Aaron Walters, Wheeling, IL
Profession: Executive Chef
Guitar Lessons: 2019 - Present
Shows Played: 5
Songs Played Live: 31
Songs Recorded: 26
“I first started playing guitar in High School and was in a band for a few years. I was self-taught and continued to play as a hobby throughout my life, occasionally taking some lessons in traditional settings. In those lessons I’d learn a song with an instructor in ½ hour sessions and it would take 4-5 weeks to get through it. I always felt I wasn’t really getting anything of value and that if all I wanted to do was learn songs, I could do that on my own anyway. When I started to get serious about lessons, I looked for someone who would not only teach songs but all the things I was missing that real musicians know.
Mike’s website came up in a search and it looked really cool (plus they are 1-hour lessons). The program is so involved and has so many facets it was a bit intimidating at first. I signed up and met Mike for a one on one consultation where he really put me at ease. We discussed my goals along with my current skill set and knowledge in order to determine what level I should be in. I also opted to do a couple of the extra classes, Super shred and Blues Class, which were huge in improving my speed, knowledge and versatility. The classes are packed with information and all the files are sent weekly so I can download and save everything. We learn cool songs too that range from classic/pop rock to modern metal so I’m not just focused on one genre or style of music.
Some of the most fun I have had is the band jam sessions, live shows and recording sessions. Recording the songs we’ve learned in a studio is a great experience usually reserved for professionals. Playing the music with other musicians in a band setting is a rush and always fun. The ultimate is being on stage playing with other students in front of a live crowd. It reminds me of how much fun I had being in a band. Mike goes out of his way to make the shows as real as possible with lights and professional equipment, it’s great.
I have to say that I’m also very impressed with all the extra offerings Mike has both free and paid, especially during the Covid lockdown when he was doing a multitude of free zoom lessons in addition to the regular schedule for anyone who wanted to attend. I can say without a doubt that I feel more confidant and knowledgeable playing guitar then I ever was and learning has been more fun than I could have imagined.“