Jesse Reyes Guitar/Voice/Piano Lessons
About
Jesse Reyes is currently a student at Vandercook College of Music, studying music education and working on his degree to teach music for any grade level K-12. He takes advanced applied guitar and voice lessons, is on a choral focus at Vandercook, and hopes to become a choir director and guitar teacher.
Reyes is also the lead vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Four Rifts. He has been actively gigging with this group for 3-4 years and also contributes in songwriting. Four Rifts released their debut album, “Fun For The Whole Family” to all digital platforms and streaming sites in April 2018.
Reyes currently teaches private guitar and piano for the Roselle Park District. He has taught there for 3.5 years, and it was this experience that gave Reyes the passion he has for teaching music today.
Because of his experience in rock, metal, blues, jazz, classical, pop, folk, really just music in general, Reyes is open minded and eager to any musical genre a student is willing to pursue. Reyes focuses on teaching musical concepts through songs and pieces, and involves much more playing and singing than talking. Reyes likes to find out as much as he can about his students’ hobbies and interests so he can relate that to what he teaches, giving the students something familiar to connect to and therefore more excitement to learn. Reyes’s biggest goal for his students to develop a love and appreciation for music through something that they learned that’ll have a positive impact on their lives going forward.
Jesse Reyes has been playing guitar for 11 years, singing for 7 years, and playing piano for 5 years. He can also play bass and varied percussion. He attended Lake Park High School Class of 2014 where he was involved in many different music programs, including Wind Ensemble, Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, etc. He went on to study jazz guitar performance at UIC for three years. After switching his career to music education, Reyes transferred to Vandercook College if Music where he’s been studying the past 2 years, hoping to graduate in Spring 2020.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My typical process involves first getting them to play something easy and fun right away to a familiar song. That way they’ve found something they can already do and develop and interest in moving forward. I’d like to get to know if my students’ interests and hobbies so that I can relate those things to what am teaching them, giving them something familiar to connect to something new their learning. From there, we start on basic technique, repertoire, posture, exercises, etc.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently a student at Vandercook College of Music, studying Music Education and working toward my Bachelors Degree In Music Ed. I’ve been with this school for 2 years now, each semester building my skills and qualification as a music educator. I’ve taught practicum (practice/mini) classes at Vandercook and a couple of high schools, conducted the Vandercook Concert Choir and ran 5 rehearsals, and run ensemble warm ups and sectionals whenever I can. I also teach private lessons for the Roselle Park District. I’ve taught private guitar there for 4 years and piano for 2, and have made last impressions and achievements with many of my students.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For private lessons, I normally charge $25/half hour and $50/hour, but I’m always willing to make any deals or exceptions depending on the situation
How did you get started teaching?
I obtained a position for teaching guitar at the Roselle Park District in 2015. After doing this for months, I began to enjoy teaching more and more to the point where I wanted to take it up as a profession. At the time I was studying Jazz Guitar Performance at UIC, and right after this experience I transferred to Vandercook College of Music to study Music Education.
What types of students have you worked with?
I’ve worked with students of all ages, anywhere from 7-18 years old. I’m open to working with any student eager to learn.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think about what it is you are looking to accomplish and the goals you’ve set for yourself. Find out what the teacher specializes in and if those specialties can help you to reach your goals.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do I want to accomplish as a musician? Why do I want to learn this instrument? How dedicated am I to this new activity? What are the qualifications I’m looking for in my teacher?