Guitar Lessons in Westmont, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Music Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I was the recipient of the Hibbard Perry Mandolin Scholarship (2003) and the Mandolin Symposium Scholarship (2009). After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business with a concentration in classical guitar from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2006), I moved to Nashville, Tennessee where I held the position of Finance Coordinator at Sony Music Entertainment. In 2008, I relocated to Chicago to continue performing in various ensembles and was awarded a Masters of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2016, where he I studied jazz mandolin and guitar under the tutelage of virtuoso guitarist Fareed Haque. 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 Electric Guitar

My teaching style is that I set a plan for every student I have. For instance, I will apply reading notes, but that will not work for each student, each student is different and would prefer another style of teaching. That's when i would test their own level of memorization. I would teach each student chord structure of memorizing maximum 2 chords. Once each student fully has the 2 chords memorized I would hand them a sheet of paper, giving them instructions on top of the paper, stating Now that you have mastered memorizing the chords I would want you to come up with a small melody by building a staff with a time signature and writing the notes on the sheet of paper. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching is very "person-centered"- in that I will adapt to the needs of the student. I do not have one stuanch approach in teaching music. I want to help students engage early on in "Music Experiences"- not just learning scales, but truly playing music with me, improvising, and enjoying themsevles. This sort of music work really formsm the bedrock of my music lesson and music therapy practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I am a passionate and motivated instructor who loves working with students and loves showing that making music can be both rewarding and fun! I have a degree in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University, and I am on my last semester to get my Master's in Orchestral Conducting from Illinois State University. I have sung in numerous choir, played jazz and classical trumpet all through college, and have a burning interest in Music Theory and how it relates to playing. 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 Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

I have been teaching guitar, electric bass, and woodwinds for over 30 years.  I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northeastern Illinois University.  I have performed all over the Chicago area in a variety of Rock, Americana, Country, Folk, Blues, and Celtic ensembles.  I write original songs and compose music for dance and film. Some of the bands I have been in include; The Flynn Brothers Blues Band, Small World, Honeysuckle Road, Body Parts, Al Day and the Victors, and I have also performed with Bo Diddley as his bass player. Read More