About
I've been helping aspiring guitar players just like you for the last thirty years. You study what you want and need. I help you enjoy the process. You become a complete musician. Take your music in any direction you desire. You have found the guidance. My guarantee. - Robert Simkus, Jr.
I truly enjoy seeing my students gain confidence and mastery of thier chosen instrument. Teaching music is not work. It's a joy and every moment spent teaching music is fulfilling. They say time flies when you are having fun. It goes twice as fast when you are playing music. The rewards of teaching are unlimited.
Highlights
Photos and videos
Reviews
Pramod D.
Jenny S.
Greg S.
Sucheta C.
Lynnette M.
Hal C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing you do is make sure the guitar plays the way it should and that it is a good instrument to learn on. Then, we play music. We choose our curriculum and the direction we are going and follow the path that best suits the guitar player in training. My students are amazed at how quickly we progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
My name is Robert Smkus. I've been playing guitar since 1975 and I've been teaching guitar since 1990 I studied at Chicago's Old Town School of Music and at Western Illnois University graduating in 1988.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
25 per half hour.
How did you get started teaching?
In 1990, I started teaching a neighbor. From the neighbor I received a few referrals. Before I knew it I had over ten students. Then, I started working in the music stores. In the year 2000, I had over 50 students per week in three different local music stores. I did that for about 5 years before it became too much on my hands and arms. For the last ten plus years I have been teaching from my home studio in Carol Stream and I teach in my student's homes. I maintain a current student base of 30 - 35 students. Physically, that's about all my arms and hands can handle. So, spots are limited. But, there is always availability for passionate willing learners that are looking for a top tier guitar education.
What types of students have you worked with?
I teach all ages and abilities from the age of 5 and up. My current roster of students spans from 7 years old to 70. It's never too late or too early to learn.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
For my students that are intested in playing on stage, I offer two annual students benefit shows. We work with the non-profit www.guitars4vets.org to help supply veterans suffering from PTSD with guitars. In November of 2017 we had a student show earned enough for us to donate eight guitars to the mission. In total, my students and I have donated over 35 guitars to Guitars4Vets.org
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you are a good fit and that you are acheiving your goals on the guitar. Make sure your teacher is passionate about lessons and that you are getting the best you can.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals on the instrument? Are you passionate and feel a burning desire to learn the guitar and play? Do have time to play? What should you look for in a teacher? What should you play?