Musika Quick Stats
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
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Here are just a few of the many teachers offering Music lessons in Chicago . Whether you are looking for beginner guitar lessons for your kids, or are an adult wanting to improve your skills, the instructors in our network are ready to help you now!
Instruments: Piano Voice Saxophone Clarinet
I am a passionate musician and teacher devoted to helping people of all ages find lifelong enrichment through music. I am a recent (May 2015) graduate of Butler University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. While at Butler, I was a part of their Community Arts School dedicated solely to giving lessons to students in the Indianapolis area. I've had students in the past few years ranging from students just starting out on their instrument to those who have been playing a number of years. Read More
Instruments: Saxophone Clarinet
for the beginner student, we will start off by going through things such as scales, arpeggios, and exercises to build a solid foundation. While doing this, I will have the student pick a song they like, whether it be pop, country, jazz, classical, and begin to learn it by ear to begin to develop solid aural recognition. Once the fundamentals are solid, we will move on to either working on a sonata or concerto or a transcription and a tune (depending on if you are a jazz student or classical). Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Synthesizer Keyboard
I have been a voice/piano teacher for 37 years, and have been known as the most patient and experienced teacher in Rockford. I am also nationally-certified. I have had students sing Off-Broadway, "The Young Americans," Grand Ole' Opry, sing opera at Carnegie Hall, teach at Interlochen and place 40 out of 5,000 out of American Idol auditions in Indianapolis. I am a graduate for songwriting from Academy-award-winning Molly-Ann Leiken (wrote for Neil Diamond and Karen Carpenter). 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: Saxophone
90% of being a good saxophonist is the responsibility of the student, and 10% is on the teacher. Even though a student should work hard to improve, I recognize that my 10% is extremely vital. Since my scheduled lesson with a student only represents a fraction of the time they play their horn, I keep it fun, upbeat, and encouraging. If a student is struggling with an assignment, it will be met with kindness and patience. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet
Guitar (all levels): Chord Instruction, Lead Work, Hammer On's, Scales, Sightreading Music, Songwriting/Arranging Trumpet (all levels): Articulation Studies, Breath Control, Increasing Range, Embouchure Voice (all levels): Solfege, Sightsinging, Range Articulation Instruction, Breath Control Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Violin Clarinet Ukulele Recorder Fiddle
Communicating well as a music educator is vital for success; it is the way you communicate that reaches the students. Not every student that is in a classroom is the same; each one is unique and has their own special needs. To reach some students, it can sometimes mean trying a different kind of communication that you do not usually use. Being firmly rooted in my personal practice and purpose helps students find theirs as well. Read More
Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
What advice do you have about practicing effectively?
There is a Navy Seal expression "Slow is Fast. Slow is efficient; efficient is fast; slow is fast". When it comes to practicing and instrument, whether it be scales, or a specific lick or riff, one must always start slowly. It can be a little frustrating to some, but making sure that you start slow and build your way up is the fastest and most accurate way of learning any piece of music. I always remind myself that the players with the fastest fingers had to build their way there, nobody is born playing music, we all learn it slowly.
How do I know if my child is ready to start lessons?
When it comes to guitar and/or bass, the only thing that really matters is the size and strength of the student's hands. The child will be ready when their hands are ready. Anyone can learn any instrument, but not every hand can fit across the neck of a guitar or bass. I typically just say most students under the age of 8 are a little too young, but there can be some exceptions depending on how fast the child is growing. If under 8, I say learn piano for the theory and start guitar/bass when your hands are big enough.
When will I start to see results?
Everyone sees results at different speeds, and everyone will consider different accomplishments to be a result. If you have never played a note on an instrument, you could consider just being able to play a couple notes on the guitar/bass to be results. However, if you are more advanced, results could be understanding the theory, or learning a new song that was too hard for you before. Results depend on goals, but any goal can be achieved with time and practice. No one can get WORSE at an instrument, you will only improve with time.
Did you have a teacher that inspired you to go into music? How did they inspire you?
My inspiration for getting into music did not come from a teacher, but from my own passion and desire to be a guitar player and bassist. My teachers, with their talent, inspired me to practice, and made learning my instrument enjoyable and fun. I do not think a teacher can inspire someone to get into music, the student has to want to be a musician on his/her own, and a teacher's roll is to help the student reach their goals in an enjoyable environment, giving advice and pointing out strengths / weaknesses.
Why did you choose your primary instrument?
I chose the guitar first, and then picked up bass later in life. I chose guitar because as a young child my parents listened to a lot of guitar heavy music from the 80s. I grew to become very fond of the music they listened to and wanted to be able to play something. Then when I saw videos of these bands performing, I was drawn to the guitarist, I thought he was the coolest one. I picked up bass later after listening to funk bands and how important bass can be. Everyone will be drawn to a different instrument, the instrument will choose you.
What musical accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am very proud of being accepted into, and obtaining a degree with honors from the world renown music school Berklee College of Music. I am also proud of being able to write, perform, and produce my own album. I am also proud to have been chosen for the working band I am currently performing for, because it allows me to play hundreds of shows to hundreds of people a show as a job. However, what is the greatest feeling of accomplishment is always be able to help someone else reach their goals as a musician.
24 Years
Since We Started
41,456+
Happy Customers
10,769
Cities with Students
3,123
Teachers in Network
Trusted as the industry leader, for over 21 years the teachers in our network have been providing Music lessons in Chicago to students of all ages and abilities.
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