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
Pop
R&B
Musical theater
Jazz
Work location
My customers travel to me
I travel to my customers
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
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jordan T.
Sep 24, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
In the first lesson, Shane quickly recognized my capabilities, helped me develop a plan for reaching my goals, and started showing me things to help me connect the dots.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Blues • Jazz • Rock • Country • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Emily E.
May 16, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane has been great so far! I’m only three lessons in and knew from day 1 he was a fit for teaching my 8 year old son. I’m so excited that not only has he has found something he is passionate about, but he has an instructor who is patient, professional, like able, and someone my child wants to learn from.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Country • Rock • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Valentyna S.
Dec 13, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
My 9yo son is a bit shy, so I was not sure if remote lessons would work for him. But Shane is a fantastic teacher: easy-going, patient, and enthusiastic. My son is very comfortable learning from him. It is a pleasure to work with Shane.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • What the teacher recommends • What the teacher recommends • No, but the student is planning to purchase an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Erin D.
Mar 24, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Shane is an awesome teacher for my 8 year old daughter! He makes learning fun and has a relaxed vibe that is conducive for kids to grow at their own pace. He's super friendly, communicative, and punctual! I would highly recommend him for lessons for all ages.
Details: 6 - 9 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Electric • Rock • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Adam R.
Oct 17, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Shane has been great to work with. He creates lesson plans thoughtfully tailored to your skill level, goals and interests. I’ve seen a huge improvement in my knowledge and skill level. I’m really excited to keep working with him.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • Blues • Country • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 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.
