Heather's been playing drum set & percussion since the age of 10. Heather started out like many of the students she teaches, in grade school band. Under director Gene Vanden Bosch she continued playing in high school marching and jazz band. "Mr. Vanden Bosch brought out the best in me and helped me to realize that music was something I should consider as a career." After high school, Heather studied at Elgin Community College, Northen Illinois University, and DePaul University School of Music where she has made a name for herself as a well-rounded percussionist. Playing in various bands and combos of all styles, Heather encourages her students to be versatile and dynamic players.
Melissa DeGottguitar, bass guitar, piano
Melissa is a singer/song writer/guitarist that has been playing since the age of 8. Her influences include everything from country and folk music to metal and prog rock. Melissa is very versatile in the way that she can perform heart felt, melodic songs on her acoustic guitar but then plug into and amp with her electric and shred speed metal.
Melissa influences her students to learn the fundamental skills that it takes to become a great guitar player by teaching them exercises and techiniques that relate their musical interests. She sets short term and long term achievable goals for each of her students and makes lessons fun! Melissa wants her students to be excited about coming to lessons and excited to learn the instrument. She encourages daily practice, but more importantly teaches students HOW to practice in order to get the most productivity from their time spent doing so. Melissa specializes in acoustic, electric, lead, rhythm, sight-reading, tabs, scales, theory, sweep-picking, tapping, and finger picking.
What will a student learn taking lessons from you?
My students will learn essential skills to become a great guitarist and reach their full potential. Students will not only learn how to play a particular song, scale, or exercise, but they will also learn why. Theory answers the "why?" question. It teaches my students why certain notes sound good together or why something is played in a particular time signature.
Who are your influences? Dimebag Darrel, Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Michael Ammott, Jeff Beck, Zakk Wylde, Marty Friedman, Dave Mustaine, Alex Lifeson, Kerry King, Brian May, Mick Mars, Mikael Akerfeldt, Rob Barrett, Nergal, and Quinn Allman.
Who are your your favorite bands? Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Pantera, Megadeth, The Used, Senses Fail, Guns n' Roses, Cannibal Corpse, Opeth, Rancid, Arch Enemy, Motley Crue, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rage Against the Machine, Johnny Cash, Devil Driver, and Journey.
What gear do you play? Guitars: Schecter Damien Elite FR, Taylor 214CE, Fender Telecaster American Deluxe, Music Man Sterling HS
Amps: Marshall 1960AV cabinet, Marshall DSL100MLB 100W head, Ampeg BA115HP
