Testimonials

I commute from Wisconsin to Illinois twice a month to take lessons with Dave, each lasting 2 hours. He is also flexible and we can occasionally do remote lessons using videos he custom makes for me and posts on Dropbox. Although there are many guitar teachers in my own city, when you find a teacher as good as Dave, you don't let him go! Taking lessons with Dave has expanded my horizons not only as a guitarist, but as a musician in general. He has helped me to not only play my favorite songs, but to understand HOW they work and how to apply the concepts I learn from my favorite guitarists to my own playing. In one hour, we can work on simple scales and chords, jam together on Jimi Hendrix, and explore some of the more obscure corners of music theory. Dave is so easy to talk to and has a great way of breaking down complex concepts into digestible pieces. Dave has an immense knowledge of virtually any genre of music. In my lessons with him, we have worked on Jazz, Rock, Funk and Country. If you are just looking to learn to play a few songs or a professional musician looking to improve the more technical aspects of your playing or take your theory to the next level, Dave can do it all. I have learned more with Dave over the past 3-4 years than I had learned in 10+ years of studying with other teachers. While other teachers focus on exercises and scales or learning to play a specific song that they chose, Dave caters the lessons entirely to what your goals and preferences as a player are. I have been with multiple teachers in the past but none have matched his flexibility and depth of musical knowledge.I have been in lessons with Dave for years now and there has never been a dull moment.
- Zach Fenske, Milwaukeee, WI

Definitely one of the best teachers I've had, across any subject matter, and Dave's expansive knowledge of music is a huge asset. Patient, understanding and attuned to different learning styles. I've even recommended him to friends, and that's helped our playing together.
- Deniece Hopkins, Chicago, IL

I recommend Dave highly and without reservation. I have been a student of his for some time and he his unfailingly patient and able to meet me exactly where I am in my playing. At the same time he'll encourage me in the direction of stretching & challenging myself to move my playing forward.
- Kevin Fitzpatrick, Evanston, IL

Dave is always prioritizing his students’ learning and improvement. The math-related aspects of music theory and scale structure did not come easy for me. Now, through repetition, these concepts make MUCH more sense to me, and I find myself playing with so much more expansion and fun. HIGHLY Recommended."
- Mark Ingraham Fox Lake, IL

It's my luck to have found Dave to become my guitar teacher. He's friendly and resourceful, and very easy to work with. Dave is both a great listener and instructor. He took efforts to learn about me, and customized the lessons based on my strength and weakness to foster my growth in guitar playing. During my study with Dave, I have built a strong foundation on fretboard knowledge, ear training, and techniques which eventually led me to become able to improvise.The most valuable thing I have learned from Dave is to keep developing my ear. As a working pro, David Dorsett has built a great musicianship in his career. He illustrated to me what a person with a killer relative pitch can do, and MAN!, how enjoyable it is! Besides teaching, Dave is such a great friend I have made. He's so nice in person, and has always made me feel at home. Surprisingly, Dave even knows a little bit about Chinese language and culture, and we talk about Asian food a lot. After I moved to L.A. we were still able to do work using Skype. I’m glad that I have chosen Dave as my guitar teacher.
- Yunjie Wang, L.A., CA

Dave answers questions with clear explanations and demonstrations. He has deep knowledge of theory and technique and is able to explain concepts clearly. He always has great ideas for ways to keep practice interesting and productive. Our lessons are fun and although the hour passes quickly I always know I get much more than I pay for. What really sets Dave apart is his ability to personalize and customize lessons to my abilities and interests. He is always game to answer all my weird guitar questions! He is very focused and works hard to make sure I get what I need from every lesson.
- Becca Dudley, Evanston, IL