Chicago Classical Guitar Lessons

on to someone else to experience. I believe this is one way you can leave your mark in music. I believe the experience I have playing in bands, and learning songs with my ability of having relative pitch will make my students improve quicker. I am also a very skilled sight reader and can recognize key signatures and musical notation. I’ve also been playing electric bass guitar for 13 years now and have the same skill set as my guitar playing. In fact I am hired to perform more often as a bassist than a guitarist.
I went to Columbia College between 2000-2003 and I completed a Bachelor Arts in Music, Concentration: Instrument Performance.
I also went to Harper College between 1997-2000 and I completed an Associates in Fine Arts of Music.

*** Lesson Details ***
I tailor all my lessons to the individual students interests and wants.
Whatever your goals are, I'll help you get there.
If you just want to learn music theory or how to write a song, I can teach you all that and more.
I will teach you how to read music but if you don't wan't to do that, I will teach you how to read tablature.
I'll push you to learn your instrument and to practice but I won't force to practice anything that you are not interested in.
After about 3-6 months of lessons with me you will be able to play songs that you wanted to learn and you will also know all the essential fun basics of your instrument.
Learning the guitar or bass is fun! And as your teacher I will make you want to practice.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Lessons will be downstairs which has music stands, guitars, cords and books.

*** Travel Equipment ***
My guitar and music stand. They should have a guitar and an amp if needed.

*** Specialties ***
Anything from classic rock to blues, jazz, classical, modern rock, punk rock, music theory, improvising and songwriting.

ion, he has taught orchestra, guitar, and jazz band at Rolling Meadows High School.
In 2000 Dave graduated from the University of Northern Illinois with a degree in jazz and classical guitar where he studied with world-renowned fusion guitarist Fareed Haque. In addition, Dave has studied guitar with some of the best guitar players in the world including Dave Uhrich and Andy Timmons.

In 2003-2009, he produced and played guitar in the Chicago based hard rock group Disonic. In 2007, Disonic singed to Darkstar Records and released the E.P. The Value of Truth. The Value of Truth was distributed in the USA and Japan. In addition, it was distributed digitally world wide on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby.
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In 2009 he attended VanderCook College of Music and earned a Master’s Degree in Music Education. Currently, Dave is playing bass in the Chicago rock group I Decline and guitar in the Dave K. Group. This year, Dave is releasing his first solo instrumental guitar album under his own name. In addition, he continues to teach rock, jazz and classical guitar and bass in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***
As a private music instructor for the past 15 years, I personally have been granted the opportunity to teach a wide variety of music students. I have taught students ranging in age from 6 to 65. I have taught students from various ethnic and economic backgrounds. I have taught students with various physical, emotional, and learning disabilities. Regardless of the situation, I have always approached each lesson with the idea that every student deserves my best efforts as a teacher. This is because I believe that everyone, regardless of age, cultural heritage, ability, or financial circumstance deserve the opportunity to participate in the best music experiences possible.

I believe that everyone has the ability to learn to play a musical instrument and achieve success on it if they possess the desire to do so. This is because music is a vital part of the human experience. Music has the ability to turn ordinary life experiences into extraordinary ones. Think of everyday events such as: waking up in the morning, commuting to and from work or school, going through the work or school day, going to dinner with a friend or loved one, going to a sporting event,watching a movie or television show, or working out at the gym. Now, picture what these everyday events would be like without the presence of music. Without music, these experiences would be extremely dull and we as human beings would not be able to full appreciate the wonderful moments in our lives.

​As a music educator, my promise is to guide my students through the journey of learning to play music so they can experience the joy that it brings into their lives and the lives of others. I promise to help my students realize their full musical potential. I will always treat each student equally with fairness and respect, provide the best possible atmosphere for their growth, and recognize that each student is unique in how they learn and grow.

Lesson Topics Include
Music reading (Tablature, rhythmic notation, and standard notation)
Technical mastery of the instrument (Proper left and right hand technique, chords, scales, arpeggios, etc...)
Rhythm and counting
Repertoire (chosen by the individual student with the aid of the teacher)
Songwriting/Composition
Improvisation
Music business
Recording techniques​

*** Studio Equipment ***
Fender 2012 Jeff Beck Stratocaster
Fender 1992 Standard Stratocaster
1980 Gibson Flying V
1994 Washburn N4
2005 Washburn X50PROF
1996 Washburn HB 35
Fender 1965 Twin Reverb Amp
MacBook Pro loaded with Pro Tools, Finale, Garageband, Live, Guitar Pro 6, Band in a Box

*** Travel Equipment ***
Guitar and materials. Student should also have guitar and materials

*** Specialties ***
I am able to teach all styles of music but specialize in all forms of Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Classical

hool under the direction of renowned music educator Dr. Rebecca Johnson. Over the duration of my 18 year teaching career, I have taught over 1000 students of all ages and levels of experience.

dent in specific areas they have interest in while being done at the students own pace.

My background history:

I immersed myself in music at a very young age, studying classical piano and theory. In my teenage years I took the initiative to learn guitar and began by purchasing my own guitar and books and taught myself to play electrical and classical guitar. I followed my passion and continued my studies at Columbia College and graduated with a bachelors degree in Instrumental Performance.

Post-graduation, I have experienced playing in multiple bands, performing in concerts, teaching piano and guitar ranging in all levels at a music center and private home and enjoying some traveling.

Everything I have learned will be reflected in my lesson methodology and will help you learn to play proficiently in a timely manner. I look forward to meeting new prospective students while having fun teaching them music.