STARTED LESSONS = AGE 12-College

(This testimonial is as an adult reflecting back)

I would say that the benefits of taking guitar lessons with Mike were that I had somebody to constantly motivate me from a level I wanted to be at. Someone who knew what I wanted to learn and had a teaching style that would help me along the way.

— Daniel Farnsworth = Arlington Hts, IL

— Profession = Sound Engineer-Songwriter-Musician

STARTED LESSONS = AGE 16 - 2005-Modern Day

Before I even started taking lessons with Mike, he taught me proper form in which to pick the guitar. Once I en-grained the new picking style into my way of playing, my overall performance at the instrument rose noticeably, and playing guitar became much easier and enjoyable. Throughout the years I took lessons with Mike, probably the most valuable piece of information I gained from him was, much like with the picking form, proper technique with the instrument. Without proper technique, I believe you hinder yourself from constantly growing at the instrument, as well as overall ease at playing it.
Being a student of Mike’s for many years, I recorded several things with him, some being original recordings, while others being overdubs of existing songs with my own guitar playing. The information I gained from those recordings were mostly how to play under pressure, along with how intricate, time consuming, and difficult it can be to record quality tracks. However, despite saying those things, they were enjoyable experiences, as it was incredibly rewarding to hear the end results of what I had recorded.
Since I am now trying to pursue teaching guitar, I consider Mike’s knowledge of the instrument in terms of teaching to be valuable, and will utilize my past lessons, along with Mike’s guidance, to hopefully becoming a successful teacher myself.

— Danny Ambrose = Kenilworth, IL

— Profession = Musician-Music Teacher (Teaching Mentorship with Mike)

SHOWS = 8
SONGS PLAYED = 42 (Dream Theater/Vai/Satriani/Metallica/Alter Bridge)

SONGS RECORDED = 16

STARTED LESSONS = 2014-2020

From the the first lesson he questioned my goals and what I wanted to learn. I learned techniques from day one. I never learned pick and arm placement from any other teacher!! I now have plans and goals, I can hear improvement in technique, and speed which is my favorite. I highly recommend Mike for lessons for whatever your skill level is. I’m positive he can help your playing ability.

— Steve DeLorge = Buffalo Grove, IL

— Profession = American Airlines

SHOWS PLAYED = 6
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 39
SONGS RECORDED = 22

STARTED LESSONS = 2016-2019 = Joined Band

The biggest benefit for me besides actually creating proper technique and theory, was breaking through the creative wall that was in front of me. After playing for years I felt like creatively I hit my limit and I couldn’t progress as a guitar player any more on my own. After just a few lessons with Mike I instantly woke up out of the rut I was stuck in for so long. I really like the real world format the lessons are given in. This leaves no room for non-participation and allows you to experience things you just can’t on your own. This will inevitability allow me to continue to grow as a musician not just a guitar player. From the studio environment to group classes, and constantly changing up the format I never lose interest. Discipline, accountability and my own lack of expectation were missing and preventing me from writing that song or learning that hard part. Now patience and perseverance allow me to listen multiple times if need be or to master that part and finish the song. This type of stress relief isn’t sold in a store or prescribed.

— James Murphy = Greyslake, IL

— Profession = Cellphone Communications Expert

SHOWS PLAYED = 7
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 45
SONGS RECORDED = 26

STARTED LESSONS = 2017-Modern Day

I picked up guitar later in life (regrettably!) only because I have the time. I recently started taking lessons from Mike Walsh and suddenly, everything is starting to fall into place and make sense. Due to his focus on theory, drills and technique, the dividends are tremendous and paying off quickly. His lessons have really amped up (no pun intended) my abilities and confidence as a guitar player. I am so impressed with Mike Walsh as a teacher and his teaching philosophy; he truly is the real deal. In the 4 months that I have taken lessons, I’ve already recorded in a studio. I can’t begin to say how very beneficial this real world philosophy has been and the impact it has had on me as a player and also as person. As a teacher for more than 30 years, I recognize immediately a good teacher from a superb teacher, and Mike is, without a doubt, a superb music teacher. His knowledge of music, theory and technique is vast. Most importantly, though, is his talent for being able to convey his knowledge in a way that is easy to grasp and in an environment that is fun and relaxed.

