Guitar Lessons in Des Plaines, IL

Instruments: Guitar

I began playing the guitar at age 11. I was fortunate enough to learn from one of the best guitar instructors in the state from a very early age. That extremely positive and influential experience was a key factor in my decision to make a living as a teacher. My professional performing and teaching career began at the age of 16. I taught lessons at a few local retail shops in the Dayton, Ohio area for about 3 years before I began working on my degree in guitar performance. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

For beggining students in guitar or piano, I would have them start with a basic beggining book such as something by hal leonard. With guitar I will teach basic chords and go from there to working on songs. Scales and chords will be a big part of beggining work in these instruments. As for Saxophone, I will usually begin with scales and long tone work- the later being something extremely important. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

I've been teaching private lessons since 2010. I remember how excited my first student was during our first lesson, as he was learning the chords to his favorite Metallica song. The experience was profoundly motivating for both of us. As a teacher, there's nothing more enjoyable than watching students blossom into the musicians they've dreamed of becoming. During the summer of 2013, I worked as the musical director for a staging of "Waiting for Lefty" at Oracle Productions in Chicago. Read More

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

I have been studying and performing music for nearly 20 years; this includes many styles ranging from classical to jazz, funk to folk, and jibaro to choro. I strive to be a versatile and compassionate artist and educator. I began my professional career at age 16, and I have performed throughout the United States in various touring bands, which has also included mandolin orchestra performances in Providence, Rhode Island; Lawrence, Kansas; and Santa Cruz, California. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Voice Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I've played music for over half my life now, and guitar has shaped my life for the better in ways I've never thought possible. Throughout that time, I've taught lessons on and off for the past 7 years. I have always enjoyed teaching, and passing on my knowledge and hopefully my passion for playing the guitar and songwriting has always been a wonderful experience. One of my favorite things about teaching is that when I dissect every element of my playing to be able to teach it to someone else, by the time I've shown someone else a new technique, I've found that my own playing improves. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

Watching a student successfully progress through lesson form is an unparallel feeling that inspires and guides me to continue. I have given lessons to age groups ranging from 9 years old to 70+ and feel that it's important to first identify where the student is at and how to build on what they already know. I also see that setting small goals for all age groups to show progression through positive reinforcement is a beneficial tool not only for the student but also for the instructor. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Bass Guitar Recorder Euphonium French Horn Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

I start my students with a single lesson where I gain a knowledge about the student's musical abilities and personality. I don't generally start with a single method book, because I believe that in individual lessons, the methods used should be tailored to fit the student. I will pull from Essential Elements, Accent on Achievement, and Standard of Excellence, as well as writing and devising my own warm ups and methods. Read More