By Nicki Resnikoff and Natasha Ettensberger

Brien O’Calaghan, a jazz guitarist, visited Shawn Costantino’s jazz classes on Jan. 17. O’Calaghan teaches guitar lessons at Naperville Central High School in Illinois, where Costantino previously taught music classes. O’Calaghan also plays in several bands around Chicago.

He conducted workshops on improvisation for four different classes throughout the day. He provided worksheets for the students to study and use. The students also joined O’Calaghan in playing a number of tunes.

Costantino hosts a guest artist about once a month in order to give his students a different perspective and to supplement his teachings.

“I like to bring someone new once in a while because the students start getting bored of me,” Costantino says.

The next special guest is a drummer who will be visiting the classes in April.