About
I started teaching in 2000. I have been playing for 23 years. I teach most styles including rock, jazz, country and blues.
I also teach ukulele and beginner bass guitar.
I graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2008 with a Bachelors in Jazz Studies under a in state full tuition scholarship. I studied privately with guitarist Fareed Haque (Joe Henderson, Dave Holland, Sting, Garaj Mahal) for 5 years and with trumpeter Art Davis (Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles) for 2 years.
While in college and after graduation I performed with my own jazz groups in Chicago and Southern Wisconsin.
You can expect to learn in a fun and focused environment. Our sessions will be tailored to your learning style, your level of experience and your goals. Together with practice, this will ensure growth in a timely manner.
I really love helping students achieve their goals. There is nothing like taking a student to the next level of their playing.
I believe teaching is a way for me to share my own love of continuous learning with my students, and maybe even pass on that thirst for knowledge. Many musicians often consider themselves lifelong students, so it is incumbent on educators to reward the “learning attitude” in their students. My hope is that students recognize the merit and eventually gain pleasure in the process of learning, and not just the accomplishments at the end.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is generally seeing where the student is in their development. I like to get to know the student. We talk about the students goals with music, what music they love and how they would like to learn. This helps us devise a curriculum and decide on a strategy for the upcoming session.
We speak about what books to purchase if applicable and any other supplies that will be needed for learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University. Within the program I was trained in Music Theory, Aural Skills, Music History, Jazz History, Improvisation, Writing, Arranging, Jazz Pedagogy, Small Group Jazz Performance and Big Band Performance.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard pricing is $200 a month for weekly half-hour lessons, $240 for weekly 45-minute lessons per month, and $280 a month for one-hour weekly lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
After playing guitar for a year or two, I was guided into teaching by my high school choir director. I started teaching friends guitar for free. After high school, before I went to college I started teaching lessons privately out of my house. I have been teaching ever since.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with most types. I am comfortable teaching beginners to professionals. I have had students from the ages of 7 to 70.