Guitar Lessons in Joliet, IL

Instruments: Guitar

My name is Leah and I am a passionate musician, creator and people person. I am originally from Dayton Ohio and I have lived in Chicago for four years. I recently graduated from Columbia College Chicago where I earned my Bachelors of Music degree in Contemporary, Urban and Popular Music with a jazz guitar focus. I have been playing guitar for eleven years. I started teaching myself pop music, studied classical guitar in high school, then transitioned to jazz guitar when I moved to Chicago. 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 Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

My approach is definitely supportive and positive, but I don't let that get in the way of challenging the student. I am not afraid to tell the student that they can do better. It's very important to get to know the student's goals and inspirations. That way, I can focus on the skills they need. Also, I like to let the student learn songs by artists they love (if applicable) because it motivates them and sometimes it ends up being the sound they want to go for anyway. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

The students long-term goals shape the curriculum. Its important to keep them excited about the material, especially if theyre new to music. Ive found the most effective way to do so is to show how good technique and basic theory apply to music theyre already listening to. Eventually, students see common threads between different styles and genres. Ideally, students will walk away with more eclectic musical preferences. Equally important is to trace a style back to its roots. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

I worked at my local church as a piano teacher and taught each kid about basic notes, I was relaxed, made it fun and got the attention of the kid that I was teaching. I taught at my local church for about 2 years. I would learn music theory at wright college and apply it to my life for teaching. I am now 20 and I am hoping to acquire this job as a piano teacher. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As a former Chicago public school teacher, I understand the importance of meeting students where they are at. Therefore, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not, I always begin by determining your level of skill and, combined with your goals for learning that instrument, create a lesson plan that you feel comfortable with before pursuing it. In particular, with djembe, it is important to be able to understand the balance and interaction between all of the instruments. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

The basis of my teaching style is transparency.  My aim is to be as clear as possible about what I expect from my students, and how they can improve.  I believe great technique is the proper foundation for any musician, and I will always give the students exercises along with songs that will help my students to develop proper technique.  Most of all, I try to make sure that my students have fun.  Music is supposed to be fun, so maintaining a sense of humor is a good thing in my opinion. Read More