Guitar Lessons in Downey, IL

Instruments: Guitar

Hello, my name is Michael and I am a recent Berklee College of Music graduate living in Chicago. I have been playing guitar since I was 10-years old. Aside from being a teacher, performer, and songwriter, I would define myself as a "guitar nerd" because I love every aspect of playing. I still practice every day and have an insatiable hunger for new opportunities to play and learn. I have an encyclopedic knowledge of metal, rock, blues, country, and guitar. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I started teaching guitar when I was in college and have been teaching for almost 17 years since. I have taught at many music stores and currently teach out of my home.. I have had many students go on to perform in bands and a few even have toured nationally. I encourage my students to follow their dreams no matter how big or small. During lessons I try to make them feel comfortable with no pressure. 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 Violin Acoustic Guitar

The initial meeting with a student is where we start. Has there been any musical training. Is there the ability to read music. Interest in the instrument. It is a two way interview where we begin to know each other on terms that we will be dealing with if we choose to work together. Practice is most important in learning an instrument. And I play along with the students to help with their intonation. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

My approach is definitely supportive and positive, but I don't let that get in the way of challenging the student. I am not afraid to tell the student that they can do better. It's very important to get to know the student's goals and inspirations. That way, I can focus on the skills they need. Also, I like to let the student learn songs by artists they love (if applicable) because it motivates them and sometimes it ends up being the sound they want to go for anyway. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

My first experiences with music began in the car, listening to the hits of 60s and 70s as my parents drove me around. I quickly realized music was going to be an important part of my life and begged my parents to get me a saxophone. By the time I was 10, I was performing music regularly for large audiences and loving every second of it. Then I turned 14 and picked up a guitar; Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners at the start of the lessons, I usually get the know each student. Why would they like to learn? and What would they like to learn on guitar?; in order to make some reachable goals! Some will prefer to learn how to just physically play the guitar, and others may want a little more in depth understanding about the theory behind it and how to read music. When it comes to children, I believe the best way to keep them engaged and wanting to learn more is by making these lessons as fun as possible, while keeping nice and easy. Read More