Marc A
Instruments: Guitar
Styles: Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Marc A
Instruments: Guitar
Styles:
Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk
Where I Teach:
In Your Home
My Studio
Ages Taught: 8-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
I am primarily a self taught musician specializing in guitar and secondarily in voice and keyboards. I attended Northern Illinois University for 3 years studying theory and composition. In Chicago I studied guitar, voice and piano with private teachers focusing on classical and jazz skill sets. I have a passion for these mediums and have devoted myself to their study for the purpose of musical performance and self expression. I definitely consider my 20+ years of performing in rock, heavy rock, blues, 60's rock, pop and folk bands, as well as learning how to collaborate with a wide variety of talented personalities, to be a large part of my education and I impart these practical experiences to my students.
Awards:
During my career I have performed at many of the most notrious music venues in the Chicagoland area including The Thirsty Whale, The Cabaret Metro, The House of Blues and Buddy Guy's Legends. While performing in 'The No Mercy Blues Band', we were the opening act for the legendary Chicago icon at a 3 day blues festival in DuBuque Iowa. While performing in the heavy rock band 'Premium', I recorded at Johnny K's studio where bands like Disturbed and Megadeath have recorded some of their world famous albums. In Decmber 2010, I worked with WGN TV news and The Chicago Tribune newspaper on a holiday video that was featured on WGN America TV and in the Sunday Tribune Edition where I sang and performed Jim Croce's famous song "Time In A Bottle'.
Overview:
My love for music and performing is rivaled only by my drive to want to help people grow and feel good about themselves and their skills. I feel that it is very important for seasoned musicians to share what they've gained with those who want to learn and participate in that same world. Every person and every student is completely different from one another, yet we all have learned and can learn from others with different skill sets and experiences. I have learned and profited from many sources and I am always looking to share my practical knowledge and personal experiences.
EXPERIENCE
My student relationships have all developed from people approaching me after seeing one of my performances, which is the same reason why I have wanted to learn from others. I've seen someone doing something that I have felt I wanted to do. My teaching experience has been well-balanced in terms of ages, genders, styles of music, duration of lessons and the reasons for taking lessons. I have worked with boys and girls from the ages of 9 through 16, as well as men and women in their early 60's. Some of my students have gone through the beginning books on their way to college. Other simply want to develop more technique, knowledge and work on song performances.
METHODS USED
For my beginning students I prefer to use The Hal Leonard Complete Edition books. I find this course to be clearly written and easy to understand, and it offers a broad musical foundation to facillitate students as they move easily to higher levels of guitar studies. In addition, I incorporate rhythm reading, ear training and chord studies which I feel are essential to the development of a practical guitarist and musician. With more advanced and adult students, the student and I will explore their playing levels, their areas of interest and what music goals they have. Together, we will create realistic plans and action steps to help them become more competent and confident performers.
LESSON STYLE
Lessons with me are fun, disciplined, energetic and user-friendly. I am a very calm, patient and enthusiastic teacher. I am an excellent listener and I understand that your lesson is about you and your musical growth. My role is to observe, guide, instruct and provide practical insight. I am there to answer your questions, provide accountability and get out of your way so that you may take center stage and shine. I believe that by enjoying your lesson you'll be driven to advance and that by advancing you'll continue to feel better and better about yourself and your music. The time and money you invest in lessons with me will reap you many personal rewards.
PHOTOS & VIDEOS
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