Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy can be summed up as follows:
1) There are no two students that I teach the same exact way. Everyone processes and absorbs information differently.
2) I like to keep the guitar lessons interesting by using music that the student enjoys as a means for teaching.… BUT (see #3)
3) There are certain basics that should be learned by all guitar players, regardless of his or her musical preferences and tastes. Instead of showing up and just writing the tab or chords to a song you want to learn, I want you to fully understand what the song entails. This involves elements such as the songs structure, the scales that can be used, rhythm patterns, picking patterns, different chord voicings, proper fingering etc.. There are also some “boring” yet essential exercises that must be practiced to better your playing.
Lesson Structure
If a student is very passionate about a particular style of music, I will structure the lessons to that style:
Acoustic/Singer-Songwriter
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on open and moveable chords. Also fingerpicking, open arpeggios, exotic open chords, strum patterns song structure etc. Less emphasis on scales.
Heavy Metal/Progressive Rock
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on alternate and economy picking. Also sweep arpeggios, modes, 3 notes per string scale patterns, tablature, power chords, palm muting, unorthodox open chords, de-tuning etc. Less emphasis on open chords (though the basic open chords should still be memorized)
Blues/Rock
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on power chords and blues/pentatonic scales. Also blues shuffle variations, tablature, playing 3rd and 6th intervals, I-IV-V song structure, turnarounds, alternate bass fingerpicking for blues progressions, chord substitutions etc.
Jazz
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on “jazz chords” and voicings, modes, modulation, arpeggios, chord substitution, ii-V-I chord progression etc.
Country
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on open chords and major pentatonic scale. Also alternate bass strumming, playing lead with 3rds/6ths and other intervals, moveable chords etc.
Classical
Lesson structure: Strong emphasis on note reading and scales. Also left and right hand technique, theory, fretboard positioning, arpeggios, chord voicings, note memorization etc. Little/no emphasis on tablature.
Areas Serviced
I service the following North Shore suburbs: – Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Northfield, Skokie, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston.
Rates/Policy
Rates start as low as $40. Please call or e-mail me for specific rates for you. In the e-mail, please include your location.
I realize that life can be very busy and unpredictable – I don’t do contracts and don’t charge for cancellations if something unexpected arises. I just ask that you let me know at least a couple hours before the lesson if possible.
Contact
Feel free to call, text or send me an e-mail, or comment below for available times or any additional information. I also have plenty of references available upon request. Thanks for taking the time to visit my site and I hope to hear from you!
craig@craiglutterguitar.com
(847) 340-3254
Hi I wanted to know what is the price that you charge for acoustic guitar lessons for a 9yr old beginner? And do you travel to gurnee/waukegan area? Thanks
Hi there,
I am student of Loyola University of Chicago and would love for you to teach me more about playing guitar. I am in Rogers Park, just south of Evanston, near Devon and Sheridan Rd.
I have been playing guitar for about 5 years now, but have never had any lessons. I pretty much just try to learn songs I like by ear, or look up the tabs online. My music interest is mainly alternative rock / heavier rock.
I have tried teaching myself more difficult techniques like sweep picking from videos on youtube, but it would be much more beneficial to learn from an instructor who can teach me one on one.
I was wondering if you would be available this summer for lessons? If not, I would definitely like to set up a time of year when you are available to teach me.
Let me know if you can help me out,
Thanks,
Brennen Regnier
My 5 years old wants to learn Guitar. Do you travel the area of Niles / Edgebrook intersection?
I am looking for Guitar lesson for Adult 40 years old/Vernon hills
Hi Joseph – I’m sorry but I don’t do lessons in the city. Thanks for the inquiry and good luck in finding a teacher that suites your needs.
Hi, I want guitar lessons for my son and daughter. I live in Gurnee, just north of Libertyville and wanted to check if you can come here. Thanks
Hi Zeeshan – thanks for the inquiry. That probably is out of my range unless they are homeschooled and could do something mid-morning or afternoon during the week. But can you give me an intersection that you live near in Gurnee? If it’s close to 137/Buckley, then I might be able to make it work with the afternoon/evening schedule.
-Craig