Guitar Lessons in Downers Grove, IL

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: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Though I have taught on and off for the last fifteen years, my most formative experience as a teacher was my time teaching at School of Rock in 2015. I taught bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals, and ensemble musicianship to students ranging in age from 6 to 60. I enjoyed using the music they loved in order to teach the fundamentals of music, just as I learned the fundamentals from the music I love. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I happily teach at a pace that is comfortable for the student. If he or she only has time for a couple hours of practice a week, then we will progress at an equally stable pace in our lessons. I like to use written theory and ear training, but only if the student wants to learn with that technique. Guitarists and bassists can study tab with me as well. I encourage the student to bring in music they are excited about learning as the students often expose me to great music I may not have been familiar with before. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Drums Bass Guitar

I adjust my teaching based on the particular student. For adults I take the lessons in whatever direction they like. Subjects covered are more often than not dictated by the student's interest. For children I do take their interests into account but also guide them towards getting better at their instrument. Reading music is an important thing for all my students. Read More

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 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

As a teacher, I plan out lessons beginning with a short recap of the previous lesson, and then I work with the student to set a goal for that day's lesson, and then we work together to achieve it. I also often will invite students to see me perform, hoping that this will inspire them to work hard so that they can perform as well. Also, I try to create a positive learning environment for my students, so that they can learn in the most effective way for them. Read More