Guitar Lessons in Ballou, IL

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 Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and focused on what the student wants to learn, by quickly getting them to play the music they want to they are motivated to practice.  It should be enjoyable first and foremost.  For those that aspire to be professionals, I make sure the student understands the dedication and discipline necessary to achieve their goals. No two students are alike in terms of the goals they have or the method of teaching that will be the most effective for them. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my curriculum, students start off by learning the basics of the guitar. This includes understanding the various parts, accessories and so forth. Along with those basics we work on tuning and pitch so that the student is comfortable with all aspects.As we move on students  learn how to build and maintain a rhythm. Learning how to play chords is essential, and we begin to go through chord progressions, as well as how to recognize and memorize the various chords.I then show students how to read tabs and write music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My teaching style is loose but stern in the same respect. I insist in practice but am understanding toward the students priorities. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students in elementary, middle, and high school, I usually use the student's school ensemble (if in one) as a spring board into our lessons. I will go over what the students is already involved in initially to assess what the student needs to work on the most. In time, we will dive into advanced theory to really expand the student's knowledge of the instrument and the genre he or she wants to focus on the most. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

Because I accept children as young as 3, my methods vary quite drastically. I also work with children who have learning disabilities, so I like to cater my lessons to the needs of the student. We play a LOT of games and when I feel they are ready, they can progress to books. I use everything from Hal Leonard and Bastien to Alfred and Faber Faber. Being a Special Education Aide, I understand that no book is a one size fits all". Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I encourage students to develop their ears, by giving them ample of exercises and homework that will eventually help in ear training. I help them to setup a realistic goals for each week so that students can see their accomplishment by themselves. Music is not only about playing alone, its get more interesting and creative when played in duet or trio or even in a band. Since, I always learned playing by looking at other people live in front of me and jamming with them, I encourage them to learn from the person in front of them rather than just play at home in front of their computers. Read More