630-983-6674 ask for Terry

 

 

 

Instructors

Terry Schafer - Guitar, Bass, Drums

I first played drums at 11 years old in 5th grade, taking lessons at school and playing in the orchestra and marching band. I played in garage bands and all it's various incarnations. I did play drums in a couple of bands that actually made a little money, but my real love was the guitar.

I started playing guitar in 1970. I soon began playing with friends and at small coffee houses. At that time I was very active in giving guitar lessons on a regular basis. In the early 1980's , I was the guitar player for a progressive bluegrass band in Northwest Indiana called Springwater. I retired from active performance by 1990.

I continued to teach off and on for the next 30 years. A few years ago, my son (see Brendon, below)  wanted to learn to play so I started teaching him on a regular basis. I realized how much fun it was. I found myself telling my wife I should have kept teaching guitar full time 30 years ago. I decided I didn't want to be telling her the same thing 30 years from now. So we went full time teaching guitar and I haven't regretted a minute!

I love playing guitar. And I love helping others learn how to play guitar. When a student really wants to learn how to play guitar, puts plenty of effort into playing, then there is nothing greater than to see/hear that person playing songs and having fun. It doesn't matter if they are playing simple two chords songs or complex blues patterns, it is still a wonderful thing. 

To see what students and parents say about their experience with me, please click on Student Testimonials on the menu at the left.

Kevin Conlin - Guitar, Bass

Kevin is an experienced instructor. He has been playing guitar and bass for 32 years and has been teaching for 24 years. Kevin studied classical guitar and applied the methods he learned to rock, jazz, blues, country, contemporary and praise and worship music. He can help you learn to play the type of music you want to play.

Kevin has played in many bands over the years including the College of DuPage Community Jazz Band. He currently sings and performs as a solo act on a regular basis. Over the years he has performed over 3000 musical jobs. This means he can give you real life experience in performance, all the way from playing for the grandparents, a solo gig at the local restaurant or even that 60's band you and your friends want to put together. He can even help your student prepare to tryout for the school jazz band!  

Teaching is a priority for Kevin. He is an active member of IMEA(IL Music Educators Assoc) and MENC(Music Educators National Conf) attending annual conferences every year including the NAMM(National Assoc of Music Merchants) show. He picks up the latest guitar teaching methods through these and other resources. He conducts a guitar workshop at the Old Town School of Fold Music twice annually.  This helps ensure that you are learning guitar with up-to-date methods, which, in-turn, speeds the learning process for you.

Kevin is a stable, reliable instructor that is comfortable working with children and adults. He grew up just behind Edward Hospital and has lived in the Naperville area all his life. His performances are local so you don't need to worry about him leaving for the next out-of-town gig; he will help ensure a continuous learning experience.

Please contact Kevin via Terry at 630-983-6674 or tschaf@aol.com

Joe Pillatsch -  Guitar

Joe is a 16 year old Junior at Naperville North High School. He comes from a musical family with his brother playing drums, his dad playing guitar and his mom playing piano. He is a life scout participating in many volunteer activities, most recently trying to set up a charity concert for an eagle project. He loves to show his students an example of how music can be part of the family and the community.

Joe's love of music has been evident throughout his school days. He was in choir  through fifth grade and co-wrote a musical was performed by the fifth grade class in which he has the leading roll. He is able to help show your student the creative side to music.

He has studied music appreciation and researched pop and rock songs that would be suitable for teaching. He is currently taking a music theory class to help understand the components of music and how he can simplify it and better help his students. It is important to Joe that he keeps up with his musical education so he can best help your student learn to play guitar.

Joe gives snowboard lessons at Four Lakes and continues to take guitar and guitar instruction lessons from me. This ensures that your student will be taught with current methods and ideas.

 Joe has taken some piano lessons and has been taking guitar lessons from me for almost four years. He plays and teaches electric, acoustic and some slide guitar.

Please contact Joe via Terry at 630-983-6674 or tschaf@aol.com

Joe's schedule is currently full.

John North - Guitar

John's love of guitar music started at the early age of twelve. He became more serious about learning to play as an adult in 1995. As a full time sales and marketing professional he knows how to help you learn to play guitar while you juggle your busy schedule.

