Trying to teach yourself to play an instrument usually ends in frustration, with much time and effort wasted.
And those who manage to stick with it find they've developed poor habits.
You may have already discovered this hard truth, that's why you are here.
You really need your own personal instructor to guide you and help you learn to play the music you love!
You have found the right place.
At Smoky Hill Music you will learn from an expert instructor* with 20+ years of teaching experience. One who knows how to make lessons fun and enjoyable, gets results, and brings out the best of your abilities.
Parent surveys voted Smoky Hill Music "Aurora's Most-Loved Music Lessons."
It is a status we are proud to have achieved multiple times.
*not an actual wizard.
Do you want to just have fun and learn to strum and sing your favorite songs?
Or maybe you want to play lead guitar or develop your skills enough to join a band? Improve your technique?
Write your own songs?
With an experienced music instructor dedicated to helping you reach YOUR goals, you are much closer than you might think!
All popular music styles taught here:
Rock, Pop, Country, Folk, Blues, and more.
"I can't say enough good things about Smoky Hill Music!
The owner is about the kindest man and teacher we've ever encountered. He is patient and encouraging and really cares about the kids! I highly recommend for anyone looking for guitar lessons, whether it be a beginner or to brush up on your skills. " - Laura D.
This is Brendan. He is 11.
He is playing the guitar solo to Hotel California.
Be a Rock Star.
Be like Brendan.
Learn to play at Smoky Hill Music.
“Learning is fun - because he connects with his students and adapts his teachings to their interests and goals. Both of my kids have taken lessons from him - as have I - with great results across the board. I can’t stress enough what a talented teacher he is and how absolutely effective his lessons are.”
-Sean Strachan
"Best guitar teacher ever! ... He makes learning fun and gives students the freedom to be creative."
- Elizabeth Williams
A tremendous musician who teaches not only theory and how to play but musicality and music history. I would highly recommend him as a teacher.
Thanks to him my daughter has enjoyed performing as a paid musician and so much more.
He is a wonderful person and teacher.
-Jolynne Alger
Electric guitar lessons: Learn chords, tablature, rhythm, and more as you learn to play riffs and your favorite songs, rock, country, blues, whatever you're into!
Learn scales and music theory and lead guitar soloing techniques!
Acoustic guitar: Learn to pick and strum, read rhythms, tablature, and play fingerstyle guitar.
Lessons focus will be tailored to YOUR musical interests to get you quickly playing your favorite songs!
Ukulele players will learn chords and strumming, rhythm and tablature as you learn to play popular ukulele classics as well as YOUR favorite songs!
Bass: Learn to read rhythms and tablature as you play famous bass lines. Finger style, using a pick, notes on the fretboard, music theory and creating your own bass lines.
Banjo players will learn chords, tablature, rhythm, Scruggs-style fingerpicking rolls as you learn classic songs and techniques.
Learn how to create your own chord progressions, riffs, and melodies.
Show us your skills! Students who want to perform will have the opportunity to share their talents and see what other students are playing. Check out some student performances on our VIDEO page.
- participation not required
Your instructor is well-versed in the history of all eras of popular music including rock, pop, country, folk, blues, and more.
Learn about the legendary artists you encounter as you learn songs and music styles from different eras.
Share your info below to get a free 1-to-1 lesson and see how well it can work for you!
Various lesson times are available 7 days a week!