Guitar Lessons in Itasca, IL

Instruments: Piano Guitar Violin Saxophone Clarinet Recorder Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I never imagined God had plans for me to be a music teacher. I had taken piano lessons for about 15 years (later adding recorder, guitar, violin, clarinet, saxophone, and cello) and was working as a front desk receptionist in a music school when a teacher notified us of an unexpected long-term absence. My boss--who had known me for almost 20 years, and who taught me piano-- approached me and said she would like ME to teach the affected students. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my curriculum, students start off by learning the basics of the guitar. This includes understanding the various parts, accessories and so forth. Along with those basics we work on tuning and pitch so that the student is comfortable with all aspects.As we move on students  learn how to build and maintain a rhythm. Learning how to play chords is essential, and we begin to go through chord progressions, as well as how to recognize and memorize the various chords.I then show students how to read tabs and write music. Read More

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: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I believe in setting clear goals so that progress can be easily seen. I also focus on the music that the students are interested in, and work on getting them up to a level where they are able to play (at least part of ) some of their favorite songs. Each student requires a slightly different approach. For younger students I generally approach it from a wide variety of angles and have them focus on method books in addition to learning more practical skills like rhythm guitar and tablature reading. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I'm still trying to figure out how to put it down. This passion naturally led me to attend Berklee College of Music, which I graduated from in 2015. During my years at Berklee, I took advantage of many opportunities to perform and gig around the Northeast with numerous award winning bands. I enjoy nothing more than sharing the secrets I have learned from years of studying guitar and performing around New England. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin

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: Piano Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar

I'm a well motivated instructor who enjoys working with students of any age. During and after college I found it rewarding to work with students in a classroom and private setting.Over the past 40 years my students recieved the same in depth musical education that I recieved with an added bonus due to my success and expirience as freelance musician. Read More