Early Guitar Studies & Pit Orchestra Performances (1995-2002)

I began taking guitar lessons at the age of 11 with blues/jazz guitarist Tom Castonzo, a frequent performer, bandleader and teacher in and around the Chicago area. My studies with Tom lasted for many years and covered various musical and technical aspects of many different styles ranging from jazz to classical and everything in between. In 2002, I began performing in pit orchestras for various musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserable, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, and Seussical the Musical.

Original Music Projects (2003-Present)

From 2003-2008, I wrote and performed music for 2 different progressive rock bands: Dream Haven and The Unit Theory. Dream Haven released the EP entitled “Nostalgia is Five Frame” and The Unit Theory released a full-length album entitled “Seed.” Both bands performed all over the greater Chicago-land area and helped me hone my skills as an electric...

A recent graduate from Illinois Wesleyan University, Gabriella has earned her degree in Violin Performance and will be continuing a Masters in String Pedagogy. A few notable performances she has participated in is two solo recitals, concerts with the Danville, Wheaton and Illinois Wesleyan Civic Orchestra, and many performances with her quartet, including performances at the Consular Corps. Ball in Chicago. She has developed an advanced repertoire for her instrument and greatly enjoys imparting what she has learned with others.

As a lifelong professional musician, I have always provided private lessons throughout my career. As others have helped me,I also realize the importance of helping others to develop musically.
I realize every student has different goals and aspirations and I'm able to provide those needs, whether it's the basic tools that every young musician needs to possess or a more intensive strategy to get over a hurdle and move to the next level of achievement . I am adept at directing individuals of all ages to apply their talents and bring out their best. But, probably most important of these, is developing a joy for music itself, all the while learning and gaining skills.
I am a founding member of "Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows", a popular group that recorded frequently with several major independent blues labels and also toured extensively in the US, and Europe, primarily during the 80's and 90's.
I am a college graduate with a Bachelors of Music degree in music...

I play professionally, I have over 43 years of music experience I started at a very early age enjoying music, i have played recitals at the high school level on cello. I have been a featured soloist on the 4,5,6,string electric bass as well as the acoustic double bass, I have a CD out that show cases the genres of music that i have experience in. I am very passionate about teaching and instructing my students to acquire a love for music that will inspire them on to greater achievements in life.

I have taught voice lessons for about 10 years to children and adults of all ages, abilities, and musical tastes. I received my Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Florida State University, and a degree in English from Knox College. Most recently, I sang as a soprano soloist at Carnegie Hall, as part of a performance of Haydn's "Lord Nelson Mass."

Students have come to me to improve their singing in many different styles, from pop music to musical theater to classical. I have taught experienced musicians as well as people who have never taken a lesson before.

Whether you're looking to improve your karaoke chops, prepare a solo piece for church, or just try something fun and different, I would encourage you to give voice lessons a shot. I truly enjoy teaching and would love to help you achieve your individual vocal goals!

I am a guitar teacher with 10+ years of experience teaching all different styles of music. Blues, Folk,Acoustic, funk,ska,Rock, Metal, Melodic, Country, Classical, Punk, Alternative, and various other melodies. I have played concerts all over the state of Illinois and I have taught many students throughout the years. I teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced players. I am very passionate at what I do and I will guide you through the proper steps in becoming a great guitar player. Playing music takes a lot of time and patience as well as a lot of practice playing by yourself and in front of people. I am very relaxed and motivated to help my students learn and I will guide you through everything.

I would prefer that students bring their own guitars so that you would be more comfortable playing your own instrument, if you can't or do not have one, I have guitars here that you may use but during our sessions only.

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With a lot of practice and a...

I am a professional musician who enjoys helping young people reach their musical goals. I perform regularly as a solo act and play with a band at various hotels in Chicago. I went to Millikin University in Decatur for music where I toured the country and played and sang in the top ensembles. I also studied at the Music Industry Workshop in Chicago for music production and engineering. My goal is to help you learn the songs you love and show you how to make the technical side of music more fun than you ever imagined!

Learning to play music can change your life. It is a marvelous way to develop creativity, coordination, intellectual abilities, and self-esteem. Learning to play a stringed instrument is particularly satisfying since violin and viola players can perform in so many different musical styles.

Jeannette has over 20 years experience teaching in a private lesson setting, over 10 years experience teaching orchestra at high school level, and is presently String Orchestra Director at Lindop Public School District 92 in Broadview, IL. Jeannette attended Interlochen Arts Academy and Indiana University, Bloomington majoring in music performance while studying jazz with Dave Baker. She has been associate principal violist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and presently plays violin with Bella Vita String Quartet, Synchronicity and Candy Town.

Jeannette knows the strengths and weaknesses of a strictly classical musical education and brings that knowledge to her teaching, creating a...

I have experience with children and adults. I have taught at Biasco Music and Melody Music Studio as well as out of my house. For 5 years I accompanied band students in my area for district competitions, hired by the band director as the only non-teacher as an accompanist. I possess a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois with music credits.

My name is Daniel. Composition is my major area of expertise and my major instruments are jazz piano and voice. I currently attend Vandercook College of Music due to the fact that it is a specialized school strictly devoted to music educators. Beyond its capacity for being used as entertainment, music aids in learning, helps develop advanced motor skills, increases memory function, and many other purposes for a well rounded education. It is my goal to help educate the next generation in traditional music practices as well as incorporate new techniques that are relevant to our current day and age.

My studies in piano date back to when I turned 9 years old and have been playing ever since. I have been classically trained but also studied an assortment of other styles such as Jazz and Blues. While In college I attained a degree in Music Education but also studied music composition in the hopes of becoming a more accomplished song writer. During my studies in college I have gained sufficient knowledge in understanding music theory and music analysis. This is a benefit I have found extremely helpful in teaching, especially with students who are learning advanced literature. Under the tutelage of Dr. Kim at NIU I have become transformed in both educating and performing. It is with this knowledge that I hope I can pass on to all of my students

I have been playing guitar for 28 years, starting with Rock/Blues before studying both Classical and Jazz guitar in college. I received my Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1995. I am currently a guitar teacher in the NW Chicago suburbs and in Chicago currently with 35 students, teaching all ages, all levels and all styles. I have been teaching guitar and music off and on for the past 18+ years but in 2007 I decided to devote myself to teaching full time (yes, teaching guitar is my primary job!)...the best decision I have ever made!

To me, playing music is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a lot of fun! But no matter what your goals are in music, I have found, through many years of playing and teaching, that every musician needs a basic understanding of their instrument and of music in general. Whether you’re learning piano, saxophone, violin, flute or guitar all music students will need to know about the basics of music,...