Terry Bartolotta: Guitarist Composer Educator

Jazz guitarist, composer/arranger, and educator Terry Bartolotta has been teaching and performing in the Chicago area since 2006.  Since starting guitar at the age of eleven, he has studied with a long list of guitarists and other musicians over the years including:  Fareed Haque, Bobby Broom, Art Davis, Ron Perrillo, Don Tisch, Jim McPhedran, and Tom Matta.  Bartolotta received his Bachelor's in Music from Northern Illinois Univ. in 2006, and his Master's in Music from DePaul Univ. in 2009.  As a member of both the NIU Jazz Ensemble and the DePaul Jazz Ensemble, he has performed with masters like:  Phil Woods, Jim McNeely, Charles McPherson, Claudio Roditi, and Rodney Whitaker.  

Bartolotta has performed with acclaimed local musicians like:  Rose Colella, Paul Marinaro, Elaine Dame, Abby Riccards, Art Davis, Chris White, Alex Beltran, Joe Policastro, and Chris Madsen.  Also, he leads the Terry Bartolotta Group which has been performing original compositions and jazz standard songs at Andy's Jazz Club, the Green Mill Lounge, Uncommon Ground, and Jerry's in Chicago.  In 2012, the group celebrated the release of their debut cd, Above the Clouds.   Since then the album has been played on NPR's "All Things Considered" as well as many other regional stations such as: WDCB Glen Ellyn, Northwestern Univ. Radio, WHPK Univ of Chicago Radio.  More recently, the group was featured at the 2014 Elkhart Indiana Jazz Festival.

In addition, Bartolotta freelances throughout the Chicago area as a teacher maintaining his own private guitar lesson studio in Chicago and the North Shore area.  Also, he teaches private guitar lessons in Hinsdale as part of Learn to Make Music, and he is an adjunct music professor at Harold Washington College.

City Gate Grille --Fri. 5/12/23

Playing with trumpeter Kyle Miller from 7-10 pm at City Gate in Naperville.

Adelle’s Restaurant — Thurs. 5/18/23

Playing with bassist Sam Peters from 6-9pm in the bar at Adelle’s in Wheaton.

Fitzgerald’s Sidebar — Wed. 5/24/23

Playing with pianist Chris White and bassist Mark Sonksen from 8:30 to 10:30 pm in Berwyn at the Sidebar.

O’brien’s Riverwalk Cafe — Thurs. 6/1/23

Playing with bassist Joe Policastro and saxophonist Alex Beltran at O’Briens in Chicago for my weekly summer residency. Come on out for some food, music, and a great view of the river. We play from 6-8:30 pm each Thursday.

O’Brien’s Riverwalk Cafe — Thurs. 6/8/23

Every Thursday this summer from 6-8:30 pm at O’Briens on the river in Chicago.

Private Event — Thurs. 6/15/23

Hale Street Summer Concert Series — Sat. 6/17/23

Playing with bassist Sam Peters in Downtown Wheaton on Hale Street for the dinner crowd from 6-9 pm.

O’brien’s Riverwalk Cafe — Thurs. 6/22/23

Every Thursday this summer from 6-8:30 pm at O’Briens on the river in Chicago.

O’brien’s riverwalk CAfe — Thurs. 6/29/23

Every Thursday this summer from 6-8:30 pm at O’Briens on the river in Chicago.

REview of Cd "Slow Burn"

by Chris Spector

Midwest REcord

The Chicago guitarist and his pals take their cues from the mid century jazz greats but the cues are all they take.  With the kind of flair that you used to not expect from indie releases over flowing, this is just what the straight ahead ears ordered.  A solid set of well played smart moves, this bunch has it down so tight that you’ll be wondering when their big break out is going to happen.  Smoking stuff that doesn’t let you down.

Review of cd "Above the Clouds"
By Dave Sumner
Bird is the worm blog

As much as I enjoy the experimentalism of modern jazz artists and the inventive directions they take as they expand the territory, there is something supremely refreshing about a new release that transports me decades back to when my listening time was dominated by albums with names like Art Blakey, Kenny Dorham, and Donald Byrd.  That’s a lot of the Jazz I grew up on, the Jazz that marks a definitive starting point for my original excursion into the genre.

Above the Clouds by the Terry Bartolotta Group recaptures much of the excitement of the bop era of the sixties.  It has the vibrancy of the present and the nostalgia of the past.  It’s the kind of album that can take a person back.

Click here for the full review...

Review of cd "Above the clouds"
by Hrayr Attarian
Chicago Jazz Magazine

Chicago based guitarist Terry Bartolotta showcases his compositional skills on his relaxed and engaging debut album, Above the Clouds. Surrounded by sympathetic group of like-minded musicians, Bartolotta presents nine of his originals––solidly mainstream, but each with a unique flavor. The title track for example has a small group swing feel with the exuberant drive of the rhythm section over which Alex Beltran’s brassy tenor blows with big vibrato and sophisticated vigor. Bartolotta builds complex improvisations with his slow simmering guitar.

Click here for full review...

Approach

I have ten years of teaching experience, with students of all ages and ability levels, from beginners to advanced students.  My teaching style includes a balance between accomplishing your goals and emphasizing fundamentals.  As a college music instructor, I know how to incorporate fundamentals like scales, chords, songs, technique, and note reading into your lessons.  My goal is to help you improve as a guitarist, and to have fun along the way! 

Over the last ten years as a performer, I have played a variety of styles of music, so your lessons can focus on genres like:  rock, pop, blues, jazz, and more!  Your lessons can cover other subjects like music theory, composing, and ear training. 

With both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in music, I know what it takes to improve as a guitarist, and I can help you succeed.  My friendly, positive, and easy-going personality creates a great environment for guitar lessons. 

Currently offering private guitar lessons on the northwest side of Chicago and the north shore area. 

For rates and availability, click here. 

Testimonials

"Terry is a very talented teacher and musician. He engages the kids with music that interests them and makes learning fun. We have known Terry for almost 5 years and would unconditionally recommend him to anyone of any age who wants to learn guitar."

-Jordana B. 

Check out my new lesson video below.  More to come soon!