Guitar with Daniel B.

I was born in Long Island, NY where music was always playing in the home. I enjoyed classical and folk music and the music my father played on the piano. I began playing trumpet when I was 9 switching to French horn at 10. I played in band, and when I moved to Illinois at 11. I picked up the guitar at 15, and continued French horn in band and youth symphony in Chicago. In college, I dropped the French horn in favor of the guitar. From there I started performing in coffeehouses and dorm parties. I college I studied songwriting, jazz guitar, oil and watercolor painting, and philosophy. After getting my BPh degree in creative arts (Oil painting and songwriting) from Grand Valley State College, I continued to study music, playing in the jazz band at Waubonsee Community College and taking music theory and music history courses. I began my musical career in college, performing in coffee houses, and continued to play in acoustic duos, rock, country, jazz and pop bands. I began teaching after a few years, and was on staff at First Presbyterian Church developing a contemporary worship service, and leading bands for the adult and high school programs. As an experienced guitar teacher, I can teach a variety of styles. I have been teaching long enough to see some of my students start careers in professional music such as recording studio owners, worship leaders, guitar teachers, performers on Broadway and tour managers for major acts. I enjoy the challenges of teaching all ages and finding music that the student wants to learn. I can draw on my experience playing in professional country, rock and jazz bands. I currently play in several bands specializing in R&B, pop, jazz, folk (traditional Irish music) and lead my own band Dan and the Tourists.. I also volunteer on a regular basis for my church's worship team, singing and playing lead guitar, acoustic guitar and bass. *** Lesson Details *** I am a laid back teacher, with a passion for guitar, composition, and music theory. I strive to find music that students love. Early on, the goal is to get the student playing music he or she will practicing and playing on their own in just a few months. I use several books including Guitar Today, and Essential Elements along with material that I have written and songs the student selects. *** Studio Equipment *** The In-Studio Lessons are taught in a separate music room at the front of the house with a hallway waiting room. The room includes a computer,guitar and bass amps, bass guitar, electric guitar, CD player, tuners, and mixing board. Seating is available. The home includes 1 dog and 1 cat which are kept separate. Parking out front on the street. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide an amp (for myself), tuner, music stand, books (for purchase). I ask that the student provide their own instrument, notebook, music stand, 2 chairs (student, teacher) *** Specialties *** I use several method books, and customized materials that I have written myself. I can transcribe music that students bring in from charts, tab or recordings. I teach from standard notation, tabs, and chord charts. I specialize in folk, classic rock, rock, country, worship music, and jazz but teach other styles as well.