Guitar Lessons With Robert Simkus, Jr.
Best of 2020
1 employee
30 years in business
About this pro
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.
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Credentials
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Phone verified
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I can't stress enough how critical it is for any student to find a teacher that really connects with them at whatever learning stage they are, inspires them to learn, gets them excited enough to practice what they learnt and to look forward to the next lesson. In our case Robert was that teacher. My eldest son took lessons with Robert for 3 years. Today at 13 my son plays like a pro practically any song he likes. Instead of waiting outside for my son to finish lessons I also took lessons with my him and despite my busy life Robert taught me enough to be able to play my favorite songs on stage with confidence. Robert makes guitar lessons highly interesting and we always walked out feeling very excited about what we learnt. Robert is technically very savvy and used technology all the time to enhance the lessons. Every year he arranged 1-2 guitar concerts that offered students from basic to advanced levels an opportunity to play songs of their choice, on stage, with a live band, in front of a very supportive audience comprising of friends and families of all students - which gave us valuable stage experience and confidence to play. I strongly recommend Robert's lessons to everyone who is serious about learning guitar.
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My son has been taking bass and guitar lessons from Robert for a year now. The growth has been phenomenal! Robert has great patience and is a wonderful teacher. My sons feels he has learned something new each week. The shows that Robert puts on for the kids are wonderful. Not only do they get to show off all their skills for a day they also give back to those in need. Such great lessons for these kids to learn.
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Robert is a great instructor, from his ability to break down a song by ear to his extensive knowledge of theory. Robert will aid you in meeting personal goals and provide you with the ability to share what you have learned with others. Robert can have you in front of people playing before you know it, if that is something you want to do. I have had several guitar instructors along the way, Robert has provided me with the most tangible, measurable instruction - bar none!
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Robert is a great teacher, very patient, sincere and has commendable teaching techniques. We drive an hour each week for lessons.
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FAQs
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?
Lessons offered
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