About
My teaching approach: Each student is unique. All students will be encouraged to learn/know the fundamentals of music theory & be able to play scales & chords in all keys (major & minor) up & down the fretboard. Once that is accomplished, any style is possible. Students will be guided in writing their own music and also learning to improvise. From there - chord extensions, arpeggios, modes, substitutions, altered scales, specialty techniques... My guitar lessons take place in: The teacher's studio or if within 5 miles, the student's home. Guitar Lessons with me take place in the following areas: My studio in Morton Grove or students house in near northwest suburbs: Glenview, Niles, Park Ridge.. Guitar Techniques: Lead guitar, Rhythm guitar, Open tuning, Fingerstyle, Slide Guitar, Performance, Improvisation, Jamming Skills, Reading Music, Music Theory, Scales and Exercises, Song Writing, Guidance In Equipment Selection
Music is my life and passion. As a fulltime musician, I believe part of what I do is passing on my knowledge and skills to anyone else who is inspired to learn. Seeing a student progress to the point of getting real joy out of playing, makes me very happy.
Reviews
Roger S.
Danny J.
Van E.
Barry G.
Curt B.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Finding their level of knowledge regarding guitar and music is crucial.
If it's a beginner, we'll start with some basics of developing finger technique and a couple of easy chords or a simple melody. The most difficult thing for any new student is getting the fingers to work. Developing that can be tedious but it's the key to playing. Therefore, I always like to balance that with learning a song and we always start with something simple.
If there is some experience, then we have to find out what they know and where we can pickup. Some students might even have bad habits to break. Everyone is different.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have an Honors Degree from Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA. I've been a fulltime musician ever since graduating back in the early 90's. Experience includes: tours of the US & Europe with various bands. Recorded work/jingle sessions for video game companies and ad agencies. Theater work including: Rock of Ages on Broadway (also Fort Worth, TX & Chicago,) Dee Snider's Rock n Roll Xmas Tale, Blue Man Group in NYC.
I also have a degree in speech communications from Eastern Illinois University. Though not directly related to music, I believe this has helped me as a teacher in general.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50 per hour if you come to my home studio in Morton Grove.
$65 per hour if I travel to your house.
How did you get started teaching?
I had recently gotten off the road with a traveling cover band and needed a job. A friend had entered me in a local guitar competition - Chicago's Hottest Guitarist sponsored by Washburn Guitars and Budwieser. I won.
Not long after, I went into a local music store in Westmont, IL and when I told the owner I had won that competition, he offered me a job teaching there. That was around 1996.
I had 50 students per week on and off for the next 10 years.
What types of students have you worked with?
Everyone from 8 year old beginners to highly motivated teens looking to get to the next level to experienced adults looking for advanced skills and theory.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently finished a 2 month run of rock musical Rock of Ages at the Drury Lane Theater in Oakbrook, IL. August to October 2017
I also performed in a 2 week run of the same show at the Casa Manana Theater in Fort Worth, TX. June 2017
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Plan on making time to practice everyday.
If you can't committ to that, then you'll be wasting your money and your time as well as my time.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Have I put in the time required to learn this?