— Lynn Ridge = Inverness, IL

— Profession = Teacher

SHOWS PLAYED = 7
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 39
SONGS RECORDED = 26

STARTED LESSON = 2017-2020

Mike Walsh's guitar program has helped me make huge improvements in my guitar playing and has done so in a fun and exciting way that I never thought I would experience. After being a self taught player for 10+ years, I felt like I had reached my max potential and decided to join Mike's program to try and take my playing to the next level. He immediately helped improve my technique and the difference was noticeable right away. The way he structures the classes is very unique, engaging, and well rounded.

Aside from just learning technique, we get to learn about and apply ourselves in music theory, creativity, rhythm, recording, and showmanship. Getting to record in Mike's studio as part of the program is a great opportunity to take everything we learn and use it in a fun and cool way that I wouldn't be able to get somewhere else. Also, he is always doing new things to help keep the program fresh and exciting. We even get to play live shows which gives even more experience that you can't gain from a traditional lesson format. He often hosts free workshops and offers other unique opportunities to his students. I would highly recommend Mike's program to anyone looking to not only improve their skills but have a great time doing it.

— Eric Jacobson - Buffalo Grove, IL

— Profession - Real Estate Mogul

SHOWS PLAYED = 4
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 24
SONGS RECORDED = 27

STARTED LESSON = 2017-2019 = Moved

Before I met Mike, I had been playing guitar for over 20 years. I felt like I had hit a plateau and I was lacking in the creativity department. I had never realized how much my poor technique was holding me back. To be honest, when I first learned of Mike I wasn't even looking for guitar lessons; I had come across his ad by coincidence. All the things I wish I was able to do on guitar was what he promised he could successfully teach me. His confidence that he could elevate my playing made me confident he was the right guy for the job. Fast forward to today and I've been a student of Mikes for over 2 years. 

Mike, doesn't hold anything back either. From day one, he starts showing you the proper techniques, creative phrasings and theory concepts that not only make you a better player, but a better overall musician as well. He gets you right into these things, because he wants you to be able to play better faster. Unlike many teachers out there, Mike genuinely cares about his students and their success. 

There are many advantages learning from Mike. He has real world experience playing in a multitude of live events and in different musical styles. He takes everything he's learned over the years and incorporates that into his lessons. He doesn't just teach guitar; he prepares you for the day that you yourself might set foot on a stage. For me personally, this has greatly boosted my confidence and I've actually gone out there played my own live events. He set me up do do something I never thought I would do. 

In my opinion, the next best thing is that you can get answers from Mike immediately. By that I mean, instead of wasting time scouring the internet or watching endless amounts of videos looking for answers to your questions, Mike is the one and only resource you need. All the fancy stuff your favorite guitarists do is what Mike will teach you in person and he can break it down step by step, right in front of you. Being there in person and learning from him is the best way to learn and this is what transformed my playing. 

I owe it to Mike for the immense improvement in my playing. Years ago, there was a level of guitar I would have been happy to achieve and settle on, but now I've surpassed that and I can now set the bar higher. The day I met Mike was the day my life changed as a guitarist and I couldn't be happier.

— Tom Therriault - Park Ridge, IL

— Profession - Electrician/Guitar Teacher (Teaching Mentorship with Mike)/Pilot

SHOWS PLAYED = 5
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 31
SONGS RECORDED = 21

STARTED LESSON = 2018-Modern Day

I bought my first guitar 10+ years ago and tried to learn to play at a large city of Chicago Institution, rhymes with Old Brown Pool, anyway I took about a year’s worth of lessons there and never really learned anything about playing guitar, except for some basic chords.  The class sizes were insane and the teachers taught what they wanted to play and didn’t seem to really care if everyone in the giant class could play it or not.

