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 Guitar Violin Cello Viola Bass Guitar Synthesizer Recorder Electric Violin Double Bass Conga Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe
My teach experience began in my freshman year of college when I worked as a string/theory instructor at the Lake Country Conservatory of Music in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin where I worked with students of all ages and skill levels. I have worked as a private instructor for almost eight years now and have only grown to love it more with every lesson that I conduct. Nothing fulfills me more than seeing a student perform, whether it is at a concert or competition, because seeing the musical and expressive growth that has been cultivated come out through the student is an absolutely beautiful experience. Read More
Instruments: Piano Voice Trumpet Synthesizer French Horn Keyboard
As an instructor and musician I have explored a huge variety of different musical styles froma roudn the world, as well as the cognitive fundamentals of learning. I try to preapre my students with learning tools that will allow them to continue improving even after my time as their instructor is over. I focus especially on building an understanding of how and why to acquire strong fundamentals, so that we can collaboratively drive their learning. Read More
Instruments: Piano
During a typical lesson I will hear the pieces my student was practicing the week before, make corrections or suggestions and have them play the piece again. Then I will assign them new pieces and have them play through them making sure they understand what to do and explaining any new concepts and giving suggestions on how to practice. As the students get more advanced I will also have them play scales andexercises and have them work out of a theory book. Read More
Instruments: Drums Orchestral Percussion
I am currently a Jazz Studies/Music Performance Major with an emphasis on drum set at Northern Illinois University. I recently completed my third year and will soon begin my third year. I have a passion for performing and can be seen performing with multiple bands in the DeKalb area and in the Chicago area. Major performances/recordings include the following: Waukegan Symphony Orchestra (2016), PASIC Artist (2018), and one studio recording with the band Warped Wonder (2019). Read More
Instruments: Trombone
Depending on the age level, we will then move on to etudes (short study pieces) and short exercises meant to develop technique. I stress the study of etudes not only to develop technique but more importantly to develop the student's own unique musical inner voice. I suggest the student keep a practice journal to maintain an efficient, focused and effective practice. My lessons end with a review and time to answer any questions the student may have. Read More
Instruments: Piano
My teaching journey started at an early age in Canada. Thanks to parents who entrusted their childrens education to me, I was inspired to pursue a degree in Music Education from the University of Victoria, BC. Throughout my 30 years teaching career, I have closely worked with students of different age groups and cultural backgrounds in Vancouver (Canada), Chicago Northern Suburbs (Illinois) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). I have honed my teaching styles over the years and adapted my instruction to meet specific needs of each student. Read More
Instruments: Piano Saxophone Flute Clarinet
I began teaching in 2000, and since then have taught saxophones, flute, clarinet, improvisation, chord theory, piano / keyboard, basic music understanding to young children in a classroom setting, and coached worship teams and group seminars to all ages. It is a great joy to see students excel and expand as they take what they have learned into their own lives! Without focus on achieving this, I have witnessed most of my school-aged students advance to lead positions in the ensembles they are involved with, as well as continuing with a passion in their gifts! 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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