Face time: Jeff Orrell

Jeff Orrell of Grayslake, owner of Great Lake Music Store in Mundelein, can't read a note of music.  But that doesn't mean he can't play.  "I can compose music very well," Orrell said.  "And it's because I have a passion for it; I hear it and I figure it out."

Orrell spent a few hours chatting with reporter intern Shawna Hendrix over the sound of horses, chickens, geese, and other animals on wife Jill McCrae's farm, about his passion for music and what it's like to own a music store.

Why did you want to open the store?

I needed to make a living, and working for somebody else was not an option.  I already had 13 years of experience working for somebody else, a very prominent retail music store in Evanston.  I managed that for several years and I just needed to branch out and do my own thing.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar a little bit and I can mess around on keyboard a little bit.  I like to compose music; pop-like songs and stuff.  I wouldn't say I'm an accomplished musician.  I played drums when I was 10 and picked up guitar when I was 15.  I hocked my soul for a Gibson Hummingbird when I was 15.

How did you learn to play guitar?

I went to this little local music store with my sister when I was 15.  I didn't have all the money, so I gave them my solemn oath I would pay the balance. it was $458 and I had $279.  I signed my name and promised I'd pay him in six weeks. It took me about a year and a half.  My parents didn't know that I owned that guitar. So I used to sit in the bathtub, light a candle, and play into the bathroom tiles and it would reflect the sound.

What lessons do you offer?

Guitar, percussion, violin, bass guitar, piano, clarinet, accordion, saxophone and voice.

What do you look for in hiring a teacher?

I've been in the industry so long and you get a sense about people.  A lot of it is qualifications, obviously, that's one thing, but you could be an educated musician and not be a good instructor.  So I look for people who have an ability to relate to people.

What do you think is the key to being a good musician?

Dedication.  Open-mindedness.  And hard work.  Two percent inspiration, 98 percent perspiration.  There is no secret to anything other than having a passion and devoting the time it takes to be good.

What are your hobbies?

My pets.  Working on my wife's farm.  This is a passion for me.  I love the farm life.  I love being around the animals.  I like the nature.  I like to compose music, and so the serenity [of the farm] lends itself to that.