Guitar Lessons in Graceland, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Almost immediately after starting to play music, I began teaching my friends and family members how to play. I became the guitar teacher at my high school, teaching beginning guitar students for the last semester of my senior year. Then, when I went to college, I continued teaching friends and starting picking up students who I did not know at all for the first time. These experiences taught me how to deal with all age levels, and different styles of student learning. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar

My methods differ depending on a students age and experience level. For the younger students who are just beginning their journey we will learn out of Hal Leonard's books for guitar or Piano Adventures for piano students. As a student progresses we will begin to take the learning outside of these books and more to music theory, technique, and to the application of these practices onto the instrument. For younger students I will make the lesson more fun and interactive, keeping the lesson positive and not viewing it as a chore. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Mandolin Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

In my curriculum, students start off by learning the basics of the guitar. This includes understanding the various parts, accessories and so forth. Along with those basics we work on tuning and pitch so that the student is comfortable with all aspects.As we move on students  learn how to build and maintain a rhythm. Learning how to play chords is essential, and we begin to go through chord progressions, as well as how to recognize and memorize the various chords.I then show students how to read tabs and write music. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums Bass Guitar

I currently play drums for the hit Broadway musical (non-union version) of Rock of Ages and when I'm not on the road; I'm teaching. I’m an avid columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine and I sing/play guitar for one of Chicago's best Nirvana tributes called Smells Like Nirvana. I studied at Berklee College of Music and I have a huge passion for teaching. I offer the option for students to get their lessons recorded via audio/video so they have a reference to stay on task for their next lesson. 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 Voice Bass Guitar Music Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I personally really enjoy the Hal Leonard series of method books for guitar and bass. I find them comprehensive, but not bloated, and very easy to understand without being dumbed down at all. I plan to use the Guitar Method and Bass Method books, both Complete Edition (comprised of Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced method books), in combination with the Hal Leonard Music Theory book, which is aimed at stringed instruments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Flute Clarinet Bass Guitar

My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and focused on what the student wants to learn, by quickly getting them to play the music they want to they are motivated to practice.  It should be enjoyable first and foremost.  For those that aspire to be professionals, I make sure the student understands the dedication and discipline necessary to achieve their goals. No two students are alike in terms of the goals they have or the method of teaching that will be the most effective for them. Read More