Guitar Lessons in Russell, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Every person is different and I take that to heart constructing a lesson plan for each student that is suited for their personal tastes and speed. I have taught people of various ages starting at 5 years old all the way up to 60. It just goes to show you are never really done learning, especially when it comes to music. I have developed my ear to a point in which most any music you play me, especially if it's guitar based, I can learn to play in a matter of seconds or a few short minutes if it's something really tricky. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trombone Ukulele Euphonium Tuba

For brass players, I use Arbans, Bordogni, and Blazhevich etude books coupled with Rubank and other duets to form a solid foundation. From there I try and let the students' own interest in music guide other parts of practice. With strings I like to start out with the Hal Leonard beginning books to get the basics of reading music. From there I couple learning popular tunes the student picks with developing method books to maintain a strong fundamental of playing. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my time in high school, as I taught group guitar lessons with the Franklin Community Education and Recreation Department as well as private guitar lessons from 2011 to 2013. In both of those environments, I typically taught children ages 6 to 12, most of whom were beginners on their instrument. I found these lessons inspiring and enlivening; witnessing the sense of curiosity and wonder my students had as they began to make their first sounds made me excited to teach and to grow with them each week. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I started teaching privately close to 20 years ago and it has led me to teach in a variety of settings. I have taught in both public and private school and individual and group lessons. I encourage students to develop a consistent practice schedule and also create very individualized curriculum for students and their musical goals. I keep students motivated by engaging their interests while developing their technique, love of the instrument and musicality. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

My teaching experience dates back to my senior year in high school when I started tutoring younger guitarists in the jazz band. That was 8 years ago. Since then, I've been teaching a number of students in their own homes, online, and even in my band's recording studio! Read More

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

So I want my students to come away not only with an understanding of how to play, not only with knowledge of what they're hearing and even how they're hearing it, but importantly, an enjoyment of the instrument and a respect for it's difficulties. More concretely, students should expect to receive handouts and homework for each lesson, as well as recommendations for music apps they can use. As alluded to earlier, we'll work out of some books, but I just copy and print the pages we need so there's no need to spend extra cash. Read More