Biography

Larry J. VanMersbergen

I spent most of my younger years in Skokie, IL. I attended school at Edison Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, and Niles West High school. I spent a brief year at VanderCook College of Music but got distracted by the Pizza business. After that I attended Illinois State University where I earned my Degree in Music Education and became an Orchestra teacher. After my first year teaching, I was approached by our Fine Arts Chair about starting a guitar program. This was one of the most popluar course offerings in the school. After establishing myself as a guitar teacher I was asked to join the GAMA/NAMM/MENC Guitar Task Force and help other teachers to start guitar programs in their schools. I then got my Masters Degree in Education from National Louis University. I have completed the Educational Leadership program at Aurora Univeristy and am now certified as a School Administrator.

I am credited with guitar programs at:

Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Lincolnshire, IL,

VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL, and

Old Orchard Jr. High , Skokie IL.

I have taught guitar workshops at the DuPage County wide music institute 3 years in a row and most recently for the elementary music staff at School District U-46 in Elgin. I have also done workshops at the IMEA state music convention in Peoria, IL. I have also done workshops for Kane County, IL as well.

I have over 15 years of guitar playing experience that I have applied to my teaching. I currently teach elementary orchestra at School District 89 in Glen Ellyn, IL and I teach private guitar in Aurora, IL.I also provide consultation to schools and colleges on guitar programs. I am no longer connected with any local music store. The local music stores recently released a policy statement regarding their lesson program that is completely "unfriendly" to families and very unfair to teachers. Why pay for not being there?

Some local guitar stores believe students to be inventory. Don't be treated like that!

Read my philiosophy on Guitar Lessons.

I design and maintain websites for guitar, music, and education related subjects.

My most sucessful websites are:

The Guitar Education Network

Jerry Snyder's Home Page

World Music Drumming

Ken Karsh Home Page

If you are interested in my services, please click the web design link in the navigation bar.

You can also get more information on the Guitar Task Force at the Guitar Education Network page