Matt Brown's Guitar Studio
2 employees
23 years in business
About this pro
My teaching approach: I teach all styles of music, but tend to focus on fundamental musicianship skills.
I have 16 years of professional teaching experience and 17 years of professional playing experience. Over the past 16 years, I've taught over 120 students of all age and ability levels. In the past, I was a guitar instructor for JamPlay.com and Capital University's Community Music School. I'm currently the guitarist and vocalist for Chicago-based band Dead Parade. I also play various theater, wedding, and restaurant gigs around Chicago.
My influences are: I listen to just about every style of music - Nirvana, Tool, Bjork, Run The Jewels, Miles Davis, SRV, Hendrix, Coltrane, Leo Brouwer, etc.
My guitar lessons take place in: My home or online with Skype.
Guitar lessons typically take place on these days and hours: Sunday - Thursday: 9 a.m. CST to 8 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. CST to 6 p.m.
Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Recording and Production, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Your first guitar lesson with me might include the following: Prior to the lesson, I contact the student to learn about his/her experience and goals. The first lesson typically involves an assessment of the students and abilities. Then, usually the remainder of the lesson is spent breaking bad habits and establishing a strong foundation that can be built on in future lessons. Students have the option of filming their lessons. That way, they have a reference recording of me performing lesson materials, and the students can assess their progress.
A guitar lesson with me might entail the following: I tailor each lesson to help each student reach his/her own unique goals. I teach all genres, but I tend to focus on fundamental musicianship skills. That way, each student develops a solid foundation that can be applied to any musical situation. Right from the start, the primary goal is to play music. I structure my curriculum as such; lesson plans are customized for each student so that he/she is able to reach his/her goals in the most fun and efficient manner possible. I prefer not to bombard students with boring drills. Instead, technical practice is taught within a fun song or piece.
The qualities I look for in an ideal guitar student might include the following: The ideal guitar student works hard at practicing. Period.
I love seeing students succeed with whatever their goals might be! It's always a huge plus when they have a blast doing it!
Read more about this pro
Credentials
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone verified
-
I have had 6 lessons so far, and I highly recommend Matt as a teacher. He is very knowledgeable and he has challenged me to go beyond chord playing and learn to face new challenges and techniques. I have started learning to read music for the guitar (although I had the option of tab) which will greatly expand my ability to play. He was also flexible with me when I ran into scheduling difficulty early on when my small biz got crazy. If you are interested in taking your playing to the next level and learning a lot about music along the way, Matt is a great choice. I am purchasing another set of lessons and am very happy with the ease of Skype lessons.
Photos & Videos
FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Prior to the first lesson, I contact the student to learn about his/her experience and goals. The first lesson typically involves an assessment of the students and abilities. Then, usually the remainder of the lesson is spent breaking bad habits and establishing a strong foundation that can be built on in future lessons. Students have the option of filming their lessons. That way, they have a reference recording of me performing lesson materials, and the students can assess their progress.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor's of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance. I also studied contemporary guitar extensively in college. Prior to college, I took private lessons weekly for 7 years. I've been teaching and playing professionally now for 17 years.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1 30 minute lesson = $32
1 45 minute lesson = $45
1 60 minute lesson = $60
5 30 minute lessons = $140
5 45 minute lessons = $200
5 60 minute lessons = $270
How did you get started teaching?
By the age of 16, I had already been playing professionally in local clubs and bars, so teaching guitar lessons seemed to be a natural fit when it came time to get an after school job.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with students of all age and ability levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently finished my band Dead Parade's latest EP. Writing the songs, recording them, mixing them, etc. was a VERY long but VERY rewarding process.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Don't settle for someone that doesn't feel like a good fit for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are my goals for guitar lessons?
What styles of music do I want to work on?
How committed am I to learning and continue to improve at guitar?
Lessons offered
Guitar Lessons Acoustic Guitar Lessons Arrangement And Composition Lessons Audition Prep Lessons Acoustic Guitar Lessons Arrangement And Composition Lessons Audio Engineering Schools Bluegrass Guitar Lessons Blues Guitar Lessons Classical Guitar Lessons Composition Lessons Country Guitar Lessons Ear Training Lessons Flamenco Guitar Lessons Guitar Lessons Logic Pro Software Lessons Music Performance Lessons Music Recording Classes Music Theory Lessons Songwriting Classes
Show all