WHY THE TRADITIONAL GUITAR LESSON PATH DOESN’T ALWAYS WORK FOR OLDER STUDENTS WHO WANT TO EXPLORE MUSIC CREATIVELY
Let’s face it, traditional guitar lessons can sometimes feel like following a strict set of rules with no room for your own flair. Sure, classic drills and rigid exercises build technique, but for students who want to go beyond just playing the notes, the traditional path can feel, well, limiting.
Our approach to guitar lessons is different. We’re all about flexibility, creativity, and connecting with the guitar on a deeper level. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, we customize each guitar lesson around your interests, helping you shape a unique musical style that feels authentic to you. Want to dive into practical music theory, improvise on the spot, or learn to play your favorite tunes without missing a beat? Perfect – we make room for that.
For teens and adults who see music as more than just chords on a page, our guitar lessons offer a refreshing, modern take. If you’re ready to build real skills while keeping your creative spark alive, our guitar lesson program gives you the best of both worlds—structured guidance and the freedom to explore music as it happens.
Is this TYPE OF GUITAR Lesson For OLDER STUDENTS a good fit?
If you’re looking for more than just traditional guitar lessons, you’re in the right place. This guitar lesson program is designed for students ages 13 and up who want to build their skills while exploring their own musical interests. It’s a perfect fit if you’re the kind of player who wants to what you’re playing, bring your own style into each song, and maybe even jump into a jam session or play on the fly without missing a beat.
We’re all about creating a guitar lesson experience that’s as unique as you are, with lessons customized to help you reach your goals—whether that’s building solid technique, diving into practical music theory, or building confidence in performance. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then yes – this guitar lesson program was made for you.
But hey, if you’re after a more rigid, non-flexible, and restrictive traditional approach to guitar lessons, we totally get it! In fact, we keep a “traditional guitar lesson” database for just this reason, and we’d be happy to offer referrals. Just let us know, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
EXPERIENCE GUITAR LESSONS IN AN INSPIRING, PRO STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
Enter a studio where everything is crafted to fuel your creativity and elevate your guitar lessons. Our guitar lesson space features smart lighting that sets a relaxed, creative vibe, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. You’ll be surrounded by pro-level audio gear and top-tier soundproofing, creating an immersive, distraction-free environment where each guitar lesson is crystal clear.
With advanced tech integrated throughout, it’s easy to dive into digital music tools and recording when you’re ready to expand your skills. And with spacious, comfortable studios and welcoming waiting rooms, there’s plenty of room to settle in and focus. It’s a professional environment that’s warm, inviting, and ideal for connecting with your music during every guitar lesson.
SOME REASONS TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF GROWTH WITH OUR GUITAR LESSONS FOR OLDER STUDENTS
FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: Our guitar lessons skip the fluff and dive straight into techniques that truly make a difference, helping you improve your playing quickly and effectively.
REAL-WORLD MUSIC THEORY: No dry, over-complicated theory here. Our guitar lessons focus on practical music theory that you can use right away, helping you understand why each chord, riff, and melody works.
STRENGTH, CONTROL, AND SPEED: Build finger strength, control, and speed that let you glide through challenging pieces, making even complex songs feel smooth and natural.
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING PLANS: Your goals, your music, your style. Every guitar lesson is tailored to your interests, whether you’re into rock, jazz, blues, indie, or exploring something totally your own.
A CREATIVE APPROACH TO GUITAR: We go beyond just technique, helping you bring personality and originality into your playing, making each piece of music uniquely yours.
PLAY THE SONGS YOU LOVE: Say goodbye to boring, one-size-fits-all songs. Choose music that excites you, making practice something you actually look forward to.
EXPRESSIVE TECHNIQUES FOR GUITAR: Learn to play with dynamics, phrasing, and emotion, so your music resonates with listeners, giving your sound that professional polish.
IMPROVISATION AND PLAYING ON THE FLY: Master the art of improvising and playing music in the moment, so you can create on the spot, whether alone or with others.
