Chase Tessness

Hi! I’m Chase, a guitarist and guitar mentor who loves helping students discover how fun and rewarding it can be to play guitar. I’ve been playing guitar for over 10 years, with a focus on rock, metal, pop-punk, acoustic, improvisation, and learning music by ear. I completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, with a Chemistry minor and pre-medical coursework, and I will be entering medical school in 2027.

From 2023–2025, I gained over two years of volunteer guitar-teaching experience through an after-school mentoring program called The Good Fight in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where I worked with more than 40 students. I taught students of different ages and skill levels, including complete beginners, and learned to adapt my explanations and activities to each student’s goals and learning style. I also served as a Staff Sergeant and Medical Technician in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where part of my responsibilities included training and supervising other personnel in medical procedures and hands-on clinical skills. This experience strengthened my ability to break complicated skills into manageable steps, demonstrate techniques clearly, provide feedback, and make sure students understand a concept before moving on.

I can help you learn your favorite songs, build strong fundamentals, understand chords and scales, improve rhythm and technique, navigate the fretboard, develop your ear, and eventually improvise and learn songs on your own. I especially enjoy helping students understand the relationship between what they hear and what they play, rather than relying entirely on tabs or memorization.

My goal isn't just to teach you what to play—it’s to help you understand your instrument well enough that you can eventually figure things out, learn music independently, and make your own music with confidence. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to take your playing to the next level, I’ll tailor lessons to your experience, interests, and goals.

My teaching style is patient, encouraging, and personalized. I don't believe every student should learn the exact same way, so I adjust lessons around your goals and the music you enjoy. Whether you want to learn rock and metal songs, become a better improviser, or simply learn to play guitar for fun, we'll work toward skills that you can actually use when you pick up your guitar.