STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
"Terry,
Marc
and I wanted to take a minute to let you know how thrilled we are with
the progress both our boys are making! I can’t believe it’s been
a year since Cameron’s first guitar lesson. I remember how
excited he was after that lesson when he came home with the page to
fill out about his favorite music and bands. He couldn’t believe
he would get to learn the guitar by playing songs that he loved and
helped to choose! His former lessons consisted of drills on
chords and scales. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before Cameron
lost interest. Now, he plays every chance he gets because he
genuinely enjoys playing the music he loves! He looks forward to
every lesson because he feels like you relate to him and enjoy talking
about music with him. You’ve expanded his interest in different
genres and exposed him to a multitude of artists and styles. But
above all, he loves learning the guitar with you because your passion
for guitar and music is evident every time you sit down with him.
We can’t believe what he’s playing!
And tonight Marc
and I were marveling at our youngest son, Andrew, who has only been
taking drum lessons with you for a few months. He and Cameron
were playing together and we just couldn’t get over how great they
sounded! Just like his brother, Andrew lost interest in his other
drum lessons a few years ago when they became boring and
repetitive. But now he’s learning to play songs with his brother
so they can really learn how to listen to each other and play
together. It has brought them together with a common interest;
it’s so wonderful to hear them encouraging and helping each
other! Just the other day I asked them if they would like to take
an overnight trip and go to the beach in Wisconsin. Once they
found out it would mean missing their music lessons, they both decided
they didn’t want to go! It’s so rewarding to see your children
find something they are passionate about. Thank you for teaching
them using music they enjoy and sharing your genuine love for music
with them. We’ve already referred two other friends to you, and will
continue to enthusiastically recommend Naperville Guitar Lessons!"
Sincerely,
Katie and Marc M.
"Two
and a half years ago, before I met Terry, I bought my first guitar and
started lessons with another instructor. After a few months,
disappointed in the lack of passion I found during the lessons and
feeling like just another body in the chair, I began looking elsewhere.
I knew I wanted one-on-one lessons, and I had a few things in mind for
a new instructor: one who would do more than walk me through a "Learn
To
Play Guitar!" book; one whose passion for playing guitar would
be infectious and fun; one whose knowledge could answer the million
questions I had (and have); one who could tell me about music theory
and music history; one who would patiently show me the same chord
for the third week in row and not get annoyed that I wasn't catching on
faster;one who would encourage me when I got frustrated and wanted to
quit; one who would cheer me on when I finally finger picked
"Landslide" the whole way through and didn't mess up, and one who would
then push for more. Through a friend, I was referred to Terry and every
one of those expectations were met and then some! Two years
later, I am truly amazed at the progress I have made under Terry's
instruction. With his encouragement, I even wrote my first song -
something I never thought I could do - and played & sang it
at one of the Adult Jams - also something I never thought I could do.
I've recommended Terry to anyone who asks me about guitar, and will
continue to do so. It's great to look forward to my lesson each
week and continuing to learn and, as Terry says, keep playing guitar!"
Thanks for everything Terry!"
- Anne B.
"Before I came to Terry I started lessons with another instructor
for a month. I became frustrated due to the lack of knowledge and attentiveness. I
found Terry and all that changed. When I began I knew very little about the
Acoustic Guitar, other than it was an instrument that could produce beautiful
sound in the hands of an adept player. With Terry’s instruction and my practice
regimen, now a year later I am reading music, tab, playing scales, and
arpeggios. I am very happy to have such a knowledgeable, energetic and attentive
instructor to help me become an able guitar player. I enthusiastically encourage
anyone to take instruction from Terry Schafer. There are a lot of Guitar
Instructor’s out there, and Terry ranks with the best of them. Just listen to
his students play. This is the measure of how well the instruction is being
conveyed; instructor to student."
Cedrick B.
