GREG CHAKO

My teaching experience began 45 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio, when I persuaded a church to let me teach privately in their facility. Thereafter, I landed a teaching job with Howard Early Music, a reputable Cincinnati music store chain. Since those humble beginnings as a teenager, I went on to coach various styles and techniques to all ages and levels for over 30 years across the globe.

I believe in a “Learner-Centered” teaching approach, because that puts priority on the students’ needs and wants. My teaching evaluators at Berlitz, Japan, said of me: “Greg’s excellent; gifted; . . . With an intense interest in the personal development of his students and a great sensitivity to their individual needs and cultural background . . ..”

I can de-mystify complex musical concepts and facilitate students’ mastery of all the skills and knowledge necessary for them to develop their own personal “voice,” the ultimate goal of any artist or craftsman. I strive to teach you how to fish rather than merely feeding you a fish. As more than just one of my private students have said: “Greg has immense knowledge and knows how to simplify complex ideas into an easy-to understand language. His teaching style is down-to-earth.”

I have invested significant time into developing interpersonal relationships that are based on mutual respect, with awareness, sensitivity and tolerance for our differences. I believe that I have a “teacher’s heart,” that is, an innate ability to build rapport with students and lead them towards their highest potential. And importantly, I’m cognizant and grateful for the "two-way street" of communication which should exist between any student and teacher, as each collaborate on the learning process together. Nothing is more gratifying to me than to witness my student find their passion and exceed their initial expectations.