Guitar Lessons in Graceland, IL

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

I don't really use method books; instead, I prefer to teach students using material that they like. There's nothing more tedious than studying music that you can't stand - it's enough to turn students off to music altogether. I want to stoke the flames of a lifelong passion, and I believe that all music has something to teach us, so I'm happy to couch the fundamentals into terms that students can understand. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I like to start with the basics. Its important to let the student gain confidence in their instrument. So I start with very simple task that would be easy to do while I'm present so if they have any questions I can answer. I also do everything in three's...if we are working on the C scale and we get it correct I like to do it three time straight for memory. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My teaching experience began when I arrived in San Franciso about 15 years ago. It has developed from a part time side job at that time, to an established and integral part of my life and career. As my musical career and experience have grown, so too has my passsion for teaching. And for the last 5 years, I have been teaching ESL in Indonesia, while continuing my musical tutoring, and this has helped me incredibly in relating to students' needs, as well as in recognizing the role of a student's background and environment in their learning process. Read More

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

For Children: I normally use The Hal Leonard Guitar Method series in conjunction with my own material I'll bring to lessons. I'll usually create a lesson plan that'll focus on all basic fundamentals that are goal-focused, while incorporating songs that'll help reinforce those mechanics! I like to keep lessons fun by bringing music that students enjoy and by using some music software on my tablet! I generally have a more laidback approach, but honest. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Clarinet Bass Guitar Synthesizer French Horn

Music provides students with both expression and community, both of which I believe students- and all people- need.As a teacher, I believe that my strongest commitment and my best effort are the birthright of each and every one of my students. Just as I believe that students who struggle should be given the additional help that they need in order to continue and eventually learn, I believe that students who excel should be offered the avenues that they crave in order to satiate their desires for greater challenges. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary according to the student.  If the student is less than 12 years old, I like to use the Hal Leonard Method 1 book.  If the student is 12 or older, I may still use the Hal Leonard book, but I assess the students goals, and find out what they would like to learn.  Whatever style of music the student is interested in learning, I believe in teaching proper posture and sound technique.  For anyone interested in learning classical guitar, I recommend a book titled Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. Read More

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

I have developed a semi-structured method for beginning students, taking material from different books and then combining them. For advanced students, I trust they know more about what and how they want to learn than I, and can certainly help them work out their kinks! Regardless, I feel it's vital that students are exposed to a variety of different musical styles. Focusing solely on one hampers creativity, pigeon-holes you as a musician, and, at least in my travels, makes you an EXTREMELY boring individual. Read More