Welcome to
Bass Lessons Chicago
I'm Westgate Music School, and I am passionate about helping people discover the joy of playing bass guitar, whether you're picking up an instrument for the very first time or you're looking to refine advanced techniques.
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Lessons Tailored To You
Westgate Music School is a cutting-edge music instruction facility servicing the Chicagoland area. In addition, we offer online lessons via Zoom worldwide. Owner/Instructor David Kohut has spent his entire career in the music education field. He taught both individual and classroom instruction both as a private instructor and teacher in the Illinois pubic school system. David founded Westgate Music School in 2015 in Palos Heights Il. Since then, it has provided instruction to thousands of satisfied students and their families. Westgate Music School prides itself on providing students of all ages and abilities with the best musical experience possible.
Prices
$30 per 1/2 hour, $52 per hour
Bass Teacher
Westgate Music SchoolLocation
6527 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463, USAGet in touch to find out more.
Find out more about my bass lessons, as well as book your first bass lesson.
For All Ages and Experience Levels
No matter your age or why you want to learn bass, I tailor my bass guitar lessons to fit your needs. Whether we’re teaching beginners how to hold and tune the instrument or advanced players the art of creating complex bass lines, my music classes offer a fun, supportive environment for growth. I also offer online lessons if you’d prefer to practice from the comfort of your home.
With years of experience as a guitar instructor and bass instructor, I’m here to make the process enjoyable and rewarding for students of all backgrounds. Together, we’ll explore different musical styles and ensure that each lesson keeps you engaged and excited about your progress. Let's get started on this incredible musical journey!
Prices:
$30 per 1/2 hour
$52 per hour
Lessons are weekly, fortnightly or as suits you.
Advice for New Students
Bass Guitar Lessons in Chicago
When you sign up for my bass lessons in the Chicago area, you'll be stepping into a program tailored to your unique musical goals and interests. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an advanced bass player fine-tuning your groove, my lessons are designed to meet you where you are in your musical journey. With over a decade of experience playing and teaching music, I’ve developed an approach that blends fun with serious skill-building, helping students grow their confidence and abilities.
Getting Started with Your Musical Journey
Our first lesson will focus on understanding your goals as a musician. Maybe you dream of jamming to classic rock, exploring jazz, or honing your rhythm skills to complement a local music scene gig. I teach students of all skill levels and ages, so whether you're a young beginner learning to play for the first time or an advanced student mastering double bass or electric bass techniques, every curriculum is customized just for you. We’ll start by covering key concepts in music theory and technique, ensuring that you have the tools to tackle different styles and your favorite songs.
A Personalized Approach to Learning
I offer in-person bass lessons in Chicago, and I'm able to support students who are used to online bass guitar lessons. Together, we'll build your musical foundation, working on rhythm, groove, and songwriting. Each session is meant to inspire and motivate, so you leave every lesson with practical skills you can immediately apply to your playing.
My Teaching Philosophy
Playing music should be a rewarding experience that enhances not just your technical skills but your creativity and enjoyment. As a multi-instrumentalist with knowledge of bass, guitar, piano, and drums, I bring a comprehensive musical education to each lesson.. I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to experiment, make mistakes, and ultimately grow. regardless of your experience and goals, whether just for fun or going on to study at Berklee College.
Trial Lessons and Next Steps
If you're curious about private bass lessons, I may be able to offer trial lessons to potential new students. These sessions are a great way to get a feel for my teaching style, build a connection, and explore how you can progress as a bass player. Whether we’re tackling the basics of music theory or advanced concepts like jazz improvisation, the goal is always to make your learning experience engaging and fulfilling.
If you're ready to learn to play, develop your skills, and connect with fellow musicians, I’d love to hear from you. Music is not just about playing notes—it’s about discovering the joy and passion behind every song. Let's start your musical adventure together!
All Styles on Bass Guitar
When you take bass lessons with me, I aim to tailor each session to your musical interests and learning goals. Whether you're a beginner looking for a solid foundation or an advanced student ready to fine-tune your skills, I offer lessons to match all skill levels.
Rock and Pop Bass
Rock and pop are some of the most fun and versatile genres for bass players. From iconic basslines in classic rock to driving rhythms in pop hits, these styles focus on foundational bass playing techniques and groove. We’ll explore your favorite songs and even practice songwriting if that’s an area you’d like to grow in.