I picked up a guitar a few years ago and gave a few self teaching books and cds
a try to no avail. I became frustrated and put the guitar in the back of the
closet. A few months ago I came across my guitar again and decided to take
another route. After researching on the internet I decided to give Naperville
Guitar Lessons a try. I'm so glad I did! I am thrilled to have Terry as a
teacher. He made me feel like I could play right from the start. He is fun to
work with, knowledgable, and patient. He takes the time to thoroughly answer any
questions I have and suggests songs and techniques that he thinks might work for
me. I've enjoyed each lesson and I look forward to learning new skills and songs
each week. I highly recommend Terry!
Katie K.
"
I was just telling my husband that I can’t believe how much I’ve
learned in just 2 lessons! I’m playing a song (granted, I won’t
have much need for “Hush, Little Baby” in the future – 4 kids is
plenty!). I am kicking myself for not starting this years
ago! I am so excited to see where I’ll be at the end of the
year. My kids are plugging their ears now, but I know they’ll be
singing along in no time! So glad I’m doing this! You are a
fabulous teacher, Terry (hopefully even a bit of a “miracle worker”
too! J)."
Heather J.
"When
I finally decided that I wanted to learn how to play the guitar at the
age of 33, I decided to do a little research. I visited several
of the local guitar shops and checked out some websites. I was
impressed by the www.napervilleguitarlessons.com site and I dropped an
email to Terry to ask him about pricing/location of lessons and what
guitar I should buy. He responded to my email right way and was
immensely more helpful than the guitar shops because he had my
interests in mind. He recommended that I take lessons and play
for several months before I made the purchase as I would be able to
discover the right guitar for me when I had a better idea of my
personal style. I bought the perfect guitar for me . I have been taking lessons with
Terry for about 4 months now and I look forward to each lesson.
He continues to push me to do better but finds a way to keep it fun at
the same time. I would recommend Terry to anyone who wants to
learn to play the guitar. He is a professional that enjoys the
little improvements his students make each week and his passion for his
craft is apparent to everyone he teaches."
Eric B.
" A month
or so ago, if you had asked me what the most fun I had ever had was I
would have told you it was a day in Mexico that I spent snorkeling with
my children...
I began guitar lessons about a month ago. So nervous
that I showed my shaking hands to Terry, wiped my sweaty palms on my
jeans and told him it was me, not him that was causing my jitters. I
hadn't felt out-of-my-element like this since my childhood. However,
with all that said, I will say that the short distance I have come so
far with my guitar and Terry's patience, and the one adult jam that I
attended (Terry so generously hosts) has brought me the same kind of
passionate and full blown fun as that day I had in Mexico. Rock on,
Terry, rock on"
Nancy A.
"I
started out with absolutely no idea on playing guitar, though i have
been listening to rock and pop music since the early 80's. Starting
with the absolute basics on holding a guitar, i have been through a
exciting journey thanks to Terry.
He was patient in guiding
through my initial troubles with hand/wrist positioning as well as
learning the different strumming patterns. After starting off with
lullabies, I have picked up several favourites.
After renting a
guitar for 2 months, and 2 months of lessons from Terry, i felt
confident enough to buy a Takamine acoustic with which i have been
practising ever since.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to Terry for getting me started on guitar."
"
Ram K.
" I really appreciate you taking me
on as a student. If I'd known lessons would be this
productive (and enjoyable), I'd have signed up two
years ago."
Gregg V.
"
I have wanted to play the guitar for as long as I can remember. But as
an adult with three kids who has to negotiate time for a shower, guitar
lessons and practice time seemed unlikely. My husband surprised me for
Christmas one year with a new guitar. Once again trying to encourage
me, my children bought me 3 months of lessons from a local retail
store. Out of the twelve lessons purchased, I probably made it to four
of them due to my husband's unpredictable work schedule and the chaos
that goes along with children. Additionally, finger picking one string
at a time to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" was not what I had in mind.
"
" Along came Terry. We started my lessons at
night - late enough that the kids would be asleep. Almost from our
initial meeting I felt like I was actually playing guitar. Terry
teaches me the songs that I want to learn – even if he doesn’t always
appreciate my great taste in music. My two daughters have also started
taking drum lessons from Terry. We have even begun learning songs that
we can play together – not in public but we’ll get there. In the year
that I have been taking lessons, I have only missed a couple. And
though you won’t see me strumming at your local coffee house, I can
download chords and actually play along with some of my favorite songs.
