Music, teaching, and a lifetime of learning.

Corey Willis is a guitarist, performer, and music teacher with more than 30 years of experience. Based in Westchester, Illinois, he teaches guitar to children, teens, and adults, with lessons available on-site as well as online via Zoom.

Corey began playing guitar at age 12 and has continued exploring music through rock, jazz, classical, Latin American, R&B, pop, and contemporary worship styles.

His musical development has included study and mentorship with Steve Ramsdell, John Abercrombie, and Fareed Haque, along with jazz workshops at Benedictine University.

As a performer, Corey spent nearly a decade presenting seasonal solo guitar concerts featuring music from different cultures and traditions. His performance experience has included settings such as the Elmhurst Art Museum, Tannin's Wine Bar, wedding ceremonies, wineries around Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, and work with Classical Revolution-Chicago.

A personalized approach to teaching

Corey's lessons are shaped around the individual student. Depending on the student's goals, lessons may include sight-reading, rhythm, melody, technique, music theory, chord work, and songs the student is motivated to learn.

He also offers ukulele lessons, particularly for younger children. The ukulele can provide an approachable introduction to chords, rhythm, and basic musical skills before a young student transitions to guitar.

Corey also brings around 20 years of experience in contemporary worship ministry. For students involved in church music, lessons can include practical skills for worship settings while still building a strong musical foundation.