Private Guitar tutoring lessons Troy, IL.

Have you ever wanted to play an instrument or sing? Do you have a genuine passion for music? My lessons properly prepare students for what is needed to execute their journey as a musician. Lessons will be customized to meet the needs of the students. I have five years of teaching students from ages five to fifty and over twenty years of experience as a musician. Students will learn core music essentials such as music theory, ear training, sight reading, and more. And for songwriters I offer lessons on songwriting and structuring.

I teach guitar from a wide background in many genres. You can expect to learn chord and scale theory, as well as mechanics, tone control, note and key identification, and ear training. We can explore any genre of interest, however my specialties are in blues, rock, classic rock, bluegrass, and country.

As a pro guitarist, I’ve worked with groups in all genres, from funk to jazz to metal. My goal as a teacher is to help you find your own voice on the instrument, while putting an emphasis on learning proper technique and music theory. Whether you want to play along to your favorite songs, or become a rock star, I’d love to help you meet your goals.

Experienced in playing many guitar styles, including rock, folk, classical, jazz, blues, etc.. Experienced in teaching guitar for over 30 years.
Studied Classical Guitar with John Marlow (AU) and Larry Schnitzler (GMU). Studied Jazz Guitar with Rick Whitehead (GMU) and Roger McKinley (Guitar Shop in DC). Recording experience on numerous albums or CD.

Hello! I'm Cole Runge and I want to help you along your journey with the guitar and music!

I'm a working musician located just outside of Chicago. I studied jazz at Elmhurst University under the mentorship of some of the best musicians Chicago has to offer. While I have that formal training, my first love was rock, shred, and all music that features the guitar in cool fashions. My band, Elysian Green, has played some of the great Chicago rock and jazz clubs, sharing bills with the most prominent fusion bands that garner national attention--all while playing nothing but original music. I also have tons of experience gigging around Chicago in a variety of musical scenarios, from playing with jazz singers at the Ritz-Carlton to wedding and church bands.

I have tons of experience and would love to help you with:

-Technique (electric/acoustic guitar)
-Songwriting
-Music theory
-Improvising
-Reading music
-Learning songs by ear
-Learning different genres (jazz, rock, fusion, metal, pop,

Guitar is a beautiful and intricate instrument. There is much more to music and guitar then just theory and scales, there is an art that comes along with playing. Anyone can pick up and play a guitar, but not everyone sounds great doing so. I will teach you how to sound great while building your chops and skills.