Luis Arias

Luis is an Elmhurst College graduate with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies. He started his music career in fifth grade when he joined the school band on trumpet. His passion for music was instilled in him by his father who is a classically trained mariachi singer from Mexico. By the age of 13, he started to teach himself the drumset and started playing drumset in the jazz band at school and formed a band with his three brothers. Now, Luis tours and performs with his band, as well as teaches private drumset lessons. Luis aims to share his passion with as many young musicians as possible while passing along the profound knowledge of all of his past instructors.

I have been playing music professionally for 13 years, playing all across the Chicagoland area and around the country. My band Avantist has played at places such as Concord Music Hall, The Taste Of Chicago, Pilsen Fest, and Lincoln Hall. I have been teaching for 3 years at a variety of schools and academies including St. Patricia Catholic School, Schaumberg Music Academy, Bach To Rock, and Bel Canto Music Academy. I would describe my teaching style as detailed and effective. I truly believe in teaching a strong fundamental core of technique that then informs the student's playing and overall understanding of music. I like to provide a balanced music education of reading, learning by ear, writing, and improvisation. It is also important to me to keep lessons fun and engaging, as well as playing into the student's strengths and interests.