Guitar Lessons in Wilmette, IL

Instruments: Guitar Voice Bass Guitar Double Bass Keyboard Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I got my start in the experimental Minneapolis music scene as an adolescent in the early 2000's, the spirit of which I carried with me to Oberlin, OH. I got my Bachelors of Music from the conservatory there, where I designed my own major in Contemporary Bass Performance. The major allowed me to pursue my interest in Jazz, Classical, Computer Music and composition, extended techniques, and historical performance. In addition to my studies, I have toured internationally with the Oberlin Orchestra and several other groups, and have released seven albums of my own material. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Bass Guitar

Depending on the age group of the student, my methods vary. With children, I will usually start by trying to gauge their musical interest and develop a strategy from there. Usually, this involves learning basic chord forms and progressions, until they are ready to start learning a bit of theory, and therefore how to solo. For adults, I simply ask them about their musical interests and tastes, and ask them what their ultimate goal is, and then set shorter goals to help achieve the ultimate goal. 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

Instruments: Guitar Drums Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

For beginners and intermediate drummers, I teach Hal Leonard's Drum Set Methods as well as rudiment drum pad training exercises designed to build control and confidence when stroking. Once students have learned the fundamentals and are using all four limbs to create drum patterns, I individualize my lessons for the drummer, making sure they are getting what they want out of the lessons while still staying sharp on notation, pad practice, drumming diction, etc. 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 Drums Bass Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I have been teaching for a few years now and playing professionally for 7 years. I've been playing guitar for over a decade total, and over the years I have not only learned how to play any style of music, but how to teach each style individually as well. I started learning guitar on a nylon string acoustic and playing songs from my favorite punk or grunge bands. Eventually I got myself an electric guitar and amp and things really took off for me. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Drums Ukulele Music Keyboard Djembe Acoustic Guitar

As far as other instruments including the guitar and ukulele, I just think they’re awesome and I play them at home whenever I get a chance! having started on violin when I was six years old, I was first chair second violin throughout high school. Therefore, I can assist you in being able to read music as well. I am also currently using a music app (FL Studio) that has allowed me to create trap beats and back beats for songs I continue to write. Read More