to keep doing better and better. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Relocated to Chicago from Los Angles to make the Windy City my home, I’m also a state-credentialed (Illinois Professional Educator License) teacher with background music, education, and pedagogical thinking. I infuse the lessons I bring to my students with instructional methods that are interesting, engaging, and most of all, fun and personalized, tailored to your needs and interests. As a passionate musician, a dedicated and skilled guitar player, and as a formally trained educator, my mission is to help others not only learn the instrument but find the love, passion, and endless, immeasurable joy that the guitar provides. Read More