Our
Guitar & Bass
Instructors

Alyssa has been a guitarist for nine years, and has spent two years as a founding member of her own jazz band. She has cultivated a special passion for genres such as jazz, funk and electronica. Alyssa has dedicated her time teaching in various subjects and is now honored to help usher in the new era into the joys of music.

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Instruction offered on Wednesdays

Youth Guitar Ensemble Coach

Kendall Carter is a passionate and versatile teacher, guitarist, and musician. Although he previously studied piano and trombone, Kendall’s true passion for music began at 13 when he started guitar lessons at Melody Mart. Through years of lessons at Melody Mart, he fostered a love for music that has guided the course of his life since.He recently graduated from Illinois State University, where he completed a minor in Jazz Studies. His studies included music theory, history, performance, composition, and pedagogy.

John has a B.A. Degree in Music from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, and he has over 35 years of experience teaching students to play the bass guitar. John has used the knowledge he has gained from his experience at teaching literally thousands and thousands of students over the years to put together this book EADG 4 in a format that is concise, easy to follow, and gets straight to the point of giving the bassist the tools needed to become a great bassist/musician.

John was awarded The 2005 Ronald Reagan Republican Gold Medal by The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) for EADG 4.

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Instruction offered on Mondays & Tuesdays

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Adult Jam Band Coach

Franks has a B.A. from Roosevelt University. He has been entered in the Rich Central High School Hall of Fame for music and teaching. He has been teaching at Melody Mart since 1976 and has become a local legend of a guitar.  He enjoys rock, blues, and Jazz

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 Instruction offered on Monday -Thursdays & Saturdays

Adult Jam Band Coach

Slide Guitar & Pedals & Amps 101 Instructor 

Ahren spent almost ten years as a student of various instructors at Melody Mart and credits the wonderful experience she had with her instructors as the reason she became one herself. Ahren believes that music should be accessible to everyone, and that learning to play music is one of the greatest joys a person can experience. She enjoys the challenges that come with finding new ways to reach her students and takes pride in helping students find their confidence when they play.

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Instruction offered on Mondays & Tuesdays

Family Ukulele Coach 

Uke Jam Coordinator 

Jordan Foster is a highly skilled musician and instructor at Melody Mart, teaching electric and upright bass to students of all levels. With over 15 years of experience playing and gigging, Jordan brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching. In addition to his teaching duties, he is also responsible for managing the repair business at the store. If you have any questions about instrument repairs or adjustments, Jordan is the person to talk to. His expertise and attention to detail ensure that all instruments are handled with care and precision. With Jordan at the helm, you can rest assured that your instrument is in good hands.

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Instruction offered on Thursdays & Saturdays

Adult Jam Band Coordinator & Coach

Repair Department Manager

Mike started playing the guitar at age 13 and has been hooked ever since. Mike's many influences include The Beatles, Paul Gilbert, Stevie Wonder, Nuno Bettencourt, and King's X. Mike has played with several top Chicago bands and is on stage right every night for The Walk-ins.

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Instruction offered on Thursdays