Guitar Lessons in Grayslake, IL

Instruments: Guitar

I will typically use the first lesson as an initial assessment of the student's personality and his/her skills. I ask the student what they would like to learn with the understanding that I will provide some of my own technical and theoretical knowledge. I like to create general lesson plans before each meeting so that I have some kind of outline to follow. I try to adhere to the student's progress timeline with the understanding that they need to be pushed a little out of their comfort zone if they want to see improvements. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I taught my first private lesson during my first year at Berklee. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to keep doing from that point forward. Alas, private teaching was not enough teaching to satiate me, so I quickly found a summer job that would enable me to get as many hours teaching as possible. That job was teaching full length courses in Rock Performance, Composition, and Songwriting classes for a summer program located on Yale's campus. Read More

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 Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary depending on the background and interests of the student. Typically I shy away from tabs since I read music notation. I do recommend learning the basics of reading music for anyone who is thinking of self study in their short or long-term commitment to any instrument. I usually suggest to the parent or student, that they research method books for guitar basics. Many times, a family member or friend will have a method book that will be more than suffice if it is a standard method book. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching style obviously is contingent on the level and interests of the student I am paired with. When it comes to guitar and bass, it depends mostly on whether the student is interested in learning songs, or becoming a well rounded musician. If songs is the main goal, we'll start with the easiest levels of the styles the student is interested in and work our way forward, focusing on timing and rhythm at first. 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 Mandolin

After thirty years in my musical career, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to learn is when there is joy in the study. I have a musical academic foundation, while obtaining an A+ status during my musical studies. Yet for me, the act of making music is more of a spiritual and auditory process than that of physical workmanship.  Despues de treinta años en la musica he llegado a la conclusion que la mejor manera de aprender es cuando hay gozo en el estudio. Read More