Guitar & Ukulele Lessons in South Elgin, IL
Guitar & Ukulele Lessons for All Ages & Musical Styles
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.
If you live in the Elgin area and are thinking about starting guitar or ukulele lessons, schedule a risk-free lesson with one of our awesome, professional teachers!
Guitar & Ukulele Lessons
GET STARTED01 We Make Guitar & Ukulele 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 or ukulele! Here at Music Education Center, 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.
02 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 Music Education Center, coupling technical instruction with elements of music theory and music history in each lesson.
03 We Care About Your Musical Interests
Take ownership of your own musical style and grow your talents at Music Education Center! Our dedicated instructors are committed to hearing your goals and helping you reach them. We pride ourselves on equipping each student with the tools they need to reach their fullest musical potential.
Creativity, self-discovery, and passion come to life at Music Education Center. Whether your goal is to pursue the guitar professionally in an orchestra or as a soloist, or just to play for your own personal enjoyment, your guitar teacher will support you throughout your musical journey.
Our Guitar Teachers:
Samantha Paige
Voice, Guitar & Bass (Beginning-Intermediate)
Sam embarked on her musical journey at age 9 with voice lessons at MECA, later adding guitar at 11! Sam’s passion for live performance began early through MECA Creates and forming her own band at age 11, leading to hundreds of shows at local venues and events!
Bobby Reck
Guitar & Bass, Ukulele
Bobby has played guitar for over 11 years and has taught over 5 years. In addition to playing the guitar, he loves to play soccer, video games, spend time on the computer
Terin King
Guitar & Ukulele
Terin picked up the guitar in 2010 and has been playing (lessons at MECA) and refining her skills ever since and is bringing her skill-set to MECA as a beginning guitar teacher.
Brett King
Beginning Guitar & Bass (Online Only)
Brett is a 2019 graduate of St. Charles North high school and currently attends the University of Iowa. He picked up a guitar in 2010 and has been practicing (lessons at MECA)
Zak Reiter
Piano (Beginning & Intermediate), Voice, Guitar & Bass
Zak has played the guitar for over 9 years and classical guitar technique for over 5 and has been teaching for over 5 years. Zak has a degree from Judson University where
Vito Bellino
Guitar
Vito graduated with a degree in classical guitar performance from UIC in 2022, but takes a profession in both electric and classical guitar! Vito has opened for many national acts, some of
Jacob Butcher
Guitar
Jacob has been taking music lessons since the age of 6. He has taken music classes in Jazz guitar at the University of Illinois Chicago as well as classical guitar and commercial piano at Belmont University.
Jae Evensen
Guitar, Violin & Viola
Jae is a student at Larkin High School in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy (VPAA). She has been teaching guitar, violin and viola since the fall of 2023 and has been playing for 7-8 years.
How it works
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 a variety of plans to fit
your schedule & budget
Frequently
Asked
Questions
GET STARTED
What Age Should My Child Start Guitar or Ukulele 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 the ukulele.
The minimum age we recommend a student start ukulele lessons is 4 years old. For younger students, we recommend an intro to 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 or ukulele to start the lessons. Without an instrument, 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 Music Education Center?
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.
Whether you’re playing in local bands, a seven year old taking their first lesson, or a fifty year old returning to the guitar after many years, we’ll set goals to achieve your musical aspirations.
We balance musicianship and fun by making sure that each lesson you are challenged with a new technical or theory concept, but always end with something fun such as your favorite riff or song. We use a variety of guitar method books to accomplish this and encourage students to bring CDs or their iPod, or iphone to their lesson to learn their favorite tunes. If you have an interest in ukulele, banjo, bass or mandolin lessons – we got you covered! Guitar lessons in Music Education Center will have you rockin’ in no time!
How Qualified are Your Guitar & Ukulele 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 or Ukulele Lessons with Music Education Center 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 Music Education Center! 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!