A FUN, MODERN APPROACH TO GUITAR LESSONS: Our guitar lessons are designed to be engaging and relevant, focusing on skills you can apply right away—no endless, repetitive drills here.
SEE REAL PROGRESS EVERY WEEK (WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE): Each guitar lesson builds on the last, so you can clearly track your growth and see what’s next on your path to guitar mastery.
INSTRUCTORS WHO CARE: Our guitar teachers are experienced, supportive, and committed to helping you reach your goals in a positive environment—no pressure, just progress
What They Are Saying About Clarendon Hills Music Academy
Jennifer S.
"My kids have played piano here for about 5 years. We love Derek who is their teacher and the owner. He mixes things up so they don’t get bored and lets them choose their favorite pop songs to play."
Karyn V.
"My CHMA Instructor has been such an encouraging teacher and I have really grown as a musician over the past 5 years. I would highly recommend him. He is a phenomenal piano player and knows all of the theory to back that up. My lessons have been customized to meet my needs and interests over time. My instructor has helped me get up to speed when I joined a blues/rock band. He came up with creative ideas for me to become good at comping and soloing in my jazz combo group. Most memorable is when I needed to learn about 20 songs in a short amount of time and he helped me come up with a practice plan and a way to tackle the songs so that I was ready for the gig on time and not just winging it."
Rory S.
I took lessons with CHMA for a little over a year. Every lesson was brilliant because we went over old stuff, learned new stuff and I was able to bring in questions and songs I wanted to learn. If my teacher didn't know the answer (rarely), it became a learning opportunity for both parties.
CHMA is really in touch with technology, My instructor's passion for his craft, and you as the student, really is a great motivator to practice and be able to learn something new every lesson. Fantastic experience and I'd happily go back!
Tristan R.
I’ve been playing piano for about 13 years I think, but I have never made more progress than I did within my first few months at CHMA. They perfectly cater their curriculum to each individual student, focusing on their specific strengths and interests. They balance typical ‘by-the-book’ learning with more interesting learning in a way that makes learning any topic fun and engaging. This is the place to go to if you want to advance in any way musically!
Jackie E.
Best in town. Best around. The CH Music Academy team is amazing. All ages are welcome. They really take care of Their clients and community. Highly recommend!!!
Hannah S.
I've been taking lessons at CHMA for six years as a voice student, piano student, guitar student, and a member of the Recording Artist Academy. I had tried many different music institutions before coming here, and I've never looked back. I grew as a student, a performer and as an artist in my time at CHMA. Thanks to Derek and the crew at the academy I was able to release my original music on all streaming platforms and have since gotten several hundred plays on my music! Clarendon Hills Music Academy has been a home for me for the past six years and I intend on going back whenever I'm home from school!
Sonja G
My daughter took both voice and piano for a few years with CHMA. I honestly can't say enough good things about it. From the time she was 7 until 10, she grew so much, both musically and with her confidence in singing. Her instructor was a wonderful teacher who never pushed her (unless she wanted to be pushed), and really bonded with her about music.
The staff was amazing, VERY easy to communicate with, and very understanding if schedules change. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Ander Iturralde
Clarendon Hills Music Academy is a truly wonderful place. It is one that has had a deep impact on my life. If you want to dive deeper into your musical interests, and potentially further develop yourself as a whole, it is absolutely the place do it. Its owner, Derek Berg, sets the highest standards not only for himself but for the academy overall, putting together a selection of consistently excellent teachers. Previous to coming across it, I had had very little formal musical exposure, yet the growth that I have experienced thanks to them has been amazing. Whether it'd be piano, voice or almost anything in between that you want to learn or improve on, no matter your age, CHMA is a decision that you will be happy you made.
