If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
We make learning music so fun you might forget you're actually learning—like hiding veggies in mac and cheese. Instead of dusty old sheet music, we dive straight into the good stuff—rocking out with songs, scales, and epic solos. As you level up, we’ll add in some music theory and reading, but we promise it’ll be enjoyable!
Check out our team of professional musicians and book a complimentary lesson today through our site.
Overview
Hired 63 times
Serves Oak Park, IL
Background checked
3 employees
11 years in business
Business hours
SunClosedMon9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2023
2021
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Work location
My customers travel to me
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
42 reviews
5
100%
4
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3
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2
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Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Masato T.
Jan 21, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane's a passionate and thoughtful teacher who goes the extra mile to provide his students with what they're looking for. I initially approached him saying I'd like to learn how to play some Jimi Hendrix and SRV songs, but once he learned that my interest was in understanding Blues as a whole genre and what makes these songs "work", he quickly pivoted our lessons to cover music theory as well. He always puts his students and what they want to learn first, and that flexibility, backed by his deep knowledge in music, makes him such a great teacher.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Blues • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Jonas M.
Aug 1, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane is a great instructor and his lessons are very enjoyable. He simultaneously teaches music theory and the music styles that you are interested in. I would recommend Shane to anyone that wants to continue their guitar journey.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Blues • Country • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Patrick H.
Jun 25, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I am picking up playing guitar again after a number of years off and was looking for an instructor to help guide me on a path that would allow me to progress at my own pace. Shane had been the perfect fit. He allows me to decide on what I want to focus on and is very flexible around our lesson plans. He is extremely knowledgeable and patient and knows how to guide me along so I am able to improve on a week to week basis. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve improve there skills.
Details: 45 - 64 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Rock • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Hollie B.
Jun 21, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane has been teaching my daughter guitarlessons for a few months, and it has been absolutely wonderful! He always comes prepared, and transitions between content are seamless!
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • Rock • Country • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Linda J.
Oct 13, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane is so great! My daughter loves her guitarlessons - Shane makes the lessons very engaging and fun. They work very well even in a remote format.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read music staff • Electric • Rock • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 45 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Shane Skidmore
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I schedule and bill for lessons on a monthly basis. For example, in the instance that a month spans 5 weeks, I will send an invoice at the start of the month for all 5 weeks. I invoice through Square but can also take payment through Zelle, Venmo, Cash App and check. My current lessons rates are:
30 min // $37.5
45 min // $56.25
60 min // $75
Travel fees apply and range between $10-20 per lesson.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
In the first lesson I like to see what knowledge the student is coming in with about music and the instrument they're learning. In the instance a student wants to learn guitar we'll go over basics like proper form while holding the instrument, how to hold a pick, proper left/right hand placement, parts of the electric or acoustic guitar depending on which style the student is learning. In the first lesson we'll discuss what your goals are and make a plan that's right for you.
I typically recommend beginner students take my 100 song challenge first but I am flexible to each students unique interests. The 100 song challenge is a playlist I have curated over the years that takes a step-by-step approach using popular rock, blues, country, pop, r&b and folk songs from the last 50+ years as the curriculum.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been writing, recording, and performing music for 20 years. I have been teaching all ages for 10 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance with a focus on guitar from Columbia College Chicago. I have pedagogical training which has helped me develop fun and effective curriculum. By planning with the bigger goals in mind, it's easy to set small achievable goals that compound over time.
