Guitar Lessons in River Forest, IL

Instruments: Guitar

I am a four-year Guitar Performance graduate of Berklee College of Music where I was the first rock/metal guitarist to receive the "Jimi Hendrix Award." This award is given to the best guitarist at the school. At Berklee, I received private instruction from acclaimed guitarists and teachers. I've played and studied many styles of music ranging from classical, traditional, blues, country, rock, and metal. Besides teaching, I have a passion for songwriting and performance; while in Boston, I played and recorded with the melodic metal band Black Trip. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Violin Cello Viola Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar Ukulele Recorder Euphonium French Horn Tuba Electric Guitar Djembe

In essence, my love of teaching stems from my Mom's love of teaching. She sincerely desired to teach my siblings and myself to pursue our highest dreams. It turned out that I did succeed as a star performer in music, on stages around the world. But also, when I decided to settle down, I added education to my 10-year plan. So, I went back to school for another master's degree, and taught music in CPS - performing three nights per week with my the Bartels/Benson duo, Connexion Band, Prohibition Orchestra, Bryan Skyler Trio, and other groups. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Mandolin

After thirty years in my musical career, I have come to the conclusion that the best way to learn is when there is joy in the study. I have a musical academic foundation, while obtaining an A+ status during my musical studies. Yet for me, the act of making music is more of a spiritual and auditory process than that of physical workmanship.  Despues de treinta años en la musica he llegado a la conclusion que la mejor manera de aprender es cuando hay gozo en el estudio. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

The great thing about private one-on-one lessons is the individualized pace and learning style. I like to understand the most effective ways my student learns. Some students need to be immersing themselves in exercises that allow them to create and experience the music through a personal lens. Some students prefer to hone in on the technical work and theory. Both are important skills for a well-rounded player but depending on the student's personality they may be more inclined toward one or the other. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Almost immediately after starting to play music, I began teaching my friends and family members how to play. I became the guitar teacher at my high school, teaching beginning guitar students for the last semester of my senior year. Then, when I went to college, I continued teaching friends and starting picking up students who I did not know at all for the first time. These experiences taught me how to deal with all age levels, and different styles of student learning. Read More

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

I have developed a semi-structured method for beginning students, taking material from different books and then combining them. For advanced students, I trust they know more about what and how they want to learn than I, and can certainly help them work out their kinks! Regardless, I feel it's vital that students are exposed to a variety of different musical styles. Focusing solely on one hampers creativity, pigeon-holes you as a musician, and, at least in my travels, makes you an EXTREMELY boring individual. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience began with a few friends of mine in college. It was just for the fun of it at first, until others outside my circle of friends began to approach me about lessons, through word of mouth. I was soon known in my class to be the guy to go to learn more about music. In fact not all of these friends came to me for just guitar lessons, a couple I have taught beginner piano to as well. Read More