Guitar Lessons in Forest Lake, IL

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I have loved teaching ever since I was young. Both of my parents were educators before retiring, and whether it was math or science, I’ve always enjoyed seeing the lightbulb go off in my students. I feel as a teacher, it is vital to focus first on the foundations that will later create more success, especially those that are necessary for truly understanding that instrument. Once those are established, I then focus on weaknesses, where practice and diligence become important. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been studying and performing music for nearly 20 years; this includes many styles ranging from classical to jazz, funk to folk, and jibaro to choro. I strive to be a versatile and compassionate artist and educator. I began my professional career at age 16, and I have performed throughout the United States in various touring bands, which has also included mandolin orchestra performances in Providence, Rhode Island; Lawrence, Kansas; and Santa Cruz, California. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a dedicated guitarist, going on just over forty years of experience playing for fun and as a career. Having been raised among musicians in the family, my start in music was ultimately a destiny of many different and exciting opportunities as a performer as well as teacher and instructor. I began to study classical guitar as a young boy and since then, I have given my life to the guitar! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Music Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching methods are centered around a structured approach that respects each student's individuality, goals, and learning styles. I have developed a comprehensive guitar learning resource, which I continuously update. This resource is organized into a 1-10 level system, with each level presenting increasingly advanced material. This progression ensures that students are always learning something new and making connections to previously acquired knowledge. Each level includes professionally crafted sheet music and tablature, technical exercises, songs, images, and charts, as well as backing tracksboth guitar-only and full band trackscreated by me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

I'm a lifelong musician, having started on the violin when I was 4 years old, and I am very grateful where that privilege has taken me. Music is an integral part of my life, and I credit great teachers and perserverance with how far I've come. I've performed professionally on violin and guitar with numerous ensembles and orchestras. This includes shows at the renowned Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA and Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL. 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: 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