Guitar Lessons in Hinsdale, IL

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

Philosophy on Music- There is imitation and creation, but to truly create one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment. Philosophy as an Educator- To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

Lesson materials are customized based on each student's individual goals. I use a combination of tried and true books along with materials that I have created over my 16 years of teaching. Here is a quick list of some of the books I use: General Guitar Skills - Progressive Guitar Method, A Modern Method for Guitar, Melodic Rhythms for Guitar Jazz Guitar - Jazz Harmony on the Guitar, Approaching the Guitar, Jazz Conception for Guitar, The Brazilian Guitar Book Classical Guitar - Pumping Nylon, 100 Graded Classical Guitar Studies, The Library of Guitar Classics, The Solo Lute Works of J.S. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a full time performer and music instructor who works with all ages and various levels. I perform multiple times a week at public and private events like bars, weddings, and farmer's markets doing a wide variety of styles. I have an extensive repertoire of over 8hrs of pop, rock, RB, and more, in addition to over 2 hours of children's music. Over the years, I have performed in hundreds of venues with a variety of bands primarily on guitar and vocals, but have also dabbled in drum kit, keyboard, and electronic performance. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Synthesizer Lute Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My books include: a. Theoretical Treatise of Jazz & Contemporary Music (Published, ISBN: 978-618-5178-07-9), b. A comprehensive, clever, simple, and geometrical learning system which covers technical aspects of the bass as well as all types of guitar, Greek bouzouki, and other string instruments. This system includes approximately 20 books, c. A series of two books for beginners on learning how to play the bass. There are also future plans for additional educational material. 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

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More