Guitar Lessons in Itasca, IL

Instruments: Guitar

While I taught some guitar lessons here and there in high school, I got my first steady gig teaching at a music store at the age of 19. Now, at the age of 25, I have taught hundreds of lessons, and had jobs teaching at a few different locations. I am constantly looking for better ways to explain things, ways to get students more motivated, and most importantly, ways to make learning music more fun! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Drums Recorder Euphonium Tuba Mallet Percussion

For beginning students I believe it's important for them to begin playing the first day. I get the students to make their first sound and teach the technique and theory as they learn their instrument. For beginning voice students I use the same method, but I like to use a song that the student knows. For students with experience I like to have them play or sing something they know and I evaluate that and I will work with them on that song and build their technique. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass

My teaching experience began over 20 years ago when I started teaching out of a store called Sound Post and since then I have given individual lessons to students from 8 to 80. I am currently teaching group guitar lessons through some of the schools and park districts in the northern suburbs of Chicago. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Hal Leonard's guitar lesson books 1-3. I also have material for younger children. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce songs of artists they would like to learn. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

I'm a lifelong musician, having started on the violin when I was 4 years old, and I am very grateful where that privilege has taken me. Music is an integral part of my life, and I credit great teachers and perserverance with how far I've come. I've performed professionally on violin and guitar with numerous ensembles and orchestras. This includes shows at the renowned Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, CA and Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL. Read More

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: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

I began teaching while I was in High School and I would teach the younger students who were freshman and sophomores the tenor saxophone. Once I went to Eastman, I taught several people throughout the course of the four years there. I beleive that, particulalry when teaching the saxophone and flute, a mix of classical fundamental technique is very important as well as incorporating the jazz or rock repertoire. I feel that my skills as a music therapist can be very unique particularly because I can really attend to the needs of the student and adapt the music and lesson accordingly. Read More