Over the years, he has played with various groups including the children's worship and Christmas show at Westwood Lutheran Church in St. Louis, MN. For the past three years he has played guitar in the praise band at Faith Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL. He has a good grasp of the current Christian styles as well as popular music and can help you learn the music you want to play.   Being a family man, music plays a key role in his family life and all three daughters play instruments or sing. There is often a mix of guitar, piano and viola heard filling the North household. Having taught his daughter to play guitar, he knows how to relate to the younger beginner student.   

John is one of Terry Schafer's advanced students and continues to hone his guitar skills on a weekly basis. In this way, you can be assured that he will help you learn the latest techniques. 

John is very goal oriented and will help you become part of the music you like. As John sees it " I believe anyone can learn to play guitar. In my experience it takes a short time to learn the first song and where you take the instrument is only limited by your goals and the time you have to play. Playing guitar is relaxing, stress reducing and provides a sense of accomplishment. Helping people learn and playing with other guitar players is fun. We all start at the same place, with a desire to play and a new guitar." 

TESTIMONIALS  "John North has the experience and commitment to help others, I like that. He has helped inspire me to play and practice my guitar more." T.L.S.  

"My son and myself are taking lessons from John North. We are both at different playing levels, but John is good at creating different lessons that fits our individual playing levels and interest. Thumbs up for John." Al L

John is no longer giving lessons.

Brendon Schafer - Guitar

Brendon Schafer is a graduate of Naperville North High Schoo and is currently attending the University of North Texas. He started his musical interest with the violin in grade school and later switched to guitar.  He has been playing guitar since he was 12 years old. Brendon has just started teaching beginners and finds it to be a rewarding experience. The most important skills that Brendon brings to a lesson is his patience, knowledge and strong desire to help a student learn. His ability to connect with the younger student is incredible. He has been working with his father, Terry Schafer, to learn the fine points of instructing guitar. 

TESTIMONIALS

"Brendon,
Thank you for working with Clarke. Clarke absolutely loves playing the guitar. With your patience and positive encouragment, Clarke has become quite the musician. Thanks for making it easy for me to get Clarke to practice daily because he looks forward to his next lesson with you.  In Clarke's words, 'Brendon ROCKS!'.
Sincerely, RS"

"Brendon is a very polite and professional young guitar teacher. I am thrilled at how well he connects with his students and makes the lesson enjoyable and educational."  L. H.

"Guitar lessons are great and I am learning a lot. Brendon makes learning fun." K. H.

"My daughter is taking lessons with Brendon.  She really enjoys playing and looks forward to her lessons. 
Brendon makes learning the guitar easy and fun for her!" T.P.

"I am very impressed by Brendon for my son.  If he is interested in another student, my friend has a son who is playing the guitar and seeking another teacher." O.S.

"Joey has a great time with Brendon, He looks forward to his lessons.  Joey loves learning the "NEW" stuff and it seems that Brendon shows him something new each lesson as well as goes over what he has learned.  Brendon has wonderful patience with Joey and always encourages him at all his lessons.  Thanks Brendon." J.M.

Brendon works with beginners, both children and adults.

Brendon is not taking students at this time.


Brad Bolliger - Drums

Brad  is a senior at Naperville North High School. He started his musical endevors with the cello in 3rd grade. He has been playing drums for over five years and finds it a very satisfying musical outlet. For the past four years he has been playing in his church's youth band. They have recorded a CD, played a concert with the Christian band Lost and Found and continue to perform at the church on a bi-weekly basis.

Brad has the skills and patience to work with your beginning drum student in your home.

From the starter on a practice pad to the new drum set for Christmas, Brad will help your student learn the basics of drumming.


Please contact Brad by sending an email to tschaf@aol.com 




 

 

Please note that all instructors are independant contractors, are not employed by nor recieve compensation  from Terry Schafer or napervilleguitarlessons.com  . All scheduling is done directly with the instructors. 











Web site and all contents © Copyright Terry Schafer 2005,2006,2007,2008. All rights reserved.