Guitar Lessons in Stock Yards, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Trumpet

I have been singing since I was 6, playing trumpet since I was 10, and I picked up guitar in my early 20's. I am now 49 and have taught voice, guitar, trumpet for over 7 years from my cozy home. I have been part of many musical ensembles (in many genres) in my 30 year career and have session work that's currently located in the Seattle Rock Roll museum. I have performed in varying capacities over 2,000 times in my career, and my emphasis is to help musicians prepare for live performances. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Electric Guitar

I would teach my students the basic notes of guitar reading. Once I have fully got my students into guitar reading notes I would then teach them the principals of chord structure and reading chord structure. I would also have them make a plan of what type of song each student would be into and how each and every one of them are going to apply it when playing it. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Saxophone Flute

My approach to teaching is very "person-centered"- in that I will adapt to the needs of the student. I do not have one stuanch approach in teaching music. I want to help students engage early on in "Music Experiences"- not just learning scales, but truly playing music with me, improvising, and enjoying themsevles. This sort of music work really formsm the bedrock of my music lesson and music therapy practice. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Bass Guitar Ukulele Keyboard Electric Guitar Djembe Acoustic Guitar

I like to start with the basics. Its important to let the student gain confidence in their instrument. So I start with very simple task that would be easy to do while I'm present so if they have any questions I can answer. I also do everything in three's...if we are working on the C scale and we get it correct I like to do it three time straight for memory. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Drums

I started teaching towards the end of high school and continued in college and beyond! I found it beneficial to be teaching students while still being a student myself. Having great teachers in my life has shaped my own approach to teaching. I discovered that when I was able to study what I was truly excited about, my capacity to learn and improve my craft increased exponentially! To that end, I encourage students to bring in original material as well as "covers" that they are interested in to build a repertoire. 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

Instruments: Guitar Voice Violin Bass Guitar Harmonica

The first lesson is always partly an interview so I can understand exactly what the student's goals are. I typically establish good posture and breathing habits (or bowing and fingering, if violin) first and then move on to essential warm-up exercises. Those exercises then become their regular homework, to hopefully be practiced multiple times a week or if possible, every day. I remind the student of breathing and posture regularly - good habits are the goal! Read More