Guitar Lessons in Chicago, IL

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Our Approach to Guitar Lessons at Flatts & Sharpe

Learning guitar & ukulele should be a fun process and something that students can enjoy for many years to come. That’s why our guitar teachers teach songs and material that students like. From rock to jazz and pop, we teach all genres and styles.

We teach children through adult players and tailor each lesson to the student’s goals and interests. Whether you are just starting out or if you are tired of trying to figure it out yourself on YouTube, we’ll help you reach your goals.

Experience the Flatts & Sharpe Difference

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Build strength We Make Guitar Lessons Fun!

We all know the feeling: you hear your favorite song come on and you can’t resist the urge to play along on your air guitar! Here at Flatts & Sharpe, we can help you convert your musical fantasies into reality – while preserving that irresistible sense of joy you feel when playing along. We want each of our students to LOVE their musical experience with us!

Whether you come to us planning on becoming the next Jimi Hendrix or simply wanting to play songs around the campfire with your friends, our top-notch instructors will help you progress quickly toward your goals while ensuring you have fun along the way.

We Emphasize Healthy Technique

Regardless of your ultimate goals, our teachers will prioritize strong fundamentals including proper posture, hand positioning, chords, fretting, picking, and strumming. As students progress, these basics will become second nature – and serve as the foundation from which students can apply their skills across a variety of genres and styles.

We want our guitar students to be literate, well-rounded musicians. Beginners and seasoned performers alike will find value in our approach at Flatts & Sharpe, coupling technical instruction with elements of music theory and music history in each lesson.

We Care About Your Musical Interests & Goals

Your unique interests and background will help guide your experience at Flatts & Sharpe. We teach beginners, intermediate, and advanced students who are interested in a variety of styles – including rock, jazz, classical, pop, blues, and more. Whether you’re inspired by modern day singer-songwriters or the rockers of the 1970s, we can’t wait to get started with you!

Our seasoned instructors will draw upon years of playing, performing, and teaching experience to guide you in improving your skills and exploring the many possibilities of your instrument, and advancing toward your goals at a pace that works for you.

Our Guitar & Ukulele Teachers

Tom Fairbairn

Tom Fairbairn

Guitar, Voice, Piano, Flute

Tom holds degrees in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University and Music Education from Northeastern Illinois University. He has substantial experience teaching private lessons throughout the Chicagoland area in voice, guitar, piano, and woodwinds.

Dave Igliozzi

Dave Igliozzi

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Dave is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar, bass and ukulele. He has 15 years of experience playing guitar and performing in bands in a wide range of styles including rock, soul, funk, country, hip hop, and jazz.

James Weigel

James Weigel

Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Dobro

James is a multi-instrumentalist adept at teaching guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, dobro, mountain dulcimer, and harmonica. He has over 15 years of experience playing and teaching music professionally in Chicago.

Jacob Wilson

Jacob Wilson

Brass, Woodwind, Guitar

Jacob has been teaching a wide variety of instruments, styles and levels for over 10 years as well as maintained an active performance schedule.He believes that studying music at all ages and levels…

Matt Tatone

Matt Tatone

Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Matt Tatone is a multi instrumentalist with an engaging and dynamic personality specializing in Vocals, Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele. He has a BA in Vocal Performance and Theatre from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Mel Washington

Mel Washington

Guitar, Ukulele, Electric Bass

Mel has a strong background in education, with 15 years in the Catholic school system as the head music teacher for K-8th Grade. He maintains a teaching style rooted in understanding and patience.

Zac Emry

Zac Emry

Guitar & Electric Bass

Zac Emry has been playing and performing on Bass and Guitar for 12 years, and has spent that time spanning many genres from jazz, funk fusion, 70s and 80s rock, to prog and math rock.

Ricky Georgen

Ricky Georgen

Guitar, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Drums

Ricky is a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in guitar, electric bass, ukulele and drum kit. He has been teaching for about 7 years. He has been performing in the Chicagoland area for 16 years.