I thought that was how all guitar classes were taught. Boy was I wrong! I got a SUPER spiffy mailer from this dude Mike Walsh with a flaming axe on the front listing the website and phone #.

I checked out Mike’s website and everything he said about other guitar methods really resonated with me. Having recently retired (hey I said I was really old) I dusted off my Fender and gave Mike a call. Not sure how Mike feels, but I think I learned way more about the guitar and how to properly play one in my first consultation with Mike then I did in a whole semester at the Old Brown Pool.  I have had a blast of a time and know more in the months I have been with Mike then in all the previous lessons combined!!

If you want to follow a proven approach to guitar, which is constantly being improved (kinda like a software update for your phone) try learning from Mike Walsh , and tell ‘em the Dental Floss farmer (it’s Zappa look it up) old man sent ya!

— Steve Hardy - Glenview, IL

— Profession = Software Engineer

SHOWS PLAYED = 5
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 28
SONGS RECORDED = 20

STARTED LESSON = 2018-2021 = Moved

I started lessons with Mike one year ago after a 20 year hiatus from picking up a guitar. I never made any significant progress playing guitar as a teenager, as I did not take lessons nor did I devote time. I was concerned that it was too late - I have young kids and a demanding job. I have pleasantly surprised with how taking lessons with Mike has turned a potential hobby into a real passion. 

Mike’s approach has been integral to turbocharging my passion for the guitar. He brings a genuine approach to bringing out our best while teaching us concepts through learning to play songs we enjoy. The time I’ve dedicated to practice has varied from a couple of hours in a given week to some weeks of no practice at all due to my family/work responsibilities. There were even some lessons I missed entirely and had to reschedule. Despite the ebbs and flows, my progress has been incredible. I attribute so much to the lessons and its content combined with Mike’s passion and style. 

My wife complimented some of my practice the other day by saying “if you sound this much better after one year, I can’t imagine how you’ll sound next year.” I’m excited to find out!

— Thomas Brennan - Buffalo Grove, IL

— Profession - Investment Manager

SHOWS PLAYED = 4
SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 17
SONGS RECORDED = 8

STARTED LESSON = 2018-Modern Day

I have been playing bass guitar for almost four years. For the last two and a half years, I have been studying under the watchful eye of Mike Walsh. 

Before Mike, I took lessons from two other guitar teachers, both of whom were professional musicians who taught guitar/bass lessons as a means to “make ends meet” between gigs. Although both men were accomplished musicians who taught me how to play some rock songs, I knew that something was missing. I felt frustrated with those teachers’ inability to dive deeper into the intricacies of playing a musical instrument.

As a recently retired public school principal, I know what teaching with passion, skill, and expertise looks like. When I started with Mike, I quickly realized that he possessed all of these qualities. In addition to being an accomplished professional musician, Mike has a degree in Music Education from Elmhurst College. Mike fully understands the importance of proper instructional pedagogy, goal setting, practicing with a purpose, music theory, proper technique, and providing authentic playing experiences.

Mike Walsh views himself as the leader of a music school, not simply a guitar teacher. He has created a linear curriculum that takes his students through all aspects of playing the guitar and understanding the music theory supporting the playing. Lessons are taught in his state-of-the-art home recording studio, and throughout the year students are given the opportunity to record their playing through the use of his professional equipment. In addition, Mike provides opportunities for students to play “gigs” in front of live audiences and via Zoom. These experiences are invaluable to musicians of all ages.

Over the course of these last two years I have seen tremendous growth in my bass guitar playing and in my confidence to play in front of people. If you are new to playing guitar, or if you have been playing for years, I highly recommend Mike Walsh.  Mike Walsh’s system works!

