Teaching Philosophy

After 30 years of private teaching and 15 years of university teaching, I have come to appreciate that each student brings their unique self with musical strengths and areas for growth, as well as their own goals which shape the direction that our lessons take. I continue to evolve as a player, and a teacher and share that with my students.

While I seek to share aspects I believe are essential for developing musicians, I also work to tailor my approach to the specific needs of the student. I have had students from beginners to working professionals, of all different backgrounds and abilities, and feel energized to teach each of them and find inroads to their development as a musician and as a guitarist.

There are many online videos and learning tools to assist the developing musician today which provide different approaches to guitar and musical perspectives that are beneficial. However it is also my experience that it is the rare student who flourishes on that alone. A teaching relationship with someone who has both a depth and breadth of musical background who tracks the student’s progress, and who can affirm and challenge the student in constructive ways is an essential component in a student’s musical growth. I seek to provide this in a climate of support and acceptance for each of my students.

Teaching Testimonials

Guitar Lessons

John Moulder has been instrumental in my development as a jazz musician. His teaching approach has been focused on working on my jazz improvisational skills

Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

Guitar Lessons

Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

John Moulder has been instrumental in my development as a jazz musician. His teaching approach has been focused on working on my jazz improvisational skills as well as building my song repertoire and jazz theory knowledge. John has helped me prepare for success in a number of programs, such as Illinois’ All-State band as well as Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Summer Jazz Academy for high-school students.
Mathew Ferraro, Chicago

...I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

I’ve had the pleasure of studying with John for the past three years and have not only grown as a musician but also as an

Erik Skov, Chicago

...I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

Erik Skov, Chicago

I’ve had the pleasure of studying with John for the past three years and have not only grown as a musician but also as an educator and person. We explored many ways of approaching music, from the simpler aspects of modal vamps, to playing over standards, to creating original music. John was very helpful in the creative process and allowed me to find my own musical and compositional voice. John introduced me to the concept of playing scales in 12 positions that added to my knowledge of the instrument, expanded my articulation, and allowed me to access new musical ideas. He also taught with a chords-first approach that focused on voice-leading and expanded my chordal knowledge. He placed an emphasis on being a rounded musician, and encouraged me to play multiple guitars and banjo, which has made me a more marketable guitarist.
On a professional level, John has provided me many opportunities including gigs, private guitar students, and college-level teaching. He has introduced me to many of the key players in the Chicago scene. John prepared me for graduate school auditions by reviewing my audition material and suggesting additional pieces. While I attended Northwestern University, John was my private lessons instructor. He continued to help me with my graduate work, provided unique ideas for independent studies, and offered valuable insight into post-graduate opportunities. John has greatly influenced the way I think about practicing, writing, and teaching. I’d highly recommend him for anyone who is serious about a career in music.

Erik Skov, Chicago

You'll be studying with the best!

"I've been studying with John for more than two and a half years. I can't imagine where my playing would be without him. He's been

Will Finnegan, Northwestern University

You'll be studying with the best!

Will Finnegan, Northwestern University

"I've been studying with John for more than two and a half years. I can't imagine where my playing would be without him. He's been an amazing resource, with a wealth of knowledge in everything from bebop to fusion. He's also been an incredible teacher, giving me a tailored program of all the theory, technique, and repertoire I need to succeed as a jazz musician. Most importantly, he's just about the nicest guy you'll ever meet. I would highly recommend him to any aspiring guitarist. You'll be studying with the best!"

old dog, new tricks...

John Moulder CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I've been taking lessons for years. In just a few months, John has my playing and

Mike Fine

old dog, new tricks...

Mike Fine

John Moulder CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I've been taking lessons for years. In just a few months, John has my playing and understanding of music growing by leaps and bounds!

... I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

Studying with John Moulder helped me grow immensely as a guitarist and overall musician. John spent time taking me through methodical aspects of jazz comping

Jake Ishler, Berklee College of Music

... I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

Jake Ishler, Berklee College of Music

Studying with John Moulder helped me grow immensely as a guitarist and overall musician. John spent time taking me through methodical aspects of jazz comping and chord voicings along with helping me to understand harmony in common jazz standards. As a result, I got a wealth of information and developed skills from John that helped me place in advanced ensembles at Berklee College of Music, and test out of many required courses. Not only did I learn so much from John, but he is also a very caring person and teacher who always helped me put my best foot forward in life, and musical endeavors. I continue to be inspired by his virtuosic guitar playing.

He made music where there was none.

I am a ‘non-traditional’ student. Specifically, I came to my lessons with a load of music theory knowledge, but very little playing experience. My need

Stephen Hill

He made music where there was none.

Stephen Hill

I am a ‘non-traditional’ student. Specifically, I came to my lessons with a load of music theory knowledge, but very little playing experience. My need was simple – to apply theory in real time. And make some listenable music, if possible. John immediately saw where I was and where I wanted to go. He is working me through what I call “John Moulder’s 18 steps to Guitar Greatness.” He has a penetrating ability to see where I am in my journey to fluency and give me exercises that accelerate my progress. And what progress I have made! John brought me from a very low base to an impressive level in a very short time. He is infinitely patient (my progress is slow), and always encouraging (even when I don’t see the progress). He is, in a way, a miracle worker. He made music where there was none.