Private Classical Guitar tutoring lessons Chicago, IL.

lso 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.

l-length album entitled “Seed.” Both bands performed all over the greater Chicago-land area and helped me hone my skills as an electric guitarist. Throughout this time, we shared the stage with national touring & recording acts Fear Factory, Mastodon, Enuff Z’nuff, and Algernon, to name a few. I now play lead guitar in the Chicago-based alternative rock band Davenport Ed and am having started an all-instrumental acoustic/rock trio with two percussionists.

Undergraduate Studies (College of Dupage and Northern Illinois University: 2002-2008)

After high school, I attended the College of Dupage (COD) and began studying jazz guitar with Dr. Zvonimir Tot. Towards the end of my studies at COD, I developed an interest in classical guitar and took lessons from Steve Ramsdell. After I received my Associate’s Degree in Music from COD I started teaching private guitar lessons at various suburban Chicagoland locations. I graduated from COD in 2004 with an Associate in Music degree. In the fall of 2005, I started my Bachelor’s studies in Classical Guitar Performance at Northern Illinois University (NIU) with Fareed Haque (Winner of “Best World Guitarist” in Guitar Magazine). While at NIU, I continued to teach & perform up until I graduated in May 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance.

Graduate Studies (New England Conservatory of Music: 2008-2010)

I started my graduate studies in August 2008 at the New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) in Boston, under the tutelage of world-renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk. As an active performer in the greater Boston area, I made it a goal to bring the classical guitar to unorthodox venues such as senior centers, local TV, hospitals, dialysis treatment centers, and even juvenile halls! While at NEC, I started to take an interest in transcription, which is the art of adapting a composition for a voice or instrument other than the original. Eliot Fisk is a master at this, and his guidance was profound. In June 2010, I graduated from NEC with a Master’s in Music (with Academic Honors) for Classical Guitar Performance. My master's recital was a tour-de-force of virtuosic classical, acoustic, and electric guitar pieces with music ranging from J.S. Bach to Joaquin Rodrigo to Steve Vai.

Flamenco Guitar & Ritmo Flamenco (2009-Present)

During my time at NEC, I was fortunate enough to meet Grisha Goryachev, a master flamenco guitarist. Grisha introduced me to the basic principals of flamenco guitar and proved to be a wonderful resource. I continue my flamenco guitar studies by learning historical flamenco recordings entirely by ear. Short of living in Spain for extended periods of time, I have found this to be the purest way of learning. I am now the flamenco guitarist for Ritmo Flamenco, an ensemble that features dancer Diane Campbell.

Professional Musician & Awards (2010 – Present)

I moved back to Chicago in July 2010 and have since had hundreds of performances that include weddings, corporate events, restaurants, recitals, and more. My reputation as a premiere performing guitarist has grown rapidly in the past 2 years, and I earned 2 awards at the end of 2012: “Top Solo Guitarist” on the world’s largest entertainment site which is Gig Master and “Best of Wedding” (the world’s largest wedding-planning site). I am a regular featured performing artist at premiere restaurants in the Chicago suburbs including The Cellar Bistro in Wheaton, Eddie Merlot’s in Warrenville, and Wildwood Steakhouse in Geneva.

*** Lesson Details ***
***Teaching students ages 10+***

My first goal as an instructor is to get an idea of what the student's goals are as a guitarist, and then we start working towards that goal. This means that while the basic concepts are covered (chords, some sight-reading in most cases, scales, etc), no student curriculum is exactly the same. After a few months of studying with me, no matter what style of music, we will have learned notes, chords, and songs that are of interest to the student. Then, we will discuss how all of those elements tie together and map out a practice routine. A goal I have for every student is to create a realistic, efficient, and enjoyable practice routine that produces results.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Music stands, guitars (acoustic, electric, classical), cable/amp, appropriate paper materials & books for learning music.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I do not travel to lessons.

*** Specialties ***
I specialize in classical, rock, pop, & music theory.

ce (disciple of Abel Carlevaro) and did advanced guitar study with Jack Grassel, a well known master guitarist. Bobalso diversified his education by studying at the Bloom School of Jazz and spending three years learning improvisation techniques from famed jazz guru Charlie Banacos.

