Guitar Lessons in Western Springs, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I got my start in the experimental Minneapolis music scene as an adolescent in the early 2000's, the spirit of which I carried with me to Oberlin, OH. I got my Bachelors of Music from the conservatory there, where I designed my own major in Contemporary Bass Performance. The major allowed me to pursue my interest in Jazz, Classical, Computer Music and composition, extended techniques, and historical performance. In addition to my studies, I have toured internationally with the Oberlin Orchestra and several other groups, and have released seven albums of my own material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I personally really enjoy the Hal Leonard series of method books for guitar and bass. I find them comprehensive, but not bloated, and very easy to understand without being dumbed down at all. I plan to use the Guitar Method and Bass Method books, both Complete Edition (comprised of Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced method books), in combination with the Hal Leonard Music Theory book, which is aimed at stringed instruments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Notebooks! I'm a big believer in writing things down so before your lesson, don't only bring your guitar but also a notebook to write down what we learned, and what you should practice before our next lesson. It is vital that students have a physical reminder of our lessons and the techniques we covered, because in my experience, I've found this really helps with not only learning but retaining the information we go over. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary according to the student.  If the student is less than 12 years old, I like to use the Hal Leonard Method 1 book.  If the student is 12 or older, I may still use the Hal Leonard book, but I assess the students goals, and find out what they would like to learn.  Whatever style of music the student is interested in learning, I believe in teaching proper posture and sound technique.  For anyone interested in learning classical guitar, I recommend a book titled Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students in elementary, middle, and high school, I usually use the student's school ensemble (if in one) as a spring board into our lessons. I will go over what the students is already involved in initially to assess what the student needs to work on the most. In time, we will dive into advanced theory to really expand the student's knowledge of the instrument and the genre he or she wants to focus on the most. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

As a teacher, I plan out lessons beginning with a short recap of the previous lesson, and then I work with the student to set a goal for that day's lesson, and then we work together to achieve it. I also often will invite students to see me perform, hoping that this will inspire them to work hard so that they can perform as well. Also, I try to create a positive learning environment for my students, so that they can learn in the most effective way for them. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I try to give each student an idea whats coming next, every few lessons or so, while practicing what their on currently. This idea is not for every student so it is a selective process I use with the brightest ones, or fast learners and good practicers.When I see a student really start to play well I gain confidence in my teaching style...but when needed I can dial it back a notch or two. Read More