Jazz and Funk Bass
For those wanting to dig into more advanced bass lessons, we can explore the rich world of jazz and funk. With these styles, you’ll learn improvisation techniques, syncopated rhythms, and how to bring out the dynamic character of the electric bass. These lessons are perfect if you're looking to elevate your playing as a musician and develop your ear for music theory.
Classical and Double Bass
If classical music and orchestral sounds inspire you, we can incorporate the double bass into your music education. Whether you're preparing for auditions or just love the sound of classical piano with strings, these lessons provide a foundation in technique, reading, and bowing that carries over to other instruments.
Blues and Country Bass
For those who love storytelling through music, learning blues and country bass can offer a rewarding experience. Here, I teach students to lock in with the rhythm of drum lessons and create memorable grooves that drive these heartfelt genres.
Beyond the Bass
I also work with students who want to broaden their instrument skills. Many of my students are multi-instrumentalists who combine bass with piano, drum, or even guitar lessons. Expanding your musical knowledge across instruments is not only fun but also sharpens your overall musicality and social skills when collaborating with other musicians.
With private bass guitar lessons, we’ll tailor our sessions to your preferences. I can also offer trial lessons to help you decide if my approach to teaching bass and music is the right fit. No matter your age or experience level, I’m here to make learning enjoyable and help you build confidence as a musician. Let's bring your musical interests to life and master the art of bass playing together!
Improve Your Technique
When it comes to playing the bass guitar, there are so many techniques that can elevate your skills and transform your sound. Over the years of offering bass lessons, I’ve worked with students of all skill levels—from beginners just picking up the electric bass for the first time to experienced bass players looking to take their technique to the next level. No matter where you’re starting from, my music lessons are designed to help you feel confident while exploring the vast world of bass playing.
Fingerstyle and Picking
One of the first techniques I teach is how to pluck the strings properly, whether you’re playing fingerstyle or using a pick. Both methods have their own unique sound and work beautifully with different musical styles, from rock to jazz. Fingerstyle helps develop rhythm and allows you to really feel connected to the instrument, while picking gives you a sharper, percussive tone that’s perfect for driving bass lines.
Slap and Pop
For those with an interest in funk or modern rock, we’ll work on slap and pop techniques. It's a dynamic way to add rhythm, groove, and personality to your playing. These techniques can be tricky at first, but with patience, practice, and my teaching experience, you’ll be slapping and popping like a pro in no time.
Improvisation and Groove
Bass players play a critical role in keeping the rhythm and supporting the entire band. That’s why I emphasize the importance of groove and improvisation in my bass lessons. We’ll practice building tight, rhythmic lines that fit seamlessly with drum lessons (if you’ve taken them) and learn how to improvize bass lines so you can jam confidently in any musical style.
Learning to Play Songs
One of the best parts of being a musician is playing your favorite songs! During lessons, we’ll choose songs that match your skill level and musical interests, whether you’re a fan of classic rock, funk, or even modern pop. This approach ensures that you stay motivated while learning and mastering essential techniques.

I tailor my lessons to suit your individual goals and learning style, ensuring that you feel supported and inspired throughout your musical journey. No matter your age or level of experience, I’m here to guide you every step of the way with personalized lessons and dedicated support. Learning to play the bass is not just about mastering an instrument—it’s about discovering a new form of expression and having fun along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
It takes about 6 months to a year to learn the basics of bass guitar, with proficiency taking 1 to 2 years of regular practice.
The first thing to learn on bass guitar is proper hand positioning, plucking technique, and basic scales or simple bass lines.
Start learning bass guitar with a beginner-friendly instrument, online tutorials, or lessons from an experienced instructor.
Yes, having your own bass guitar is important for practicing between lessons and improving consistently. If you want to buy your own bass then please do check out Chicago Music Exchange located at 3316 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.
Yes, bass guitar lessons are worth it for adults, offering a structured way to learn and enjoy playing an essential instrument in many music styles.
6527 W 127th St, Palos Heights, IL 60463, USA Full teaching address will be provided upon first lesson booking.
Location
Teacher
Westgate Music SchoolFind out more about my bass lessons and how to book your first session.
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