I'm a guitar instructor in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Lessons are held at the Music Shoppe (www.themusicshoppe.com) Monday - Saturday. I'm classically-trained (Master's of Music 2005) but most often perform as a jazz & blues musician. I've taught a wide variety of music - from classic rock like the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Green Day & Nirvana, to jazz and blues like B.B. King, Herbie Hancock & Miles Davis, to classical guitar music by Bach, Sor & Brouwer.
I frequently teach beginning guitarists ranging in age from 6 to 64! The lessons are informative but also fun. I encourage students to learn music they know and enjoy.
I also teach advanced students who seek to improve their abilities in chord voicing, music theory, improvisation, applying scales and modes, and finger-picking.
Served areas
- Bloomington and Normal, Illinois
Services
Beginner Guitar Lessons
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The Beginner Guitar curriculum is designed to be both comprehensive and flexible to my student’s interests. I strive to make the lessons as informative as possible while also low-pressure and fun!
We’ll utilize a variety of well-known Rock, Pop and Folk songs that demonstrate the fundamental techniques you need to know to learn to play guitar. In addition, we will customize your lessons to your interests – since many songs have the same elements in them (chords, strumming, etc) , you will learn the music that motivates you!
We’ll utilize a variety of well-known Rock, Pop and Folk songs that demonstrate the fundamental techniques you need to know to learn to play guitar. In addition, we will customize your lessons to your interests – since many songs have the same elements in them (chords, strumming, etc) , you will learn the music that motivates you!
They're half-hour private lessons held at the Music Shoppe at 1540 E. College Ave in Normal, IL (next to Kroger.) I've taught every age and skill level - from kids as young as 6 to retirees looking to pick up a new hobby - aspiring teenagers joining their first band to graduate students studying music at university.
People
Erik's Guitar Lessons
I'm a guitar instructor and performer living in Bloomington-Normal, IL. I've taught at Lincoln College, The Conservatory of Central Illinois, Heartland College, and currently teaches at Lincoln Christian University.
I currently perform in the Long and Swanson Duo (classical flute and guitar), with guitarist Michael Hull, singer-songwriter Denise LaGrassa, jazz trio Bend and with the avant-indie jazz group Lexicon. I'll also appear as a freelance musician in jazz and classical settings.
I currently perform in the Long and Swanson Duo (classical flute and guitar), with guitarist Michael Hull, singer-songwriter Denise LaGrassa, jazz trio Bend and with the avant-indie jazz group Lexicon. I'll also appear as a freelance musician in jazz and classical settings.
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Reviews (9)
Shawn Rybolt
Jun 16, 2021
I've been taking lessons from Erik for about 2 years and I've never been disappointed. He has always been patient and takes time to fully explain difficult concepts. He's open to introducing a wide variety of music and is genuinely interested in what I want to learn. I highly recommend Erik! His talent, knowledge, and expertise never disappoints.
Cory Spera
Apr 05, 2021
My son has been taking guitar lessons from Erik for the past five years. When we began the process of looking for an instructor, Erik was recommended to us and it has been a great experience; we couldn't have ask for a better fit! Erik does a great job of teaching, and using the student's individual interests as a platform for their individual learning. Erik has taught my son different styles/genres of music and has introduced him to music theory as it relates to guitar. If you are looking for a guitar teacher; look no further; take the recommendation as we did five years ago and contact Erik!
Carl Fever
Apr 05, 2021
I've been going to Erik for almost 2 years now and it's been a very enjoyable experience. As an adult who decided to finally take lessons, Erik makes learning the guitar fun and entertaining. His first question everyday is "what do YOU want to play?" If you have been thinking about taking lessons but just couldn't quite decide to, definitely check Erik out! You won't be disappointed!
Mark Garren
Mar 23, 2021
Justin
Dec 27, 2020
Jodi Ellsworth
Dec 11, 2020
My son has taken guitar lessons with Erik, beginning at age 8 to his current age of 13. We have had the pleasure of watching Erik build my son into a little musician. Erik is patient and extremely knowledgeable. He has taught my son how to play many different types of music. Classical, Jazz and Contemporary, Erik can teach and play them all. He has given my son the skills to play acoustic, electric and bass guitar. Erik has recently helped my son learn jazz music in more depth and my son now plays for his junior high Jazz band and was accepted into the ILMEA Jazz band. Erik's role in my son's development as a musician has been priceless! Erik is also very accommodating of our busy schedule. We highly recommend Erik for guitar lessons!
Brian Lowrance
Nov 08, 2020
A few years ago I bought my son his first guitar and after a quick Google, I found Erik. He has been everything I expected, hoped for and more! He has done a tremendous job teaching my son to play electric guitar. He took a complete newbie and has helped him build a solid foundation in music. It has been a fun experience watching my son grow so much in his skills. I highly recommend Erik for any skill level. He is patient and passionate! Thank you, Erik!
Gregg McDonald
Oct 28, 2020
Cameron Shandrow
Jun 23, 2020
If you're wanting to take guitar lessons from a great instructor, you want to go to Erik Swanson. In the two years I spent taking guitar lessons from him I learned a wide variety of content. I got to play jazz pieces, classical pieces and contemporary pieces. I am a significantly better guitar player from my time taking lessons with Erik. He's reasonably priced and is super flexible with busy schedules like mine. I started my lessons my sophomore year after having three years of experience on guitar and I finished my guitar lessons my senior year.