Because of his education, Bob is perhaps best known for his incredible improvisation abilities and his unique arrangements of pop tunes. Inspired by Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Andres Segovia, and other iconic guitarists, Bob has blended what he loves best about traditional Bebop and Blues with his creative, harmonic approaches. His jazz trio especially capitalizes on their unique ability to improvise, providing a steady stream of tunes, all while playing great jazz music and standards from the Great American Song Book. A passionate and energetic performer, Bob has been playing for crowds since his high school rock band days. Today, he enjoys playing solo and with his jazz trio at both private and corporate events.

Bob enjoys passing along his knowledge and experience to others as the founder of G4 Guitar Riverside where he teaches all styles, all ages, and all levels. Known by his students as an encouraging and supportive teacher, Bob believes that any student can become a good guitarist with enough dedication and passion. He teaches the G4 Guitar method, which is based on 29 years of research and development and is a structured, proven method for learning the guitar.

In addition to teaching guitar lessons, Bob has also written one book on soloing concepts for guitar, a theory course for beginners, and has developed special technical exercises to help guitarists with technical development.

Today, Bob continues to teach guitar lessons and is working on a CD of solo guitar music consisting of jazz and pop tunes.

*** Lesson Details ***

FUN, EASY GUITAR LESSONS, PLAY CHORDS YOUR FIRST LESSON

DID YOU EVER WANT TO TAKE GUITAR LESSONS BUT THOUGHT YOU COULDN'T DO IT?

Well, you've come to the right place. I'll teach you how to play guitar the fun and easy way!
>>> Play chords during the first lesson!
>>> Learn the skills you need to know so you can play the music you love!

STUDENTS COME FIRST!
My lessons are specifically designed for Teens to Adults!

STUDENT BENEFITS:

1. All my students feel like stars! Because I make sure each lesson is both fun and enriching.

2. I provide a clear lesson plan complete with goals, achievement levels, and performances.

3. I use a song based teaching system so my students are learning songs they love while they get the academic benefits of music.

4. I don’t overbook myself so my current clients get the full benefit of my energy.
Music lessons have other great benefits like: Higher self esteem, more confidence, good social skills...and more!

5. I’ve seen the benefits of music proven over and over, and I know that I’m teaching so much more than music.

6. I’m exclusive. I have an incredibly high success rate because I only work with those that are truly excited about music.

I have several learning program packages available from 6 weeks to 24 weeks. And from 30 to 60 minutes lessons.

All materials are included FREE as part of the lesson package fee.

LESSONS ARE FUN AND ORGANIZED. YOU'LL LEARN TO PLAY THE MUSIC YOU LOVE!.

I utilize the research based learning material in our lessons. It is an integrated system that teaches you the 7 aspects of the guitar. There are also a series of checklists we use to help you clearly achieve defined goals in a very easy-to-follow way.

If you are looking to learn the guitar as a beginner, or breakthrough to higher levels of playing as an intermediate or advanced guitarist, then you've come to the right place. Imagine being able to play the songs and music you love.

PLAY CHORDS AT YOUR FIRST LESSON, OR BREAK THROUGH TO THE NEXT LEVEL!

1. Develop Skills - Picking, chords, arpeggios, scales, rhythm, reading, aural skills and theory.
2. Practice - Lessons are about building effective practice routines.
3. Motivation - Motivation is critical to long term success. We work at keeping you motivated!
4. Progress - I track student progress. And works with the student to maintain a constant level of progress to achieve their goals.
5. Upgrades / Improvements - Lessons are constantly about making improvement based on new findings to ensure our students are always improving.
6. Results - Following the lesson program will guarantee you results. With practice, patience, persistence and following the method, YOU WILL improve.

