Guitar Lessons
I am a Berklee College of Music graduate with a Bachelor of Music degree in Songwriting. I have 16 years of experience teaching guitar privately, including work with Guitar Cities Chicago and George’s Music in Pennsylvania. Over the years, I’ve taught students ages 7 to 84, across all skill levels. My goal is to get you playing right away, apply what you learn to real music, and most importantly—have fun doing it.
During lessons, I incorporate music theory, ear training, and harmony to help students develop a deeper understanding of music at any skill level. I specialize in Blues, Jazz, Folk, Pop, and Songwriting in all its forms. In addition to guitar, I also teach Songwriting fundamentals, including lyric writing, melody, and harmony. I’ve presented unique Songwriting clinics throughout the Chicago and Philadelphia areas.
Teaching Style
I take a compassionate, empathetic, and flexible approach to teaching. Every student learns differently, so I adapt to your individual needs and goals—whether that’s learning to play your favorite songs, mastering improvisation, understanding theory, or simply getting started on guitar. Above all, I want you to have fun, stay motivated, and feel excited about your musical progress.
Zoom Lessons
Most of my lessons are online, taught via Zoom. All you’ll need is Zoom, and either an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar with an amplifier. Payments can be made through Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal.
In-Person Lessons
If you are located in the Warrenville/Wheaton, Illinois area, I also offer in-person lessons. Send me a message, and we can work out the logistics.
Let’s get you playing!
Have questions or want to set up a lesson? I offer free consultations and a discounted first lesson. Send me a message using the form below, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
More Than Just A Music Lesson
Yoga Chicago Interview
Brant Buckley is a Chicago-based music teacher and yogi who believes music is a healing art form. Initiated in Kriya yoga, which he practices daily, Brant brings his breathing and meditation practices into his teaching, where he’s found that many people who take music lessons are looking for a form of therapy to relax from their stressful jobs. Even something as simple as picking up guitar and giving it a strum can really help.
Brant says, “They’re lawyers, consultants, financial people and they’re looking for an outlet. Breath work and music go hand in hand. I try to get them to not think, to a [state of] thoughtless awareness, to turn off their brains. Meditation is a tool to turn off your ignition, and when you are in the musical zone, the same thing happens.”
He says students progress rapidly. “Within a lesson, they’ll come away with two or three chords to beginning songs.”
Testimonials
“When I first decided to learn guitar, I was carrying a lot of baggage from a difficult experience with a music teacher from my childhood. Being forced to play the clarinet at 12 left me with a deep-seated fear of music and a strong aversion to formal lessons. I genuinely thought I could never overcome that, but then I started taking lessons with Brant Buckley. From our very first session, Brant's approach was completely different. He didn't just teach me notes and scales; he took the time to understand my strengths and my personal style of playing. He was a true coach, not a taskmaster.
There were times when I'd get busy and wouldn't practice, but Brant was always understanding and never judgmental. Instead of scolding me, he would simply encourage me to pick up the bass and keep playing. That patient encouragement made all the difference and helped me overcome my fear of music. Brant Buckley is an exceptional teacher who understood exactly what I needed to succeed. He helped me find my confidence and, more importantly, he helped me fall in love with music again. I highly recommend him to anyone, especially those who need a teacher who is as understanding as they are skilled.” - Ben Rodriguez
“I had already been playing guitar for a few years before I started working with Brant, but over the several years we worked together, both in person and remotely, I made huge strides in my playing. With his guidance, I improved my rhythm, developed improvisation skills, and even began exploring songwriting for the first time - something I'd always wanted to try but had been too intimidated to attempt on my own. Working with Brant deepened my love for the guitar and broadened my appreciation for different styles, especially blues and jazz.
What makes lessons with Brant really special is the balance he strikes: combining theory, technique, and musical history with the creativity and freedom of jamming, improvisation, and writing. His passion for music is infectious, and his patience and kindness make him a natural teacher. Working with him was not only educational but inspiring, and I’m grateful for the impact he’s had on my playing and my love of music.” - Kieran Sullivan
“I worked with Brant over the course of a year when I first took a dive into the music world as an aspiring singer songwriter. Brant refined my guitar playing technique, introduced me to music theory and was an amazing resource as I was writing my first few songs. In addition to progressing my playing skill, he was always providing me with honest and productive feedback on my songwriting.
Since starting to work with Brant I have consistently toured the USA for years as a solo artist and with my band. I have released over 40 songs and 6 albums and have been featured in several publications such as the American Blues Scene & Relix Magazine.
Brant is the best and has been a role model and key figure in developing and pushing me to continue to pursue my music career. I would not be able to accomplish all that I have so far without him.” - Drew Dvorchak
101 Songs - 1 Take
