Tom margarites

Serves Buffalo Grove, IL

35244

Hired 110 times

Not yet available

40 years in business

$150

4.9

This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, and PayPal.

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Credentials

Background Check

Thomas Margarites
Completed on 12/28/2021

Introduction

PERFORMER: Virtuoso Guitarist/Vocalist/DJ ; Not only can I sing and play a wide variety of popular music from virtually every and any genre imaginable,I am also an accomplished classical guitarist/finger style expert as well as a virtuoso level soloist that transforms basic "cover tunes" into something unique and special that takes the performance far beyond simply mimicking a pop song like a record.We have mp3 players for that!... You want a DJ? Piece of cake. Through my blue tooth capable pa system,I can play any song on Apple music/spotify. I can take special requests effortlessly and you could even send me a playlist to your liking and that is what I will play! SPECIAL OFFER!...Three 50+ minute Sets for $300!!!! Compare THAT price to my current competition.That's a 50% savings and I'm confident the quality is at least 50% better with me! As a DJ I am unique! Not only do I play your favorite songs to get the people dancing but I may even have my guitar in hand and play some tasty little rhythm along with the song or a blistering virtuoso guitar solo to spice things up and to make it feel like you actually have a band not just a guy playing songs on his phone! See my videos on YouTube! I have a small footprint compared to a 2,3 or 4 piece band. It's me, my small pa system and and 4 little foot pedals! With the use of my Boss RC-20 Loop station looper and my TC-Helcion vocal harmonizer, you'll forget all that sound is coming from just one person in real time with NO BACKING TRACKS! ask me to play any two songs and I'll make a personal audition video for you so you can see what I can do. Thank you for your time! GUITAR TEACHING/LESSONS: Most of my lessons are now on line, but anyone is welcome to come to me in Mundelein or I can come to you depending on your location. God blessed me with the ability to break down complex and abstract concepts that are easily comprehended by anyone old enough to read as long as they can pay attention! I have taught so many people who took lessons from other teachers, and almost every time without fail,I am amazed at how little the student learned from his previous teacher.I think I am the best teacher for anyone who is brand new to guitar/music or to anyone who wants to become smarter about theory,songwriting,improvisation etc. btw,I have a reverbnation page under Tom Margarites that features 50 original compositions written,performed and recorded by me. All instruments. It's a great feeling knowing that you can change and have changed someones life and teaching guitar gives me that opportunity every day! For reasons somewhat unclear to me,I have spent the lions share of my waking hours over the past 42 years,studying and honing my craft and understanding of music.I cannot think of a better way for me to utilize the fruits of my labour than spreading the joy that is music,either through teaching or through performance!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

PERFORMANCE: While I am priced competitively and am willing to worth within your budget, generally speaking my rates are $200 for the first hour,and $100 for each additional hour performed. LESSONS: Rates are as follows ; in your home (if within my teaching circle) $30-30 minute $45-45 min $60-60min.In my home prices are $35-45 minute $60-60 min.Price in your home if outside of my teaching circle is $60-60 minute plus $10 travel fee.

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

PERFORMANCE: I like to know as much as I can about the event,and I ask the patron to be as specific as possible as to what kind/genre of music they want played as well as what "mood" they are hoping to create by using a live performer. Besides doing DJ duties,I can play classical guitar, jazz/new age/pop guitar,as well as a wide variety of popular vocal music from every decade,from Frank Sinatra to Justin Bieber and everything in between! LESSONS: I start everyone from square one,which is making sure they understand the most basic of basics,like the musical alphabet and what half steps and whole steps are. Everyone is different so I can only go as fast/slow as the student. I have very specific programs that I have developed that I use. Having said that,I have no problem shifting around what I teach someone if it seems to be the right thing to do at the time. I'm a bit dogmatic BUT I'm also very Organic! I want my students to enjoy the learning process and to flourish!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

Besides receiving my degree in Fine arts in 1981,I am constantly practicing and developing new ways of learning things.Not only do I still practice a strict scale and arpeggio program almost daily,I am constantly composing new music and guitar pieces Playing guitar is a never ending thing.I'm always learning and striving to develop the best ways to get good at all the things you have to do to be a good musician! Most of the songs I figure out by ear off of records is done for my students as I tend to focus on my own music when I am working things out for myself,but that doesn't mean I don;t figure out some favorite solos or songs for my own pleasure every now and then!

How did you get started doing this type of work?

I've always been good at plucking out melodies and figuring out melodies on nearly any instrument. when I was 14 I got an electric guitar. a year or so later I started taking lessons. BANG! I'M GOOD AT THIS!!! it was the first thing I ever did in my life that I instantly knew was my thing.My constant upward progression came fast and effortless,yet nurtured by thousands of hours of practicing the dull stuff over 38 years! I also received a degree in fine arts (music) from Harper jr College in 1981 and I'm not ashamed that it was a jr college.IT is a great school with a great music program! For me,being a musician means performing in front of and for an audience,so it's only natural that I would pursue this!

What types of customers have you worked with?

PERFORMER: I have worked with patrons of all ages.I have played 30th wedding anniversary parties,Wakes,Wedding ceremonies,wedding receptions (before and after dinner),40th birthday parties (see recent review!)public library functions,corporate parties etc... LESSONS: I teach. It's all I have done for the past 30+ years. I have worked with virtually every demographic you can think of. Extremely young,extremely old,everything in between,Total novices to great players with 30 years experience who find themselves in a rut...I can and have and will work with anyone of any age and level and am confident they will be better guitar players/musicians for it!

Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

I have written hundreds, maybe thousands of songs over the past 40 years, and the last 70 I have written I am extremely fond of!

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

PERFORMER: Look for someone who can perform a wide variety of music,is easy to work with,and someone who can give you references,Which I can! LESSONS:If the service provider you are considering hiring has a long history of servicing his community in the same capacity,and has maintained a good reputation And can provide references upon request of satisfied customers as I can,then you are probably going to have a good experience. If you go with the cheap guy who undercuts the other guys because he's new in the business and sees it as a way to get his foot in the door...You get what you pay for!

What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

PERFORMER: Ask for a song list of songs the performer can play. Make sure you sign a contract that covers performance times,breaks,food and drink...take nothing for granted!...and ask for references! LESSONS: First of all,don't be afraid to ask your prospective teacher ANYTHING! You are about to consider paying him/her your hard earned money in return for their expertise and tutelage,you deserve to have any reasonable question answered! Ask the teacher what his/her musical background is. You might think that all guitar teachers are created equal,but it's simply not true. Chances are if your teacher has some sort of official degree in music/fine arts AND displays expert musical abilities. (Don't let WHERE the degree came from trick you),you will probably get closer to your dreams of making music than you will with a teacher who never took lessons,even tho they may brag about it! I am self taught BUT I also received a degree in fine arts as well.