Chicago, IL Guitar Lessons
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Popular Guitar Teachers near Chicago, IL
Check out some of our most popular teachers near Chicago, IL including Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, Fox Valley and Bedford Park.
Guitar Lessons in Chicago, IL
By Will P. - Chicago Guitar Teacher While it’s impossible to pinpoint any one locale as “the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the city of Chicago has a strong claim to the title. In 1955, Chuck Berry came to Chicago to record for the already world-renowned Chess Records label. For years, Chess (and Chicago) had been home to some America’s most famous blues artists: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Etta James and Sonny Williamson, just to name a few. So when Chuck Berry and fellow rock innovator Bo Diddley came to Chess to cut their first records, Chicago became an epicenter not only for blues but also for the exploding rock ‘n’ roll scene – and one central component to that new wave of music was the guitar.
Follow that track through the second half of the twentieth century to the present and it’s clear Chicago has always been a critical point on the map of American guitar music. Today, world class bands like the Smashing Pumpkins, OK GO, and Wilco all call Chicago home. Chicago is the permanent home to music festivals Lollapalooza and Pitchfork, and the city hosts its own jazz, blues and gospel festivals every summer, bringing some of the top guitarists in the world to Grant Park. Eric Clapton has even chosen Chicago as the site for his Crossroads Guitar Festival for the last few years.
Meanwhile, the independent music scene thrives in Chicago. On any given night of the week you can find excellent local groups and artists playing a myriad of genres and styles of music: jazz, blues, indie rock, pop, punk, and metal. As a student of bass or guitar lessons in Chicago, this is a critical factor: in a city with such a rich musical tradition and so many talented musicians, you’re bound to find a wealth of excellent teachers willing to share their knowledge and experience with you.
You might be surprised to learn that many of the musicians you see rocking out on stage on any given night also work as mild-mannered instructors teaching guitar lessons in Chicago during the days and evenings. This can be a tremendous resource for music students; you can learn from your instructor in a one-on-one setting and then go to see them and their peers in action onstage. Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of learning to play an instrument (aside from lots of practice!) is listening to music and going to concerts to see how the skills and techniques you’re learning actually play out on stage in a real performance setting. With so many great musicians to see perform and so many skilled teachers to work with, the opportunities to dive in and immerse yourself in guitar lessons in Chicago have never been greater.
About Michael S.
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From topics such as reading sheet music to playing the guitar solo of your dreams, we can do it all! The desire and drive to learn is all you need!
About Michael
Like any musician, music is my life.
I love to soak it in any way I can! Whether it be listening to records, jamming with my friends or watching all the live concert footage of Stevie Ray Vaughan I can get my hands on.
I graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s of Art in Music with a concentration on guitar performance. Throughout my undergraduate studies I performed in various ensembles within the college’s curriculum. Currently, my solo project gives me the opportunity to continue to grow through writing and performing my own original pieces. Throughout my career I have had the honor of performing with renowned songwriters Todd Rundgren and Charlie Sexton as well as being mentored by jazz drummer Frank Donaldson of
*** Lesson Details ***
Studying at the college level taught me a lot about what not to do as a teacher. The material is already difficult enough, so why would I be difficult with you?
I strive to be more of a mentor and friend rather than taskmaster. However, I do require structure and commitment to getting better. My curriculum will revolve around you and your needs with added material that I feel will help you succeed.
A typical lesson plan includes:
physical technique
chord and scale knowledge,
soloing concepts
and tying all of these ideas together by learning a song in a genre you love!
All of these concepts culminate in the discovery of your own personal voice!
*** Studio Equipment ***
My teaching studio is just steps away from the Belmont Blue Line stop! Our lessons will be held in a private practice space in my home. The large room has multiple amps and guitars, so there is no need to bring an instrument for lessons if you don't want to! (But, you do need an instrument to practice with outside of our lessons!)
Reviews
· Acoustic Guitar · Online
· Guitar · Online
· Acoustic Guitar · Online
Michael S.
About Jack G.
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I have been playing guitar since the age of 11. I have basic music theory training and years of experience as a guitar teacher. I develop a lot of my own materials based on my student's needs/preferences.
About Jack
Performing has been a big part of my life for years. Starting in Elementary school I have been in several musicals and plays. I know what it is like to sing in front of large crowds both as a group and as a soloist. One of my favorite groups was an acapella/vocal jazz group during my high school years. My hope is to pass o
I have been teaching private guitar and singing lessons for the past 9 years. I have had approximately 10 students during that time, ranging in age from 11 to 60 years old. I have a fun and laid back approach to teaching. Music is meant to be enjoyed and I want my students to have fun as they learn and grow as musicians. While I have some basic skills for all my students to learn, the primary focus of lessons is for students to set and attain their own goals.
