Music Lessons in Chicago, IL

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.

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