Guitar Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Learning to play an instrument can be extremely overwhelming, so it's important that the student sets his or her own pace. My role as a teacher is simply to guide students along paths they choose for themselves. At the same time, I push students to explore ideas that they may not have thought to explore for themselves. For example, as a predominantly rock and blues oriented musician, some of the most profound growth I've experienced has come from learning the basics of classical theory. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I am a full time performer and music instructor who works with all ages and various levels. I perform multiple times a week at public and private events like bars, weddings, and farmer's markets doing a wide variety of styles. I have an extensive repertoire of over 8hrs of pop, rock, RB, and more, in addition to over 2 hours of children's music. Over the years, I have performed in hundreds of venues with a variety of bands primarily on guitar and vocals, but have also dabbled in drum kit, keyboard, and electronic performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

My teaching style is that I set a plan for every student I have. For instance, I will apply reading notes, but that will not work for each student, each student is different and would prefer another style of teaching. That's when i would test their own level of memorization. I would teach each student chord structure of memorizing maximum 2 chords. Once each student fully has the 2 chords memorized I would hand them a sheet of paper, giving them instructions on top of the paper, stating Now that you have mastered memorizing the chords I would want you to come up with a small melody by building a staff with a time signature and writing the notes on the sheet of paper. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For students that are interested on solo playing, we work on different types of scales, and I introduce them to the many keys that they are in. I also teach many different techniques, such as those that are incorporated with tapping on the fretboard. All of these topics will be covered in our private sessions, and each student receives homework assignments so that they can go home and practice what they have learned. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For every student I always start with the basics. What are the basics? Well, first and most important for getting you started is open chords. That along with pentatonic scales will really help to develope finger dexterity and get the student adjusted to proper hand and finger positioning on the guitar. During that same period we will practice strumming patterns and exercises to fully bring the use of both hands up to a level that allows us to play simple songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Bass Guitar

I believe in providing a well rounded education for you or your child. My approach entails a 50/50 split between doing the hard work necessary to excel and learning to enjoy music. Therefore, their will be and allotment of standard scales, chords, sight-reading and music theory education. However, one must also learn how to use these elements to find there own stylized expression, creative abilities and improvisational voice, which I believe to be necessary if one is to really enjoy music. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

My methods vary according to the student.  If the student is less than 12 years old, I like to use the Hal Leonard Method 1 book.  If the student is 12 or older, I may still use the Hal Leonard book, but I assess the students goals, and find out what they would like to learn.  Whatever style of music the student is interested in learning, I believe in teaching proper posture and sound technique.  For anyone interested in learning classical guitar, I recommend a book titled Pumping Nylon by Scott Tennant. Read More