Eric Thompson Music

Eric Thompson Music

5.0Exceptional(7 reviews)
Offers online services
Offers online services

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.


Highlights

Hired 2 times
1 employee
24 years in business
Serves Aurora , IL
Offers online services

Payment methods

Cash, Paypal

Social media


Details

Musical styles

Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Folk, Recommendations available

Guitar style

Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar, Ukulele, Banjo, Recommendations available

Has instrument

Student who have a guitar

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Students who can read music staff, Students who can read guitar tabs, Students who cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes

Student's age

11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Reviews

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GH

graham H.

He is a fantastic teacher and has a passion for the guitar that is evident to anyone he works with. My child has been taking lessons for years and has really advanced thanks to Eric.
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February 28, 2024

KH

kari H.

Eric was a fantastic and very patient guitar teacher for my child. My child has improved so much and learned a lot in the 3 years Eric working with Eric!
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February 25, 2024

CH

char H.

He is very experienced and he teaches very well. i’ve learned a lot in the two years i’ve been going. also his daughter is my fav.
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February 08, 2024

KH

kenney H.

Fantastic instructor. I took lessons with Eric for a few years: jazz, blues, rock, etc. I was a complete beginner when I started lessons, now I can competently play multiple genres and have a life long passion for music. Eric’s dedication, ability to organize practice material, and enthusiasm to help overcome any obstacles his students may run into is what sets him apart from other instructors. I highly recommend Eric as an instructor.
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December 14, 2023

MC

Michael C.

Great instruction! My son and I both took lessons from Eric over the course of years for jazz, blues, etc.
Extremely knowledgeable and able to explain music theory in a way that built on itself. Eric teaches you how to play guitar and not just a song here and there! He helps you achieve your goals. He teaches to what you need to reach your goals.
Always prepared, never late, I appreciate all he taught us.
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December 11, 2023

NM

Nicole M.

I took guitar and bass lessons from Eric for 2 years. Because of Eric, I really grew as musician.
He is well versed and highly trained in music theory and guitar technique. An inspiring musician that can also teach well!
The best part about Eric is he allows the student to establish the pace and goals. Through his instruction I built a great foundation.
Eric was always reliable. Never late, never cancelled, and always prepared. I liked that he let me choose the songs I wanted to learn. Eric was a lot of fun to learn from. I could see him working well with students of all ages.
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November 02, 2017

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

I have worked with most types. I am comfortable teaching beginners to professionals. I have had students from the ages of 7 to 70. 


Services offered

Guitar
Music Theory