BENEFITS FOR YOU:

1. Guitar lessons for kids, teens and adults and all levels. From beginning guitarists with no experience to advanced level players.
2. YOU will be getting guitar lessons from a teacher who cares and actually tracks your progress, and knows your strengths and weaknesses.
3. YOU will learn the right things at the right time and in the right way as taught by a professional, working guitarist and certified teacher.
4. YOU will learn to play the guitar faster than trying to learn on your own.
5. YOU will learn how to practice effectively and efficiently to gain great results in a short space of time. Practice skills are rarely taught by guitar teachers.
6. YOU will get instant feed back on your playing in lessons so that YOU know that YOU will continue to make progress on the guitar.
7. YOU will learn musical skills that will enable YOU to meet YOUR goals as a guitar player.
8. YOU will be highly motivated and inspired to master the guitar.
9. YOU will finally understand how music works.
10. YOUR musicality and ear for music will improve drastically.

f musical structure.

Teaching philosophy

I will give you simple technical training to help the hands work together and develop a musical sound. As I teach I look for your gifts (in creativity, musical playing etc) and actively look to enhance that gift.

When problems come along in your studies, I help you to solve them in a way you can apply them for yourselves. Teach and show students how music works and how to play artistically.

How to Start

Will work with you to find a convenient time/day to schedule lessons at your home or our studio

There is a money back guarantee on the 1st lesson so you can try and see how lessons can help you to reach your goals. Selecting the "get started now" button will put you in contact with our student counselors.

P.S. Take the first step in learning music by contacting us.

*** Lesson Details ***
Teaching for over 13 years in all major styles. Helping beginning or returning students of all ages (kids and adults). and backgrounds to learn music.Have taught all ages from 5 to 60 years old.

Will work to develop a personalized plan specifically for you and/or your child or family member.

Studied at Roosevelt University as a classic guitar major with music education and jazz studies.

Give students a well rounded education in all the major styles-techniques, teaching them finger picking as well as pick technique, chords and improvisation.

I specialize in building a strong foundation both musically and technically for people that have not played guitar or even music before and helping them to reach the musical goals they desire.

For the pick guitar I use the Mel Bay method along with handouts for chords/exercises and finger picking patterns This gives you flexibility to explore many musical styles.

For classic guitar I use the Sagreras or Parkening methods plus the same handouts as for pick guitar.

For electric bass I use the Hall Leonard Method, plus handouts.

I teach children how to practice and to keep a practice schedule.

I operate with a patient approach, a comfortable learning process. This helps you to learn properly and builds a solid foundation for your playing.

Lesson Progression

In general after 3 months you will know all the basic chords and how to change them. How to play the blues scale, read music /tab plus some songs with basic chords.

For the electric bass you will play blues patterns, read music and tab.

After 6 months you will be in general able to play bar chords, and more complex songs (with full chords).

For the electric bass more complex songs, movable major scales.

Keep in mind as you move through these studies you will be enjoying playing music and be moving towards the goal you had in mind in taking up music including learning the music, the styles you wanted to play.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I can provide a music stand and a foot stool. I can get them or show them where to get a method book They would just need a guitar.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can teach lessons at the students home in Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Skokie, Wilmette and adjoining communities.

*** Specialties ***
Be encouraged that you and/or your family member can learn to play and it's not as hard as you think.

What I have found is it takes no special talent to play the guitar, just the desire to practice and learn. Lessons with a teacher helps you to learn quicker and more problem free, unlike other approaches. A teacher can help you personally when you have problems and questions. The investment you make will help you or a family member to play music for many years...

Teach most major styles folk, rock, blues, classical, finger picking, Jazz (Bossa Nova)
Also gospel, praise and worship guitar.

re year of high school to be precise, I was walking by the piano in the living room of my house and felt a small tug to sit down and try to plunk out a few measures of a slightly familiar song; ever since then, I have not been quite able to stop wanting to keep learning!

Throughout the four years I studied and enhanced my skills at Elmhurst College, I took private lessons for Piano, Classical Guitar, and Voice, and I have completed four levels of Music Theory. I am organized, hard~working, detail~oriented, accustomed to working with people of a variety of age groups and learning preferences, sociable, adaptable, easy to get along with, fair, creative, pro~active, and proficient in English and Spanish.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact TakeLessons and I wish you the best in your future music studies!

Paulette L.