Bass Lessons in Winthrop Harbor, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

Ben maintains a small but thriving private studio of guitar, bass, clarinet, and theory students in Milwaukee and via Skype. Since 2005, Ben has developed a reputation as a first-call jazz, blues, fusion, and rock bassist. He has shared the stage with the late great tenor saxophonist James Moody, Grammy Award-Winning alto saxophonist Eric Marienthal, John DeSalme (tenor sax, US Army Blues), and Duffy Jackson (drums). He has also opened for Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Edwin McCain Band, and Chase Rice. Read More

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

I gave my first private lessons for guitar while I was a sophomore in high school! A few of my friends always wanted to learn to play and I gave it my all to try and teach them! What I gained from that experience was that nobody learns the same way, so I've kept that as my teaching mantra for the past decade! I have been professionally teaching for the past 3 years, but have been teaching and tutoring for the past 10 years. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

So I want my students to come away not only with an understanding of how to play, not only with knowledge of what they're hearing and even how they're hearing it, but importantly, an enjoyment of the instrument and a respect for it's difficulties. More concretely, students should expect to receive handouts and homework for each lesson, as well as recommendations for music apps they can use. As alluded to earlier, we'll work out of some books, but I just copy and print the pages we need so there's no need to spend extra cash. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Double Bass Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I enjoy guiding students to their specific goals and helping them gain understanding of their instrument and also of their own innate musicality. I tailor all lessons to meet both of these areas and find that it not only helps students motivate but also learn to engage their instrument in a way that is both fun and rewarding for themselves. I encourage students to have an open mind especially in regards to genre and what can be gained by broadening our musical palette as they build their practice and fundamental skills. Read More