Music Lessons and Instruction
Here at Modern Music we are all seasoned Musicians and know how amazing it is to get the chance learn to play music. We know what it's like to be a fan of playing music just for fun, as a hobby and many of us are performing musicians on weekends and often on tour. All-in-all, playing music can be really be a life-changing experience.
Our lesson environment enables students to learn and be creative in a comfortable place to grow as a musician. Our teachers are all very well versed in many styles of Music and Education. We offer lessons for all skill levels, all ages and any genre of music preferred. Our experienced teaching offers instruction in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, Classical Guitar, Upright Bass, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Baritone, Clarinet, Saxophone, Cornet and more.
Music Lesson Times
- Monday: Between 3:30 and 7:30
- Tuesday: Between 3:30 and 7:30
- Wednesday: Between 3:30 and 7:30
- Thursday: Between 3:30 and 7:30
- Saturday: Between 10:00 and 2:30
Music Lesson Information
- Our Lesson Fee is $24.00/Lesson (Prices subject to change)
- All Lessons are paid in full Monthly at the 1st lesson of each month.
- Each Lesson is 30 Minutes
- All Music Lessons are private. We do not offer group lessons.
- All of our Music Teachers have degrees in Musical Education
Music Teachers
Mike Aquino
Instruments: Guitar, Bass
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday
Overview: Since he received his first guitar at the age of eight, Mike has dedicated his life to learning, teaching, playing, and living the guitar. He took an early interest in the classic rock of Brian May and Queen, Eric Clapton and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Later, the soulful licks of blues, the improvisation of jazz, and the technical mastery of country infused themselves into his talent. After graduating from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts with a BA in Music Education (with a special emphasis in jazz), Mike quickly became part of the busy Chicago music scene. He co-founded the Daniel Grove Band in the mid-1990s. This effort was rewarded with a Chicago Music Award nomination for Best Country Record. Now he is a highly sought after sideman for gigs with many of the area's hottest bands. His ability to connect with guitarists of all ages and levels of proficiency ensures that every student receives a thorough yet personal approach to their music education.
Tom Mesich
Instruments: Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Banjo, Flute, Ukulele
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Overview: Tom has a Masters Degree from the American Conservatory of Music. He has over 40 years of teaching Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Ukulele, and Flute. He has been teaching at Modern Music for over 35 years, and taught many noteworthy teachers and players in the area. He has worked as a studio musician for 11 years, and is well versed in all styles of music.
Scott Gillis
Instrument: Drums
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Overiew: Scott been playing drums professionally for about 30 years now. Scott has been teaching at Modern Music for 20 of those and still carrys a load of about 30 students per week. Scott is also a continuing student. He has had the good fortune to have a few great teachers such as Mike Folker from the Elgin Symphony, Duane Thamm (Dick Shorey Band, Lionel Hampton, Sinatra, etc.), and Paul Wertico (Pat Metheny, Jeff Berlin, John Moulder Trio). Scott has played in most of the minor and major rock venues in and around Chicago and a few international gigs including The Cavern Club in Liverpool and in Canada with an East Indian band. He performed at Lollapalooza 2008 and in 2010 he went on a 2 week percussion study in Brazil.
Jason Trtan
Instruments: Bass, Upright Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukuele, and French Horn
Available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday
Overview: Jason has been teaching for over 20 years, 13 of which have been at Modern Music. Jason is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, and has performed and recorded with many noteworthy acts.
Betty Sturm
Instruments: Piano, Flute, Trumpet, Saxophone, Trombone, Clarinet, French Horn, etc.
Available: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Overview: Betty has a Bachelor of Music Education from DePaul University and a Master of Science from Lewis University. She is actively teaching at two parochial schools in the Naperville area. Betty is also a charter member of the Women’s Band Directors National Association. She received the “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” Award in 2000 and 2005. She is currently playing in the “Starlighters” swing band and "The American Wind Band” concert band.
Contact us about Lessons!
We look forward to helping you sign up for Musical Instrument Lessons! Chat with us live during our store hours, or if we're away, please send us a message and we will get back to you ASAP! To contact us, just simply tap the "Need Help" box in the lower right corner.