“As a professional musician and teacher, I go to Flatts & Sharpe for most all of my musical needs. They have one of the largest selections of sheet music anywhere in the city. The service is always friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them to both students and professionals.”

– David Onderdonk

“We have loved sending our child to Flatts and Sharpe Music Co. for guitar lessons. The staff is friendly, the environment is so inviting and chill, and the teacher we work with is excellent. He provides quick updates after each lesson, and our child is quickly picking up on concepts and technique.”

– Kelci Kosin

“My son has taken in-person piano lessons at Flatts & Sharpe for the last year. He has really benefited from the experience and looks forward to class every week. They offered a chance to play in a band and perform a concert this summer which he’s excited about. ”

– Ross Wasserstrom

students doing group music class with flute, guitar and keyboard

What you can expect

Together we explore student musical goals

We match students with one of our expert instructors.

Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.

We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget

Weekly

30 min

$160

Monthly Autopay

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Weekly

60 min

$320

Monthly Autopay

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Single Lesson

30 min

$45

Per Lesson

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Single Lesson

60 min

$90

Per Lesson

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What Age Should My Child Start Guitar Lessons?

The minimum age recommended for starting guitar lessons is 5 years old. Due to the thickness of the strings and fine motor skills needed to play the instrument, we do not recommend starting guitar any younger. For younger students, we recommend learning either the ukulele.
The minimum age we recommend a student start ukulele lessons is 4 years old. For younger students, we recommend an intro to the music program. Starting age will largely depend on the student, some may need to wait longer than others depending on factors such as fine motor skills, attention span, and overall interest in music.

Do I Need a Guitar or Ukulele to Start the Lessons?

Yes, you will need a guitar/ukulele to start the lessons. Without a guitar/ukulele, you won’t be able to practice between lessons and make weekly progress. If cost is a concern, good beginner guitars are inexpensive and most music stores have a 30-day return policy if it’s not for you.

The #1 Reason to Study Guitar or Ukulele at Flatts & Sharpe School?

Our instructors are warm and friendly, and get to know each student and parent on a personal level. We work with you, or your child, to craft a lesson plan that fits individual needs and the student’s favorite type of music.
If you’re new to an instrument, chances are there are plenty of things you’re not familiar with. Getting lessons from a professional instructor is one of the best ways to dive into your instrument, master the basics, and improve your skills over time.
With the right guidance, you can be confident that you’re learning all the essential techniques, that you’re using them properly, and that you’re taking full advantage of the skills you’ve learned. Regardless of your age, favorite genre, or level of music comprehension, it’s always helpful to have the assistance of an experienced teacher to guide you down the right path.
When it comes to guitar, lessons are a great way to get started with this dynamic and versatile instrument. Often, what beginners find difficult is mastering some of the basic techniques that can be much easier mastered with the right knowledge.

How Qualified are Your Guitar Instructors?

Our guitar and ukulele teachers instructors have received their education from prestigious institutions all over the country. Each is highly qualified to teach and create personalized lesson plans for their students.

What Will I Learn from Guitar Lessons with Flatts & Sharpe Teachers?

Beginner guitar students can expect to work on chords, simple songs and melodies, sight reading and theory. 
Our instructors balance musicianship and fun by making sure that each lesson presents a new technical challenges or theory concept, and ends with something fun, such as your favorite riff or song.
We use a variety of guitar method books, and encourage students to bring their smartphone or CDs to their lesson to learn their favorite tunes.
Our guitar teachers teach rock, blues, metal, country and classical guitar lessons on electric and acoustic guitars. Students have fun with guitar lessons at Flatts & Sharpe! Beginner students can expect to work on chords, simple songs and melodies, sight reading and theory.

Ready to Get Started?

We are ready to partner with you to help you become a more accomplished musician. We truly believe that consistent, compassionate private instruction is the key to your musical growth. We are happy to evaluate and discuss your interests, goals and plans!