Guitar Lessons Midwest

Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

One of the most rewarding moments for me as a teaching is that "lightbulb moment" when a student finally gets it, and I know that I helped guide them there. I set realistic goals for all of my students, but still push them to continue to achieve that which is just outside of their current ability. This enables the students to continue to progress and not become stagnant in their growth as an overall musician. Read More

Instruments: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

I'm a graduate of Northwestern's Bienen School of Music and have been playing and performing music since childhood. I hold two degrees, one in Music Performance for Classical Guitar, and the other in Cognitive Science; both affect my teaching method--in different ways, of course! I think one of the most important things when starting out as a musician is to have the intent and drive to practice (encouragement counts for quite a bit too!). 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: Piano, Guitar, Keyboard, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar

For beginners I like to have a method books such as Alfreds or Hal Leonards and occasionally supplement with an easy piece to hold their interest. Its important for them to have something to show as soon as possible. As the student advances, the Mickey Baker books are good for the interested jazz student. And getting them to play simple chord progressions and melodies is a good way to get them off and running . 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