Guitar Lessons in Riverwoods, IL

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

A comfortable and stress free environment is key to the success of my teaching. Professionally I have been playing in a heavy metal band for 12 years and have shared the stage with many national acts including Damage Plan (Dimebag Darrel), Mudvayne, Type O Negative, Hell Yeah, Wednesday 13, KMFDM, Custom, MSI and multiple 4000 plus shows with Marilyn Manson. Beginners to advanced players are welcome along with everyone ages 9-70. I specialize in teaching the basic elements of playing guitar, music theory, scales and soloing, improvisation, your favorite songs and how to write your own songs, rock, blues and metal. 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: Guitar Violin Cello Viola

My teaching philosophy is that of encouraging and inspiring my students to do their personal best in a creative, positive and enriching learning environment. I teach students of all ages using various teaching materials, focusing on the individual student’s learning style. I enjoy teaching students at various stages in their development whether they are preparing for University auditions, studying for their own enjoyment or preparing to join a local community string ensemble or orchestra. Read More

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: Guitar

Milwaukee guitarist Ian is currently finish his BFA in Classical Guitar Performance under renowned guitarist Rene Izquierdo. He has won numerous awards including the First Prize at the 2012 Classical Minds Guitar Competition in Houston, TX. Ian has performed in masterclasses for acclaimed guitarists such as Lorenzo Michelli, Roland Dyens, Florian Larousse, Gabriel Bianco, Raphaella Smits, Jerome Mouffe, Marcin Dylla, Denis Azabagic and Jorge Caballero. He has been featured on radio shows and music festivals throughout Milwaukee and has performed throughout the U.S. and Europe. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Violin Mandolin Electric Violin Fiddle

My preferred method for very young students has been the Suzuki method, as I believe a well trained ear continues to be our best musical learning tool later in life as well. When students progress to reading, the full line of Suzuki books can of course be utilized, but it is very advisable to incorporate additional materials and techniques. The Kodaly method is also useful and even more traditional 'reading first' techniques can be used if requested. Read More

Instruments: Guitar

I first picked up a guitar when I was 13 years old. I played and took lessons from a great teacher all through high school, but didn't think it was a viable career option, so I went to college for physics. Eventually, I got very serious about my guitar playing, and ended up moving to Boston to study jazz performance at Berklee. While I was studying physics, I always had a part time job teaching guitar lessons, and really developed a passion for it. Read More