Guitar with Randi R.

I'm recent transplant from NYC and I am so excited to bring the kind of teaching I did there to people here in Chicago. I've worked at some of the most prestigious institutions teaching guitar (The Dalton School, 92nd St Y, NYC Guitar School -- this last location, I taught both children and adults), as well as established a private clientele of wonderful students with whom I developed strong relationships over the last eight years. As a musician, I have released three full-length albums and two EPs. I have toured the U.S. and Europe. I've opened for some of the bigger indie-rock acts out there and played some prestigious festivals (Milwaukee Summer Festival and the Truck Festival, both US & UK). I am also a visual artist with a studio here in the city. While pursuing a career in music, I fell into teaching... and then I fell in love with teaching. I realized that I have a gift that goes beyond making music and that I have a need to share it with others. I love giving encouragement and support to those who want to learn. I have patience and a sense of humor that just seems to connect very well with kids. And even adults appreciate my laid-back approach. Becoming a teacher was a gift that I did not expect in life, and once I experienced the difference it made in the lives of others, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for the difference it has made in mine. *** Lesson Details *** My approach comes from a singer-songwriter perspective by playing songs students like, they stay interested and motivated, which is the most important part in making progress! Creativity is highly encouraged in my lessons. Many of my students write their own songs while learning the basic tenets of guitar-playing, as well as some music theory along the way. I do note-reading with children, in addition to them learning chords and playing the songs they want to learn. If adults want to learn note reading, I can accommodate that wish! I'm laid back. I like my lessons to be easy-going and fun. That being said, I will be a stickler if your rhythm is not quite right or if you're making some awkward-looking chord shapes! If the lessons are enjoyable and two people in a room are connecting in a way that goes beyond music, then the student will be coming back with enthusiasm each week. When I taught at NYC Guitar School, I had one of the highest student retention rates for several years in a row. My lessons are not super-conventional. They're based on the love and enjoyment of music. We can do scales, note-reading and more -- but my main goal is to make sure you are having fun and losing yourself in the moment of playing music. Even though I moved to Chicago nine months ago, I still have students and parents of students sending me audio clips of songs they're working on or writing. When I teach, I'm not just there to show up... you are getting much more than a regular guitar lesson when you work with me. *** Studio Equipment *** You will have to bring your guitar to the Transistor location. Those who come to my Andersonville location do not need to bring a guitar. *** Travel Equipment *** N/A *** Specialties *** I mostly teach rock, pop, folk, country and blues. My method comes from students learning songs that they like so that they stay motivated.