About Dave Cohen
Guitarist • Guitar Teacher • Composer
Dave Cohen is a guitarist, guitar teacher, composer, and Berklee College of Music graduate based in Evanston Illinois. Dave currently serves as the lead session guitarist at Joe Quality Studio. He has contributed guitar tracks to more than seven albums and numerous singles. In addition to studio work, Dave composes cinematic music for film, television, trailers, and media projects. He also teaches private guitar lessons both in person and online.
After graduating from high school, Dave received a partial scholarship to Berklee College of Music. There, he earned a degree in Professional Music with a focus on performance and arranging.
Dave has more than 40 years of experience as a guitarist, performer, and composer. In addition, he brings over a decade of teaching experience to every lesson and project. His teaching approach helps students build confidence through songs, improvisation, music theory, ear training, technique, and creative musical expression.
In addition to teaching students of all ages and skill levels, Dave is a seasoned composer. His original music blends cinematic, contemporary, vintage, rock, Americana, and hybrid orchestral influences. He composes music for film, television, trailers, and media projects. Through his work, Dave combines emotional impact, modern production, and guitar-driven energy.
Whether you are looking for personalized guitar lessons, custom music composition, session guitar recording, or live performance support, Dave is dedicated to helping you achieve your musical goals. He strives to make every musical experience engaging, creative, and rewarding.
Ready to take the next step in your musical journey?
Contact Dave to learn more about guitar lessons, session work, composition services, and the latest music.
Why Students Study With Dave
Why Students Study With Dave
Students choose to study with Dave because he combines professional experience with a supportive and engaging teaching style. As a Berklee College of Music graduate and experienced guitarist, performer, composer, and educator, Dave helps students build real-world musical skills while developing confidence and creativity.
Furthermore, students come to Dave with a variety of musical goals. Some want to learn favorite songs, improve technique, explore improvisation, or gain a deeper understanding of music theory. Whatever their goals, Dave creates lessons that match each student's interests, experience level, and learning style.
Composition & Session Work
In addition to teaching guitar, Dave is a seasoned composer and professional session guitarist. His composition work blends cinematic, contemporary, vintage, rock, Americana, and hybrid orchestral influences. His original music combines atmospheric textures, modern production, emotional impact, and guitar-driven energy. Dave composes music for film, television, trailers, podcasts, and media projects.
Professional session guitar services are available for studio recording, guitar overdubs, remote recording projects, live performances, concerts, touring support, and substitute or fill-in guitar work. Session guitar services include rhythm guitar, lead guitar, backing guitar parts, custom guitar tracks, overdubs, and sight-reading. Dave tailors each contribution to the musical and production needs of the project.
Remote session guitar tracks can be professionally recorded and delivered ready for mixing.
Musical Background
Dave has extensive experience as a guitarist, composer, performer, and educator. As a result, he works comfortably across a wide range of musical styles and creative projects.
Dave teaches guitar, records original music, composes cinematic scores, and performs live. He is committed to making every musical experience engaging, creative, and rewarding.
Local Service Area
Dave provides guitar lessons for students in Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Lincolnwood, Rogers Park, Glenview, and throughout Chicago's North Side. Online guitar lessons are also available for students outside the area.