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David M.

David M.

“Feed your creative side with music lessons from a Chicago Pro!”

  • Located in

    Chicago, IL, 60625

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Call us at

800-252-1508
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  • About
  • Photos & Videos
  • Student Reviews 3
  • Availability
  • How It Works
  • Map
  • General Info
    • TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      TakeLessons Certified Teacher

      Our rigorous hiring process requires a completed application; an interview with our professional recruiting specialists; personal and professional reference checks; and annual criminal background checks.
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    • Background Check Complete

      Criminal Background Check

      In order to ensure the safety of our students, all teachers undergo a thorough criminal background check, which includes: Social Security number trace, multi-state criminal search and a nationwide sex offender registry search.
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    • Levels: Beginner to Advanced
    • Ages: 5 & up
    • In-Home Lessons: No
    • In-Studio Lessons: Yes
    • Online Lessons: No
    Subjects Taught In Person
    Guitar, Classical Guitar, Music Performance, Music Recording, Music Theory
    Education

    Ithaca College - Music - 2000-2004 (Bachelor's degree received)

    Specialties
    My current focus is on a niche genre of music, pioneered by French guitarist Django Reinhardt, called Gypsy Jazz. Extensive use of arpeggios, downstroke picking, and special rhythm techniques are the hallmarks of this style.
    I emphasize a strong foundation in technique and timing through various graduated exercises.
    I also specialize in teaching fingerpicking, rhythm playing, and improvisation in a range of popular styles.
    Lesson Details
    It is said that "music is food for the soul". It is also said that "a good cook is never lonely". If you are like me, you need music like you need food, and that is why you are searching for guidance in learning your way around the many tools and techniques available to us as guitar players. With that in mind, I believe a balanced diet of technique, music theory, repertoire, and overall knowledge and understanding of the instrument and music are necessary for becoming a well-rounded, creative ...
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    About
    Drawing from my 20 years of experience tinkering in the guitar kitchen, I teach guitar and music theory to students of all ages and abilities in the Chicagoland area. I received my Bachelor of Music degree in 2004 from Ithaca College in Upstate New York, where I studied Jazz and Classical guitar in addition to music theory, history, and recording.
    Since graduating I have gone on to perform extensively in New York and Chicago, primarily in a genre pioneered by guitarist Django Reinhardt and ...
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    « Read Less
    Equipment
    In-Studio: Home studio, music room

    In-Home: I provide lesson/teaching materials, a music stand, and a metronome for lessons. A student should be responsible for his/her own instrument (although I will give guidance in maintenance issues), music books, and they should have their own metronome for practice.

  • David's Photos

    • David M.
    • David M.
    • David M.

    David's Videos

  • Rated 5 out of 5 by 3 reviewers.
    Rated 5 out of 5 by My 10-year-old really enjoyed his lessons with David. He learned a lot and was excited to go to every lesson. David is very calm, patient, and great working with kids. He is very positive and motivational. David knows how to get the best performance out of his students. We really appreciate all his help and efforts. If ever our schedule allows, we would love to come back and take many more lessons.Thanks for everything! December 12, 2011
    Rated 5 out of 5 by Highly creative David is a highly skilled and creative guitarist, and encouraged me to explore free creative expression in playing and practicing the guitar. I looked forward to what I might be able to learn from him with excitement. Unfortunately, due to schedule incompatibility, I disappointingly realized that it would be difficult to continue to try to work together - for both him and myself. June 10, 2011
    Rated 5 out of 5 by struck a chord =) So happy that TakeLessons suggested David as my instructor! He has been immensely patient and dedicated to progress in playing and theory. I wish I had friends in the area that were interested in guitar so that I could refer to him. April 18, 2011

  • Getting Started

    Excited about jumping into music lessons? Before you can get to the guitar tabs, violin concertos, and vocal riffs, take a moment to think about the logistics of your lessons.
    Lesson Length
    There are a few things to consider when choosing between 30-, 45- or 60-minute lessons. First and foremost, take your age and experience level into account. You'll also want to think about your long- and short-term goals, and the time you'll need to reach them. Most importantly, consider how long you or your child is able to stay focused.
    Lesson Location
    Teachers have the option to display availability for in-home, in-studio, and online music lessons. In-home lessons take place at your house, in-studio lessons are conducted at the teacher's home or professional studio, and online lessons are taught over the internet via live video chat.

    Book Your Lessons Online

    Scheduling your lessons is simple and quick! The prompts will guide you through each step, from securing your lesson time to selecting the payment plan that works best for you.
    Scheduling Lessons
    After you've selected your teacher, click on the Availability tab to see which time slots and days are open.
    Booking Options
    Click the "Book Online" button to get started. Enter in your contact information, and the prompts will guide you through payments, program options, and confirming your schedule. Learn more about our booking policies.
    Payment and Billing
    We make paying for your lessons convenient and hassle-free! Prices vary based on several factors, including the city you live in, the length of your lessons, and whether you're taking them at home, in your teacher's studio, or online. Lessons are paid for in advance, which locks in your time slot.
    Signing Your Customer Agreement
    Signing your Customer Agreement and completing your Student Questionnaire is the last step! The questionnaire will give your instructor valuable information about your goals and experience level, and give him or her time to create a customized lesson plan right from the start.

    Start Your Lessons

    Now the excitement can really begin! Consider the following to ensure an exceptional first lesson...
    Prepare for Your First Lesson
    Once you've completed the last step, your teacher will call you within the next couple of days to confirm your first lesson time and provide you with directions to their studio, if needed. We also encourage you to discuss your goals and any other questions you may have.
    What To Expect
    Every teacher is different, but most first lessons begin with an assessment of where you are in your studies. At a beginner level, you might review the basics of your instrument, such as the different parts, how to hold it correctly, and proper care and maintenance. For voice, this may be the time you learn about breathing and posture.
    Reach the Goals You Set
    Every TakeLessons student is unique, and so is your lesson plan! You'll work with your instructor to develop a plan suited to meet your specific goals. Most TakeLessons instructors will also keep track of your progress with a lesson journal.

    Programs & Pricing

    The billing management tools in your online account help you keep track of your upcoming payments. And with several lesson programs available, you can select the one that fits your individual needs.
    100% Money Back Guarantee
    If you're not completely satisfied with your first lesson, we'll gladly find you another instructor or refund your entire lesson purchase.
    Can I pay when I get to the lesson?
    In order to reserve your time slot, we require payment at the time of booking, which must be at least seven days before your first lesson takes place.
    How does billing work?
    Lessons are paid for in advance, which reserves your time slot and the teacher that you want. Your specific billing date will depend on the lesson program you select.
    What forms of payment do you accept?
    At this time, we accept payments via Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You also have the option to pay with a debit card. We do not accept payment via cash, check, or money order.
    Do you offer a free trial lesson?
    We don't offer a free trial lesson; however, we're so confident that you'll love your lessons that we offer new customers a 100% Money Back Guarantee. If you take your first lesson and decide that you don't want to continue, we'll refund the amount you paid INCLUDING the lesson you've already taken. To request the Money Back Guarantee, simply notify us within 72 hours of your first lesson.
    Do you offer any discounts?
    At this time, we don't offer any discounts. However, if you are booking two students for consecutive in-home lessons, you'll only be charged one travel fee, instead of one fee per lesson.

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