Guitar Lessons in Darien, IL

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. 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 Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I got my start in the experimental Minneapolis music scene as an adolescent in the early 2000's, the spirit of which I carried with me to Oberlin, OH. I got my Bachelors of Music from the conservatory there, where I designed my own major in Contemporary Bass Performance. The major allowed me to pursue my interest in Jazz, Classical, Computer Music and composition, extended techniques, and historical performance. In addition to my studies, I have toured internationally with the Oberlin Orchestra and several other groups, and have released seven albums of my own material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Lesson materials are customized based on each student's individual goals. I use a combination of tried and true books along with materials that I have created over my 16 years of teaching. Here is a quick list of some of the books I use: General Guitar Skills - Progressive Guitar Method, A Modern Method for Guitar, Melodic Rhythms for Guitar Jazz Guitar - Jazz Harmony on the Guitar, Approaching the Guitar, Jazz Conception for Guitar, The Brazilian Guitar Book Classical Guitar - Pumping Nylon, 100 Graded Classical Guitar Studies, The Library of Guitar Classics, The Solo Lute Works of J.S. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

While in college, I began tutoring fellow music students in the areas of guitar, songwriting, music production, and music theory. It was during this time that I realized how fun and rewarding it is to have something I say "click" for the student that encourages their love for music! After college, I started teaching younger, beginning students, and am now looking to expand my teaching to all levels and ages. 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: Piano Guitar

I'm a passionate teacher who understands and cares for the success of my students. I treat each students differently as everyone learns in a different manner. I began taking classical piano lessons at the age of four and then began learning the guitar at age ten. I was mostly self taught on guitar and took a developed a deep understanding of music theory and a love for the guitar itself. Read More