Jamie Shifley
My daughter has been with CHMA for years. Most recently, she is doing the Recording Artist Academy. This endeavor has helped her grow her skills dramatically. She has developed her voice, but has also learned to write her own songs, and is discovering what her own music style truly is. She looks forward to her lesson each week and excitedly sends me recordings of her own songs. It’s a wonderful program
Steve Loan
I wanted to play piano, but thought that being in my 40's was too late in life to learn. CHMA proved that it is never too late to learn, even if you have no music experience! Derek had me learn with the styles of music I enjoy-Jazz and Blues. After a short while I was playing songs and reading sheet music. He worked in lessons on music theory which really strengthened my understanding of how music is put together. CHMA is a fun, relaxing environment and I can attest that with lessons here, anyone can learn to play no matter what your age.
Suzan Ganzer
I learned so much here about music and recording a song and had a blast!! The instructors are super smart and talented. Great care was taken by the team here in recording my original song to make it the absolute best it could be. Anyone wishing to learn about music / or the recording process would benefit greatly going to this awesome music academy. I know i did! If I could live there I totally would!! Fun, educational, and inspirational. Thumbs up, they rock!!!!
Rita Nelson
I first started taking piano lessons at CHMA when I was really young, and I remember finding it so cool that I got to play music I listened to on the radio. The lessons were really entertaining because not only do you get to learn basic techniques, but also how to improvise and play along with chords and music. You get to basically choose your path and create your own experience. The coolest part about CHMA though is the recording artist program. I’ve loved writing songs since before I can remember, and a few years ago I wanted to start recording and releasing them on platforms. I went back to the academy and started recording, and honestly it’s the highlight of my week as well as a great way to get high quality recordings and work on your own original compositions. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a way to get their music out there or learn an instrument in a more modern way.
Ben Waverley
The best part of CHMA is that the lessons are designed completely around the students’ preferences. The idea that a student can walk into a room and name a tune and instantly have an expert start working on it with them that day is something you don’t find at other music academies. For the most personalized lesson experience, whether it be traditional music lessons or producing a video with the Music Project Lab program that the academy offers, CHMA is the way to go.
Kate Buikema
I’ve been doing CHMA for a year and it’s been amazing having this great creative outlet. The instructors are so passionate about music and helping and encourgaing you in every way they can. I’ve really appreciated all the coaching and it has helped my work so much. It’s a super unique experience and definitely worth doing!
Terms: We offer one free trial per family or individual. If you’ve had a free trial at any point in the past, we welcome you to try a Single Paid Trial.
MEET YOUR GUITAR INSTRUCTORS
EVAN D.
Evan Graham Dunn, creator of Fretboard Revolution High-Level Guitar Training Program, has a Bachelor's Degree in Audio for Visual Media from Columbia College. When he isn’t teaching multiple instruments, songwriting, and music production, you can find him working out of his studio in Chicago producing and recording clients, mixing and scoring for commercials and film, or touring and gigging out in one of his multiple bands.
Along with his international success on BBC Radio and magazine coverage with his progressive rock band Alaya, Evan has charted on iTunes and Amazon while holding 4 songs in steady rotation on Sirius Radio’s “Coffee House” with his Folk Rock / Americana band “Edward & Graham”. Evan loves what he does, and can't wait to help you do the same by maintaining a light-hearted, down-to-earth and humorous approach in all of the courses and lessons he offers with CHMA.
RYAN C.
Ryan's musical journey is deeply rooted in his passion for the guitar, spanning a wide range of genres and styles. From his early days of theater training, which sharpened his expressive capabilities, to his intensive study of songwriting and instrumentation, Ryan has dedicated his life to mastering the art of musical expression. His influences include guitar legends from classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin to innovative artists like Wes Montgomery, shaping his versatile approach to guitar playing.
With a belief that everyone has a unique musical voice, Ryan is committed to helping his students discover and nurture their own guitar skills. His teaching method is built on patience, care, and a deep understanding of music, offering students the tools they need to explore various guitar techniques and genres. Ryan's lessons are tailored to individual interests and skill levels, aiming to inspire creativity and a personal connection with music. Whether a beginner or an advanced player, students under Ryan's guidance learn to draw from a broad spectrum of musical influences to develop their own style and proficiency on the guitar.
Terms: We offer one free trial per family or individual. If you’ve had a free trial at any point in the past, we welcome you to try a Single Paid Trial.