Rob Curtis    Rob is a twenty five year veteran of music performance and has toured extensively throughout the US, Canada, and the Caribbean. He has an Associate Arts Degree, a BA in Music from Sierra Nevada College, and a Masters Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Rob served as staff guitarist at the Sahara Club in Lake Tahoe backing acts like the Pointer Sisters, Smokey Robinson, and Little Richard. He is in high demand as a side-man with the Pump Room Orchestra, Bradley Young Orchestra, and the Brian Pattie Orchestra. Rob has many happy clients in the Chicago area such as R. R. Donnelly, Chicago Health Clubs, and Book Covers Inc. He was a member of the Galena Chamber Ensemble and is currently performing with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Check out Rob at www.robcurtisband.com.

Lee Murdock    Lee is a world renowned folk artist specializing in the folk music of the Great Lakes. For over twenty five years he has delighted audiences, performing on the six and twelve string guitar, and has developed a very distinctive fingerpicking style. With nine albums to his credit, he has been teaching intermediate and advanced fingerstyle guitar here at Tobias Music for fifteen years. From Bach to Blues, Ragtime to Classic Celtic Aires, and everything in between, his is a time-tested method to advance technique, dexterity, repertoire, and most importantly, the joy of the acoustic guitar.  Visit Lee at www.leemurdock.com and other artists and performers at www.artistsofnote.com.

Greg Baroni    Greg relocated to the Chicago area in 1992. He is a native of south Florida, coming from a large family of musicians and music educators where he received his musical training. Taking up the electric bass at 11, Greg began playing professionally at 17, and has continued full time ever since. He is currently playing with a wide variety of musicians on both guitar and bass, as well as teaching at Tobias Music.

Tom Sanchez    Our old friend and instructor, Tom Sanchez  returns to the Western suburbs!   Please join us in welcoming him back to Tobias Music!  Many of you who remember his teaching skills and his work with the band, Liquid Soul will want to sign up for refresher lessons with him!   Welcome back Tom! Check in with Tom at www.tomsanchezguitarist.com.

Mark Wydra    Mark has been teaching at Tobias Music for almost fifteen years and has played professionally since 1973. He plays and teaches all styles of guitar (classic rock, jazz, blues, country) with a heavy emphasis on Chicago blues/jazz. Mark has played with many of Chicago's top blues talents like Eddy Clearwater, Bob Riedy Blues Band, Sam Lay, and Cary Bell. He has worked in shows with Chuck Berry, Jr. Wells, Bo Diddley, and is currently performing with a swing band, The Blues Swingers.

Rob McDougal   Rob is a welcome addition to our staff at Tobias Music!  He is a graduate of the College of DuPage with a major in Liberal Arts.  Rob studied guitar with notable instructors such as Christopher Laughlin, Jack Cecchini, and Carlos Bendfeldt.  He has performed with the College of DuPage jazz band and has had performances with artists such as David Wills and jazz violinist John Frigo.  Rob's twenty years as a professional musician and his wonderful background makes him an ideal fit with the other members of our outstanding staff!

Joel Simpson    Joel is the latest addition to our staff but hardly a newcomer at TOBIAS MUSIC! He and his family have been regulars for almost as long as we have been open. He’s a graduate of Elmhurst College with a BS in Music Business and his principle instrument is the guitar. Prior to that, he received an Associate in Arts degree at the College of DuPage. Joel owns and operates J. M. Simpson Publishing (ASCAP) and Randomosity Records. Prior employment includes a successful stay at Peterson Electro-Musical Products where he was Director of Advertising. Joel specializes in guitar and bass (all styles), and vocal coaching. Join us in welcoming Joel to Tobias Music!  Joel's interests and work can be seen at www.joelsimpson.com.

Bruce Altice   A revered Chicagoland area teacher, Bruce is the co-founder and co-director of the Blues School at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Along with holding a Bachelor's from Berklee College of Music, Boston, Bruce studied with William Russo at Columbia College in Chicago and then at The Conservatory of Music, Chicago. Early in his career, Bruce toured the West Coast and performed in Europe. He currently plays with his renowned band, The Chicago Rhythm Review, at such landmarks as Navy Pier, Sears Tower, The United Center, The Civic Opera House, Chicago Cultural Center and The Park West as well as private parties and special events. He has also played at the Green Dolphin Room, Buddy Guy's Legends and The House of Blues, as well as the Taste of Chicago, Blues Fest, Chicago Jazz Festival, Taste of Lincoln Avenue and Naperville's Last Fling. As a guitarist, Bruce is well versed in all styles of popular music, including classical, and loves bringing his vast experience and passion for teaching to students.

Josh Lund    Josh is a new and welcome addition to the staff at TOBIAS MUSIC. He has a B.M. degree in music theory from St. Olaf College, an M.M. from Northern Illinois University and an M.S.Ed. also from Northern Illinois. He taught double-bass at Central College in Iowa as well as Upper and Middle School music at The Elgin Academy. He has played in groups that shared the stage with numerous groups like Buddy Guy, The Blues Brothers, The Neville Brothers, Dr. John and others. Josh has composed numerous pieces for string quartet, bass, cello, piano, and orchestra. Welcome to TOBIAS MUSIC!

James DiGirolamo    James has performed professionally for over 30 years with experience in upright and electric bass and guitar. He studied at DePaul University in their School of Jazz as well as with a number of noted musicians. James has done radio jingles, studio session work and orchestral performances at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall and the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. He has played with an extensive number of groups including The Rhythm Rockets, Pinetop Perkins, The Tom Constanzo Trio, and the Delta Rhythm Kings. James has been nominated for a Handy Award for his work with Nick Moss and the Flip Flops who play regularly at Buddy Guy’s Legends. James is the Director of the Garage Band U. Ensemble program and has endorsement agreements with major musical gear manufacturers. Great to have you with us at TOBIAS MUSIC!   http://www.myspace.com/jamesdigi  http://us.music-jobs.com/profile.php?uid=803875

Michael Bronersky    Mike majored in Jazz Guitar Studies at Elmhurst College, majored in Music Composition and Classical Guitar Performance at Roosevelt University and also continued his education in Classical Guitar Performance at Columbia College. As an indicator of his devotion to the classical guitar, he studied with such notable performers as Pepe Romero, Norman Ruiz, Paul Henry, and Steve Suvada and is currently expanding his studies to jazz guitar under Frank Portolese. Mike has composed and recorded music for motion pictures and independent films and released two major label CD’s with Chicago bands and has toured the U.S. and Europe. He has been a studio engineer for both digital and analog production and has extensive experience as a studio session player. A great addition to the staff at TOBIAS MUSIC!