Bass Guitar Lessons & Classes in River West

Some of my favorite players include Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, David Gilmour, Bob Marley, Family Man, Glen Phillips, and Bradley Nowell. Although the bass guitar was my first instrument, and learning reggae bass is the reason I began, the acoustic guitar is my instrument of choice. I am constantly amazed at the musical range it can provide. From beautiful finger picked melodies, to it's raw percussive qualities.
However, I find equal enjoyment sharing my love of both instruments.

*** Lesson Details ***
My mission is to provide the foundation, through a relaxed and patient approach, for each individual student to reach their own maximum potential. We will cover basic techniques and theory, but we will learn how these are relative to actually playing music that the student is interested in. Let's face it, students want to play music. They are not taking lessons to learn what a pentatonic scale is, even though they will probably use it to play their favorite solo. Many beginners stop playing because they get caught up in the journey, and lose focus on the destination. If these techniques and exercises are shown to be relative to actually playing music, most students can't stop practicing, instead of viewing practice as work, or boring.
Each students' lesson is designed specifically for the individual. Handouts will be provided to offer support and reference, but the students desire and willingness to practice on their own will dictate how fast we move along.
The ultimate goal for me is to provide a relaxed atmosphere where students are having fun doing what they love. There will be plenty of time to learn complex chord shapes and theories. I simply want to create players who once they have started, will never stop playing.

*** Studio Equipment ***
I am available for lessons given in your home or mine. I provide small recording equipment, and drum machine. Each student will be able to record a cd of their playing to help in the learning process.

*** Travel Equipment ***
Recording equipment, drum machine, amps, and lesson plans. Student provides own instrument. Although I have provided instruments in certain situations.

*** Specialties ***
Rock, Reggae,Blues, and Fingerstyle.

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.

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.

om Garling. He is currently taking private lessons with both Scott Mason and Marlene Rosenberg.
Matt is also confident in teaching basic piano skills as well as jazz piano chord theory and improvisation.
Besides jazz and classical, Matt plays a lot of blues, rock n roll and funk on the bass guitar with a band, where he has played shows at Chicago's House of Blues, Double Door, Metro and many more.
Matt believes music should be a fun form of expression and communication, that improves the players life, as well as those around them.

e the curriculum is made individually for each student, depending on their goals, strengths, and interests. I have always strived for my guitar lessons and teaching style to bring the student to the point that they truly want to be at. Many other teachers and music schools will teach you strands of information that may have been interesting to them, but the same might not be true for the student. We are all individuals and have different tastes, and the lesson plans must take that into account. I am here to help students achieve their goals and desires on the instrument, and that is why my lessons stand out.

My new studio is located in the South Loop of Chicago, IL and has all the equipment to help making guitar has easy as it can be.

As my student, you will have access to my studio and able to record your own music and ideas anytime.

Studio Includes:
-Recording Capability
-Music Stands
-Amps, Cords, Strings etc.
-Books and Sheet Music
-Logic/Pro Tools/Finale and other music software

I have played guitar in professionally produced musicals such as "Godspell" and "Once Upon A Mattress." I have also been a pit guitarist for high school and middle school show choirs, requiring excellent reading skills and on the spot adaptation to changes.

to all/both of them. I strive to help every student find their own creative voice, while building the skill sets required to work in any style of music.

I also offer group lessons for 3 or more students. For friends at similar skill levels, this can offer a fun and more affordable way to learn a subject. It also serves as an additional motivator as the students in the group feed off of each other for ideas and inspiration.

Please feel free to contact me with the "Ask Phil a Question" button on my profile here. This can include questions about my method, or regarding days and times for lessons. What you see in my availability here is based on my schedule away from TakeLessons. I have students elsewhere and perform shows regularly. I may have additional times available and tend to have some flexibility. I teach worldwide online. Just ask.

As soon as you're ready to book lessons, you can use the Green Button after selecting your area of study, day and time. I will receive a notification that you've signed up. I will then confirm with you and send a questionnaire regarding your lesson needs within 48 hours.

Thanks for your interest.

I look forward to working with you!