Guitar Lessons in Great Lakes, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. 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 Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I am most passionate about continuing the tradition of West African polyrhythms, so I am most eager to teach djembe. Of course, I just want to help YOU reach your musical goals whatever instrument that may be. NOTE: djembe can be loud, so if you prefer to use your space for lessons (fine with me, I have a car) make sure your neighbors are okay with it! I am currently in the process of obtaining my teaching certificate for djembe through Tam Tam Mandingue Chicago, and would love to have you be a part of that! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students in elementary, middle, and high school, I usually use the student's school ensemble (if in one) as a spring board into our lessons. I will go over what the students is already involved in initially to assess what the student needs to work on the most. In time, we will dive into advanced theory to really expand the student's knowledge of the instrument and the genre he or she wants to focus on the most. Read More

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

My goal in teaching is to make sure my student reaches their fullest potential. If something that I'm doing isn't working or getting through to the student I will make sure to adapt and find the right way to engage them. Positive encouragement helps a student grow in the healthiest way. My students understand, especially the more experienced ones, understand the importance of putting work into their craft. I am there to give you the tools for success. 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