Meet Frank Anastos
- Sep 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Frank Anastos, a cherished guitar instructor at Melody Mart since 1976, has become a cornerstone of the store’s music community. His passion for guitar was ignited at age 12 when he received his first acoustic guitar as a birthday gift, setting him on a lifelong musical journey. With over 48 years of experience, Frank shares his love for music with others and holds educational credentials from Prairie State College and Roosevelt University.
Influenced by legendary guitarists such as Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Santana, Anastos teaches a wide range of styles, including rock, blues, jazz, alternative, and fingerstyle guitar. These influences have shaped his career, leading to numerous accomplishments, including his induction into the Rich Central High School Hall of Fame for his contributions as a guitar teacher. As a performer, he has enjoyed success with his band Midnight, whose debut album was re-released by Drag City, and with The Big Boppers, a band with which he performs regularly.
Anastos’s teaching philosophy emphasizes learning through imitation, exploration, and improvisation. He tailors his methods to each student's needs and interests, beginning with method books and simple songs for beginners, and gradually introducing advanced techniques and music theory as they progress. His favorite aspect of teaching is witnessing the excitement in his students as they grow. He encourages them to stay enthusiastic and positive, celebrating even the smallest achievements.
A highlight of Frank’s career was being featured in the Homewood Flossmoor Chronicle for his decades of dedicated teaching at Melody Mart. He takes pride in seeing former students succeed, with many now teaching privately or performing in local bands. Though the only musician in his family, Frank has dedicated his life to music and teaching. His students range in age from 7 to adults, with his longest-running student having been with him for about 25 years. His approach not only enhances musical skills but also fosters confidence and an open-minded attitude toward learning.
Listen to Frank here:
Education
Prairie State College
Roosevelt University
Frank Anastos featured on HF Chronicle
This article profiles Frank Anastos, a longtime guitar teacher at Melody Mart in Homewood, Illinois. It explores his early inspiration from rock and blues music, his lifelong dedication to guitar playing, and his career highlights, including his induction into the Rich Central High School Hall of Fame and the re-release of his band Midnight's debut album. The article also details Anastos's teaching philosophy, emphasizing student choice and the life skills that learning guitar imparts. It concludes by inviting readers to learn more about his lessons and music.
The Big Boppers
Midnight
Midnight, a hard rock band formed in 1975 by teenagers from Olympia Fields, Country Club Hills, and Chicago Heights, Illinois, began as Midnight Express before rebranding to reflect their darker sound and aesthetic. The band, consisting of Dave Hill (vocals, keyboards), Scott Marquart (drums), Frank Anastos (guitar, vocals), and John Falstrom (bass guitar), drew heavily from the era's hard rock influences. Their debut album Into the Night was recorded in 1977, capturing their raw energy despite dissatisfaction with the final sound quality due to inexperienced engineering. Known for their powerful live performances, Midnight played a mix of covers and originals at local events. Although the band disbanded after five years, leaving behind unreleased material, each member continued their musical pursuits.
Midnight Featured on Vice!
The article titled "Heavy 70s Teen Rockers Midnight Revisit Their Heyday & Revive Their Long-Lost Album" by J Bennett discusses the history and revival of the 1970s hard rock band Midnight, formed by teenagers in the Chicagoland area. Originally named Midnight Express, the band met through music lessons at Melody Mart in Homewood, Illinois. They recorded an album titled Into The Night after graduating high school in 1977, which was initially overlooked but later became a collector's item. The article explores the band's formation, their music, the challenges they faced during recording, and their eventual breakup in 1980. Decades later, their album was reissued by Drag City Records, sparking renewed interest in the band. The piece also touches on the band's members, particularly John Falstrom and Frank Anastos, who continue to teach music and play together in a different band, reflecting on the legacy and impact of their early musical endeavors.
Midnight featured on Psychedelic Baby Magazine
I've been taking lessons from Frank for approximately 3 years now. As a later-in-life beginner (I'm 60), I feel truly fortunate to have crossed paths with him and now have him as my guitar teacher. His knowledge is vast and there's nothing he can't teach you whether you are a beginner or have been playing for years. His ability to pick apart any piece of music and then teach is phenomenal. His reputation as the "human jukebox" precedes him. Rock, fusion jazz, jazz, etc. you name it, he will teach it. His level of patience with everyone of various ages, from children to grandparent age, makes learning fun and positive. I highly recommend Frank if you are looking …