2820 Brighton Ct, Westchester IL, 60154
Instruments:Guitar, Theory

Styles:Classical, Jazz, Folk – Country – Bluegrass, Rock – Alternative, Blues, Kids, World
Levels:Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Experience:22 years
Rate:$60 / hr

Personal Statement

Music inspires me and has brought so much to my life. I love to share that passion with my students and inspire them to kindle their own musical fire. I have extensive knowledge and performance experience but my ability to inspire students is my greatest asset. If you are starting out, we’ll make it fun and productive and you’ll be playing songs in no time. If you are an experienced player, we can find where you want to improve and I’ll help get you to another level as a player.

I have 20+ years of teaching experience and as a performer I have toured the USA, Europe, Africa and Latin America with notable performances at the Kennedy Center, the Mexico City World Music Festival, Festival Cervantino and the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival. I have released 3 Cds of my own music over the last decade.

Other credentials:
BA Music Elmhurst College 1987, awarded “Chicago’s Hottest Guitarist” 1989, Top 5 international finalist in Yamaha’s “Six String Theory” Competition Blues Division 2011.

Education / Training

BA Music Elmhurst College 1987

Private Studies:
Denis Azabagic – Classical Guitar
Ed Gerhard – Fingerstyle Guitar
Martin Simpson – Fingerstyle Guitar
Manuel Lozano – Flamenco Guitar
Richard Medel – Improvisation
Howard Krueger – Composition

Michael Kent Smith