About
Hi! I'm Ian. I've been teaching guitar, bass and ukulele to students of all ages/levels professionally since 2001 (so a long time).
My general goal is to help students become well-rounded and talented musicians. My lessons generally rotate between technique and theory with both being applied to songs of your choice. And if you have any specific goals- I’m all ears.
I also start everyone with a free lesson. If you decide to continue from there, all you have to do is let me know.
For a much more in-depth look at my musical/teaching background, please feel free to check out my personal music lessons website www.iansmusiclessons.com
That said, feel free to contact me for any questions at all. Happy to help you get fully set up- or even help you pick the right guitar/get everything you need before we get started so you’re totally prepared for the first lesson
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
From the get go, I try to find out what you may already know. Some people can be surprised to find out they already know more than they previously thought. And if they know little to nothing, that’s ok too!
From there, I always gear the lessons towards achieving your goals as quickly as possible, mixed with theory and technique -which are always applied toward actual songs of your choosing.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was raised in a musical environment. My Dad and I listened to records throughout my childhood instead of watching t.v. When I got my first guitar, it felt natural to me. I quickly realized it was my calling to play music. I borrowed every book I could get my hands on from friends and family (because this was before the internet). By 17 I was in the winning band in my high school talent show. From there, I also picked up bass and ukulele. Since then I have played bass and guitar for several bands throughout the Chicagoland area (most of which I was the chief songwriter)- winning several awards along the way. Some of those bands include: Mantra, Gift of Tongues and Swing State. Swing State achieved second place in the country in the Emergenza festival in 2006. (We might have got first place but the band broke up about a week before the final show. It's an interesting story, among many...)
I started teaching professionally in 2001 at a small music store called About Music in Libertyville, Illinois. Since then I've taught at several stores and schools- and I haven’t stopped since.
Apart from teaching, I also opened an all ages music venue/recording studio in 2006. We were open for over 9 years. There I met/recorded/and watched bands perform from all over the world. Many of the bands had some of my previous students as members!
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Weekly online (virtual) lessons
30 min = $25
45 min (most popular) = $35
60 min = $45
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching in 2001 at a small music store called About Music in a nearby town to where I grew up in Illinois- just outside of Chicago. I began teaching at another music store called The Music Source about a year later because unfortunately, About Music closed down (sadly a common theme amongst small time music stores). At The Music Source, I became the top teacher within a year -eventually having around 60 students per week- which I kept up over 5 years. I had to cut back on students a bit when I opened my music venue, Swing State, in 2006. After I closed down the venue in 2015, I shifted back to teaching full-time, but now in people's homes, my home and now, mainly online.
What types of students have you worked with?
All types. As I write this, I currently have a 3-year-old guitar student and a 75-year-old ukulele student. As for personality types, I believe I've taught them all. Some people are more visual, some people learn by listening. Some people like structure, some people like more spontaneity. I see it as a part of my job to find out what works best for each student and then harness their innate talents from there.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Well although I’ve been teaching since 2001, I still get amazed by my experiences while teaching. And over those years, there hasn’t been a week that’s gone by where I didn’t add a new addition to my techniques as a teacher. As I write, tonight I helped an adult student figure out a chord by sheer theory alone. In other words, instead of just showing her the chord I wanted her to play, I helped her utilize recent information and figure out how to play the chord without me having to touch my guitar or tell her where to put her fingers. It was an awesome moment and one I plan on re-creating again in the future with my students. The amazing moments are endless.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to find someone who has experience as a teacher- not just experience as a student.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? Do you want to just learn some songs to play for family and friends around the campfire? Do you want to write your own music? Do you want to play open mics at cafes? Do you want to start a band someday?
It helps to know where you want to go with all of this so you can start going down the right path. It’s ok to change your goals as you go or not even know what your goals are as well- but it helps to try to figure them out. It’s a great way to keep you motivated. And the right teacher should be able to help you along and keep it fun as you go.