I know what it is like to be a student. I took private voice lessons for 7 years, including 3 years of classical training at Eastern Illinois University. I took four years of private guitar lessons, and one year of electrical bass lessons. As a teacher I use my experience as a student to enhance the learning environment for my students.
One of my favorite things is writing and recording my own songs. I will offer the opportunity for any of my students to develop songwriting skills and even record their creations.
There is no greater joy than that of creating music. Come create music with me and you'll be a better musician for it. I look forward to meeting you and helping you reach your goals.
*In Song*
-Jack G.
*** Lesson Details ***
I am highly adaptive as an instructor. I will allow my students to bring their own materials or I will create custom materials designed to develop their skills and help them reach their goals. A lot of my custom exercises are designed to build the flexibility, strength, and agility of my students as musicians.
After several months of lessons I aim for my students to master the basic skills, and to be focused on personal goals in their development as a musician. I use audio recording to mark and measure student progress so you can hear how you have improved and find new ways to get better.
Lessons can be as laid back or intense as you want. Practice is key to improvement. The more you practice the more you improve. I realize that life can be busy, so if you can't get the practice in I will still work with you and help you get as much as possible out of our lesson time. However, I will always encourage my students to practice regularly.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Keyboard, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Bass, Electric Guitar, Recording software.
*** Travel Equipment ***
Keyboard, Guitars, Bass, and Mandolin.
*** Specialties ***
For singing and guitar I design a lot of my own materials. I have strength and coordination exercises for the guitar, and I have vocal exercises designed to increase vocal strength and confidence.
Reviews
· Singing · In home
· Guitar · In home
· Singing · In studio
Jack G.
About Sean K.
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My study of the guitar began with genres such as blues, folk, and bluegrass. Then, while pursuing a degree in Music Composition I studied Classical Guitar as well as Jazz Guitar. Additionally, I learned guitar maintenance, repair and modification. I have played in many ensembles for Classical and Electric guitar often performing works of my own for the instrument.
About Sean
Songwriter and Music Composition graduate
Studying Recording Engineering at DePaul University
I intend to continue my musical studies through graduate school to be able to teach all levels of education a diverse array of subjects to anyone interested in music.
Reviews
· Blues Guitar · In home
You will not regret taking any of his classes. I guarantee it!!
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Sean K.
About Zac E.
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Beginner to intermittent electric guitar.
About Zac
Zac E.
About Jake I.
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I cater my lessons to each specific students goals. As a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, I have the skills, knowledge and desire to help every type of student. Whether you are a beginner learning to hold a guitar for the first time, or an intermediate/advanced student looking to learn songs with complex harmony and rhythm, I have what it takes to teach you. I make the lessons fun and enjoyable for the student in a relaxed atmosphere while still pushing the student to obtain his/her goals.
About Jake
Whether you are an absolute begginer with no experience holding a guitar, or an advanced student lookin to explore advanced harmonic and rhythmic concepts, I have what it takes to teach you. I have experience teaching young children teenagers and adults through various music schools.
I am also a working musician and perform with several bands in the genres of R&B/Gospel, Jazz, Singer Somgwriter and Solo Guitar. I maintain a bus
Reviews
· Acoustic Guitar · In studio
Jake I.
About Kenny S.
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Kenny has been playing guitar since the age of 14, has received awards and grants from the Canada Council, and is an instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His approach to teaching guitar helps students learn quickly and maximize musical potential.
I'm a guitar player and singer songwriter from Montreal, Canada, have been living in Chicago for five years, and have been playing electric, dobro, and acoustic guitar in the studio and on the stage for 20+ years. I play fingerstyle in a variety of tunings and am also a proficient flatpicker covering folk, bluegrass, electric, blues, and country picking techniques.
Whether you are a songwriter looking to improve your basic skills to perform a wider range of material, or a flatpicker looking to refine your improvisation skills or learn fingerstyle and open tunings, I can help you learn the correct approach to help bring your playing to a new level.
We all have within us, the ability to be an excellent player. With ...
About Kenny
Reviews
· ·
· Acoustic Guitar ·
· ·
Technique, right/left hand position, theory, altered tunings.
Kenny S.
About Luke K.
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I am dedicated to help inspire students to achieve their goals in songwriting, vocals, guitar and performance. I have hands on practical experience in the music industry on a professional level and I feel this can be very beneficial to aspiring songwriters and musicians alike.
