Guitar Lessons in Hillside, IL

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

Though I have taught on and off for the last fifteen years, my most formative experience as a teacher was my time teaching at School of Rock in 2015. I taught bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals, and ensemble musicianship to students ranging in age from 6 to 60. I enjoyed using the music they loved in order to teach the fundamentals of music, just as I learned the fundamentals from the music I love. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Over the past 20 years, I have developed a very successful method of getting students up and playing the guitar very quickly focusing primarily on the mechanics of playing the guitar. The guitar is a highly physically demanding instrument and requires very regular practice just to get to the point where sound that can be turned into music can be made. For more intermediate and advanced students, I draw on my extensive performance experience and focus on practical, real world techniques and theory to help them advance their playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

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

I'm of the opinion that what interest's the student most is what they'll be most likely to practice, so, to an extent, any student of mine can expect at least some amount of time working on whatever they enjoy the most. At the end of the day though, practice isn't all fun, and getting students to realize that is one of the hardest parts of starting an instrument. This applies ever more so with beginning students who have never played the instrument before--They can't practice the fun stuff when they can't even hold the instrument right! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Coming back to goal setting, each student will want something a little different out of it from the next. So I find it helpful to ask and figure out; if there's a specific song they wish to learn, what some of their favorite artists are so we may get a grasp what style they are into, or just want to learn about music in general so that one day they may be able to create their own original work. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

It is rewarding to see a student achieve a strong desire and a sense of accomplishment when they begins to play the instrument of their choice. I believe that a person should learn at their own pace. With that in mind I try to set realistic goals and make each lesson understandable. Acknowledging their success helps build their confidence and knowledge which translates into the student wanting to practice more. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

Fun, energetic and productive! My students always say that they leave their lessons with a burst of inspiration. 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; Read More