I have also fully enjoyed watching Terry’s hair line recede as I
continue to antagonize him with annoying questions like why tablature
does not make sense (it is upside down). I am truly convinced that if
he can teach me to play, he can teach anyone. "
"
There is not another teacher that I have seen who has the sheer desire
to teach, love of music and patience in dealing with adults and
children as Terry. "
Becky S.
" I really appreciate the time and effort you put into helping me reach
my potential. It's one thing to be able to play the guitar, but it's
another to be able to teach it like you do. I will never stop reaching
to be the best guitarist I can be! Thanks again and I will see you
next Tuesday!"
Jill H.
"
I just wanted to thank you for all of the encouragement & patience
you provided me over the last 8 months. You are such a wonderful
teacher and musician! Learning to play has been such a positive
experience - Thank you for that! "
Tracy W.
"
Thanks for all of your genuine interest in your students. It really
shows! A___ has never once, in the 8 months he has been playing, ever
said he was bored or wanted to quit. You really keep things interesting
for the students. "
S G.
“
I have only just begun my lessons with Terry, but I already know I made
the right decision in choosing him as my teacher. He is patient,
encouraging, has a very positive attitude, and is a very talented
musician and teacher. He challenges me, but doesn’t overwhelm me. I
love the fact that he comes to my house…it makes taking lessons so
convenient. I look forward to his visits because I know I will learn
something new and have fun doing it. Terry helps me to see the
possibilities and want to work diligently toward them.”
Angie B.
"
I'm so glad to be taking lessons from you!! You have the patience of a
saint! I have been playing guitar for years now and have never had a
instructor that I feel so comfortable with. You've really make guitar
playing fun and interesting again. Thanks for finding" Amazon" for me
and planning a lesson to learn how to play it. I look forward to a long
relationship with you as my teacher and I look forward to my lesson
each week! "
Julie N.
" I really enjoy taking lessons again and plan to play a long time. You are an excellent
teacher and obviously love to teach others. Thanks for all your help and enthusiasm. See you next Saturday."
Mick C.
"
I’ve been working with Terry for a few months now. I cannot believe the
progress that I have made in such a short amount of time. I feel like I
hit the jackpot with him!!!
" When I decided to
begin taking classes, I looked on-line to see what type of courses I
would find. The experience was a bit stressful since my search returned
so many results. I had NO idea who to go with and what type of course
would work out best for me. During my search, I came across Terry’s
site. I couldn’t believe it when I read that HE would come to YOU for
lessons...And most importantly: how affordable he was. I talked it over
with my husband and we both felt that we should give it a shot and see
how the lesson went. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! Terry is an amazing
teacher. Very encouraging and supportive! I look forward to my lessons
every week. "
Arleen K.
"
Growing up I always wanted to play guitar, and I couldn’t afford
lessons, and I tried to teach myself and it was frustrating. So I gave
up. I decided to try again as an adult (30 years old) and I was a
little intimidated. Terry started me off as a beginner. Never once did
he make me feel like ‘I should know this already.’ He is an excellent
teacher and I would recommend him to anyone. "
Louis C.
“
I’ve been taking lessons with Terry for several months now and I can’t
believe I’ve come this far. I never thought I’d be able to do it, but
with practice and Terry’s instruction, I’ve been able to play like I
never thought I could. He is very patient with me and will work through
a new song with me over and over until I get it. I would not be able to
play as well as I do without him. ”
Stephanie R.
"
This dude is the gas! I’m 35, never picked up a guitar in my life. I
decided to give it a try. I struggled through a few tapes and books but
was on the fast track to nowhere! Then I ran across Terry’s web site.
The price was a good deal. No long term commitments, pay as you go,
just give it a try. I’ve barely missed a lesson. Terry’s insights and
tips have really helped. Finally, some progress! I’m not quite up to 50
miles an hour yet, but with Terry’s help, I’ll get there. He’s has a
lot of patience, and a lot of good tips to share with a beginner like
myself. I highly recommend Terry to anyone interested in learning to
play the guitar. "
Rob W.
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