About Luke
My name is Luke, I recently moved to Chicago last year from Ireland were I taught songwriting, rock vocals, musical theory and acoustic guitar. I taught students privately over a six year period and a wide spectrum of levels all with different goals and aspirations. I have helped students to improve their songwriting, vocals, guitar and performance.
Some have gone on to record their own original works, performing live regularly and receiving radio plays.
I believe that it is crucial to find an artists uniqueness and work on their talents and to achieve what they set out to accomplish.
I have hands on practical experience in the music industry on a professional level and I feel this can be very beneficial to aspiring songwriters and musicians alike.
I myself am a rock artist and singer who has had a number 2 album on the I.R.M
I am currently the lead singer in a rock band called Blacklist Regulars here in Chicago.
Reviews
· Singing ·
· Guitar ·
· Guitar ·
He is a fantastic singer and guitar player, who made me understand the guitar better and achieve all those things that I thought were really hard to play. I would highly recommend Luke to anyone looking for a great instructor and mentor.
Luke K.
About Manuel R.
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An important portion of my time is dedicated to teaching. It is important to me to know what are your goals and ambitions. Please fell free to contact me for any question.
About Manuel
My father who is a bass player introduced me to music world at a very young age and my first professional gig was at age 12 in Venezuela.
Since then I have worked and toured in concert as well as gigs, recording sessions and master classes with diverse artists. I have been involved in several projects with renowned artists such as Francisco Quintero (With a whole album as a duo "Duet'), Santiago Bosch, Fernando Freitez, Gustavo Caruci, Victor Mestas, Pablo Gil, Andres Briceno, Benito Gonzalez, Olegario Diaz, Carlos 'nene' Quintero, Scott Mason, Paul Wertico, Roger Harris among
Some of the musical styles I regular teach: Jazz, Rock, Blues, Funk, R&B, Soul, Fusion, Salsa, Merengue, Latin music.
I feel comfortable speaking English and Spanish, my classes could be in either of both languages.
Manuel R.
About Claire C.
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Music is an essential element of a child's education, whether your training to perform at a campfire or Carnegie Hall. My approach is student-driven and collaborative. I help guide my students through songs of their choice, incorporating skill-level appropriate theory and ear training techniques. This allows kids to develop an understanding of the music they're most passionate for, helping their interest and enthusiasm to grow.
About Claire
Reviews
· Piano · In home
· Classical Piano · In home
· Piano · In home
Claire C.
About Angie M.
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As a teacher, Angie likes getting to the heart of a student’s motivation, helping them build their skills using songs they like, in addition to teaching students traditional and standard tunes.
Angie Maloney has been playing guitar for over 20 years and has taught both private and group lessons for about 3 years. She is a prolific songwriter and composes primarily in the genres of rock and folk-pop. In addition to this work, she has spent the past 5 years teaching general music classes to pre-K to 8th graders in Chicago Public Schools.
About Angie
As a teacher, I like getting to the heart of a student’s motivation, helping them build their skills using songs they like, in addition to teaching students traditional and standard tunes.
Angie M.
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No problem. Our online lesson platform connects you with any teacher, anywhere. All you need is a reliable Internet connection, a webcam and a microphone.
Convenient
Zero travel time is great for a busy schedule.
Affordable
Typically priced lower than local lessons.
Effective
Online students stick with lessons as long as local students.
Average Cost of Guitar Lessons in Chicago, IL
The average cost of 60-minute guitar lessons in Chicago is $55. While the exact cost will vary depending on the teacher, type of lesson, and your location, you should expect to spend anywhere between $25 and $98 per hour.
| 30-min | $17 |
$33 average |
$64 |
| 45-min | $21 |
$44 average |
$81 |
| 60-min | $25 |
$55 average |
$98 |
For the best experience, we typically recommend 60-minute guitar lessons. However, students looking for a more affordable option may want to consider a shorter lesson length of 45 or 30 minutes. On average, 45-minute guitar lessons are 20% less expensive at $44, and 30-minute lessons cost 40% less at $33.
Curious how much guitar lessons cost in your area? Do a quick search to get local prices for the best guitar teachers near Chicago.
Guitar Lesson Reviews from Students
Students are raving about their Guitar instructors on TakeLessons. Check out some of these recent reviews.
Michael impressed me from our very first lesson. He listened to what I wanted to accomp
I would highly recommend Michael!"
Dave is such a great teacher. He is very patient and understanding. I have learned so much with him in one month, then l have learned in
Histro is always on time and is very knowledgeable. He is a college grad that can teach you soo much. I've never played guit
And they're not alone!
Our teachers have taught
lessons and counting!
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