Chicago, IL Guitar Lessons

e their passion with family and friends as they create music.

BM in Percussion Performance
University of Iowa

Studied with:
Dr. Dan Moore, Vern Spevak, Chic Evans, Ron Spaeth, Jim Dreier

Received Music Scholarship to attend U of Iowa

Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
-Received Many Certifications and Degree
-Certified in Pro Tools Recording Software and others

*** Lesson Details ***
I encourage my students to pursue all types of music. I like to use “method books” to help with reading and music theory no matter which instrument they choose. I always use supplemental materials that follow the student’s interests and level. I often use technology in lessons to motivate and help students grow. For example, I use many apps for theory, note reading, and rhythm training.

A cancellation 24hrs in advance is always appreciated.

I don’t use the same strategy for each individual. I believe music should be fun and rewarding. I like to expose students to many different types of music, i.e.; jazz, pop, blues, folk and of course, classical. Students are more likely to practice music that speaks to their personality.

My teaching environment is very laid back. I expect my students to practice, but I don’t read them the riot act if they show up to a lesson not having practiced much the week before. I encourage them to practice more the next week and I give them strategies for how to fit practice time into their schedule along with the most efficient way to practice their pieces.

I encourage parents to sit in on their child’s lesson, but I don’t require it. The more a parent is informed about their child’s goals, the better they are able to assist, support and facilitate the student’s practice. Involved parents contribute greatly to a child’s success.

I love teaching adults too! It is never too late to learn an instrument and the rewards carry over into all aspects of life. As with children, music makes us all smarter. Research proves this. We learn complicated spacial and math skills without even realizing it; we’re having too much fun!

I have annual recitals for private students. I speak Spanish.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Basement studio finished and separate from house

*** Travel Equipment ***
Sometimes music. I can refer students to instrument rental or purchase places, but do not have instruments to provide. I can obtain music for the students if they prefer, otherwise I will tell them what and where to buy.

*** Specialties ***
I use Suzuki and other books for material, but my teaching is more traditional. I use actual bowhold from start. My own invention - pinky AND thumb houses. Music reading is introduced fairly early. A little at a time and it's painless.

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.

ach. He feels that music is within all of us, and a desire to learn is a sign of talent, so anyone can develop their musical abilities with methodical practice.

The musical journey for Daniel began at an early age with trumpet and piano studies which became a passion for him by the age of 14. He was the drum major of the high school marching band, and successfully completed a paid contract to arrange music for the high school jazz band which performed in a state beauty pageant. He began teaching privately after high school, and continued playing in bands, and composing original music. He formed a professional jazz ensemble under the name of the Chicago Jazz Players by the age of 22, and developed his arranging techniques while having it performed by an eighteen piece orchestra consisting of many great local artists. It was in this environment that he gained experience with brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments. He was granted a position at Columbia College as an instructor at age 29 where he taught theory, sight singing, musicianship, ear training, harmony, orchestration, and composition. He scored the music for several plays, and conducted his own pieces with Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Players. During those years he found himself playing the guitar and singing more than anything else. It was in 1995 that he focused on singing and playing the guitar with his rock band. He has produced several CD recordings of his original music in his own studio, and has helped produce local bands and artists. He performs regularly in the Chicago area.

*** Lesson Details ***
Daniel exhibits patience and care with each student, and develops an individualized approach based on clear goals with practical procedures. Most beginners can expect to have a working knowledge of music notation and how it applies to their instrument within three months, and should be developing fluency in performing music that they enjoy within six months. Advancing students will enjoy the rewards that will follow by studying with an experienced teaching musician that will recognize strengths and weaknesses, and recommend proven techniques for personal musical development. Studying music should be fun, fulfilling, and in harmony with the needs and desires of the student, and this is key to the philosophy held by Daniel.

*** Studio Equipment ***
Eight track recording gear; grand piano; guitars/bass (acoustic & electric); cables/amps, drum kit and percussion.

*** Travel Equipment ***
I can provide lesson materials, and always have a metronome with me. I expect the student to have an instrument. I prefer that a student has a music stand.

*** Specialties ***
Customized approach to the individual based on needs and goals.

along to
• looping, editing, and adding effects to recorded audio

These aspects of a lesson not only better prepare students for the likely future of music but it also makes lessons more exciting, creative, and fun!

tional performance as an instructor in a record 4 months. This typically takes 1-3 years to attain. Earning this designation led to my earning 5 Meritorious Commendation Medals and 4 Navy Achievement Medals to date,
which in turn led to the best trained Navy Musicians graduating from the Armed Forces School of Music during my tenure. In my recent capacity as Director, Navy Band Great Lakes, I was able to significantly expand my skill-set.

My responsibilities for programming music and managing travel for a concert band, parade band, ceremonial band, Dixieland band, jazz ensemble, jazz combo, brass quintet, woodwind quintet, and a blues band caused me to develop my musical knowledge across all genres, as well as my ability to manage large sums of money. I've
been stationed here since 2014, and I work regularly as a jazz guitar leader and sideman on the Chicago gig scene. Upon my retirement from the Navy Music Program in 2018, I will remain in Chicago and devote the full entirety of my efforts to performance, pedagogy, and recording as a private citizen-musician.

I have held a SECRET clearance for 21+ years. That is the most intense background check anyone can get, which is why I passed on the Take Lessons background check.

Currently available for tours, lessons, recording, and live performances.