— David Sherman - Buffalo Grove, IL

— Profession - School Principle

SHOWS PLAYED = 5

SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 26

SONGS RECORDED = 16

STARTED LESSON = 2019-Modern Day

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.

— Aaron Walters- Wheeling, IL

— Profession - Executive Chef

SHOWS PLAYED = 2

SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 11

SONGS RECORDED = 9

STARTED LESSON = 2018-2021

Mike has created a music program that represents great value and is flexible and effective: all critical elements to me when I decided to take guitar lessons two years ago, at 60.  This is not your run-of-the-mill guitar lesson!

When I compared the cost of Mike's program to other lessons I realized that, over the course of a year, I would get more time playing in front of Mike than I would with another teacher. Mike is well organized and he works hard every week to make the very most out of every in person lesson and provide proprietary materials to practice between lessons  There is no down time when you are with Mike and I feel the real value in the program is the potential for discernible progress week over week.

Mike's program covers guitar technique, music theory, Guitar Gym, modern day songs and rhythm.  Through Mike's approach I have found learning chords, keys and scales in the context of overall chord theory is simpler than flat out memorization. Guitar gym exercises and Super Shred sessions, all in particular keys, get my old fingers and brain up to tempo with the additional benefit of learning the fretboard.  Mike's state of the art studio allows all students to see and hear how they are playing. It is difficult to quantify the value of objective monitoring of progress and development, but, the camera and recorders don't lie.  On top of all this, Mike arranges and hosts live rock & roll shows where all students perform in front of friends and families, under show conditions!

Perhaps what I enjoy most is the community of student musicians Mike has grown and nurtured.  Mike sets the tone for this group and all are committed to learning music, supportive of one another and always ready to try the next riff.

— John Wynn - Hawthorne Woods, IL

— Profession - Lawyer

SHOWS PLAYED = 1

SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 5

SONGS RECORDED = 5

STARTED LESSON = 2018-Modern Day

Guitar lessons with Mike are the whole package. From the weekly instruction to the wide-ranging additional training classes like blues, or song writing, or shredding, there is something for everyone. Mike will teach you technique, music theory, how to practice, and how to do them all while you have fun! The highlight of the instruction is learning full songs and playing them in front of your family, friends, and peers.

Learning how to perform through videos, recording sessions and live shows has been the most motivating for me; it has helped push me to be a better guitarist and has strengthened my sense of accomplishment.

For years, I would pick up a guitar and play for a week, and then I’d put it away for months at a time. Since I started training with Mike, I feel guilty and upset if I miss a day of playing because I’m enjoying it so much. That enjoyment has helped me find a way to balance work, life, and guitar. The flexibility of Mike’s program makes that all possible. Whatever it is that YOU want to get out of the guitar, you can find it with Mike.

— Tim Joren - Highwood, IL

— Profession - IT Manager

SHOWS PLAYED = 3

SONGS PLAYED LIVE = 18

SONGS RECORDED = 13

STARTED LESSONS = 2016

Guitar is a very interesting instrument to learn and I am so glad that I found Mike while I was searching for instructors. I am a beginner and initially learning guitar can be a bit frustrating sometimes. But since the start of my guitar sessions with Mike, he has made sure that each of them were fun to attend. His lessons are detailed and very well planned. From helping me out for buying the right guitar, customizing it to make sure it was comfortable to play, helping me practice the correct posture while playing and providing perfect homework plans, he has been a great mentor. As a person, he is quite cool, friendly and funny which makes the sessions really lively!

— Anu Mishra = Deerfield, IL

— Profession = Banking

SONGS RECORDED = 4

STARTED LESSONS = 2015

I learned how to do everything better!

My favorite part about guitar lessons is guitar playing technique. Guitar playing technique has helped me play various techniques cleanly. I learned a lot of theory which is very important to me. With Mike, I learned to play faster very quickly. I also learned how to fully set up a guitar with a Floyd Rose style tremolos. I learned about gear and setups.

— Sagar Patel = Schaumburg, IL