INSTRUCTORS

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Lisa is a dynamically entertaining and energetic performer and instructor. Her background in classical voice provides the basic foundation from which she draws upon for both her performing and teaching disciplines. She studies music theory, Piano and French Horn, and has performing for over 20 years, both as a solo artist and with various jazz and pop ensembles. Her energy, enthusiasm and heartfelt soul are evident in both her teaching and performing styles.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in Chicago, her Bachelor of Science degree from Devry University, and is currently enrolled back at Columbia College working on her second Bachelor of Arts degree in Interactice Arts & Media, Game Sound and Music Design. Jennifer is a committed and passionate musician, studying privately for a number of years on piano, guitar, percussion, clarinet & saxophone. She has a solid background and knowledge of music theory and ear training, assisting her students in those areas at all levels. She has been teaching privately for over 10 years, and brings a wealth of enthusiasm, positive encouragement and pure enjoyment to her teaching environment..

Ashley received her BA in Music with an emphasis on Piano Performance from Aurora University in Illinois in 2014, where she had received the Roger K. Parolini Music Scholarship, and earned the Stanley H. Perry Performance Arts Award. She has made appearances in various recitals at AU, performing as a piano soloist as well as accompanying the University Choirs and undergraduate students in voice and strings.  Studying piano since age six, Ashley strongly believes that learning music can greatly impact a students life, inside and outside of the classroom. She is very passionate about sharing her musical knowledge and experience in a fun and positive way with students of all ages and skill levels. Ashley is also an active member of the Illinois State Music Teacher Association, which provides her students with opportunities for performance and theory exams, recitals and competitions.

Josh is an enthusiastic and passionate musician who loves sharing his music. He recently graduated from the University of Illinois with a Masters in Music Composition. He toured the Midwest as concertmaster of the Augustana Symphony Orchestra and performed several classical pieces and original compositions with them under Dr. Daniel Chetel. He has also performed in the pit orchestra in chamber operas and musicals. He conducted and played in all three of his compositions for his 2018 senior recital, including violin with the Jenny Lind choir. He continues to write and perform alongside his colleagues in online concert series as part of New Music Mosaic. Recently, due to the pandemic, Josh has been focusing on recording and producing video game music covers and original compositions on his YouTube channel. 

Josh has been teaching piano privately for the past few years and recently started teaching violin. He was also a Teaching Assistant for freshmen Music Theory classes at the University of Illinois. He enjoys teaching a wide range of students and sharing some of his favorite pieces with them.

Kimberly is a sought after teacher of piano and guitar.  Kimberly seeks to give every student a love of learning and performing music that lasts long after they have finished taking lessons.  

After graduating with her Bachelors of Music from Roosevelt University in 1996, Kimberly began what would become a long and fulfilling solo career of teaching music.  Kimberly designs her method of teaching around visualization, utilizing color, funny analogies, and copious mnemonics to ease the learning process.  As a successful arranger, vocalist and performing composer, Kimberly has helped many students to become confident as multifaceted musicians.  

Kimberly has taught piano and guitar since the mid-1990s and has acted as a music theory consultant for local teachers' groups.  

Eric earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2008, where he was fortunate to study with renowned musicians Fareed Haque and Art Davis. 

Teaching privately since 2000, Eric has shared his love for music with countless students. Guitar has always been his main instrument, but also has 15 years of experience teaching bass and ukulele. In the last five years, he’s even expanded his lessons to include beginner piano.

Eric thrives on working with students of all ages, from beginners to professionals. His teaching philosophy is simple: when students are excited about what they’re learning, great things happen! That’s why he tailors each curriculum to fit the unique interests and goals of every student.

Ryan has received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and Psychology from North Central College in Naperville, IL. While attending North Central College, Ryan was nominated for three consecutive years to perform in the honors piano recital, and has studied with several prominent instructors, including Jon Warfel and Chris White. Prior to his work at North Central College, Ryan completed his Associates of Arts degree in Music from Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL, where he studied music composition with Dr. Mark Lathan, and composed music for the Waubonsee Chorale. Additionally, Ryan has accompanied ensembles such as the Naperville Chorus and the St. Patrick's Adult Contemporary Choir. Ryan's goals as a music educator include cultivating self-confidence in students, helping them to understand and realize their full potential as musicians.

Bruce has studied piano at Trinity College of London (Guildhall) and is currently working towards his degree in performance.  He started playing piano at the age of 3, taking private lessons for several years.  Since then he has been playing music for his church, various choirs, competitions, and band performances. He has taught in schools, music institutes and privately to students of all ages and skill levels. Bruce believes that Music is a heavenly art and gives enrichment to the soul.

Michelle is an energetic and dedicated musician and teacher.  She graduated with honors from VanderCook College of Music in 2015 where she received her Bachelors degree in Music Education. She has been singing in choirs and playing piano professionally since she was a senior in high school, and she has been teaching in the Naperville/Aurora area since August of 2017. Michelle has a wide variety of performance experiences such as solo and group recitals, accompanying vocalists and instrumentalists, playing in orchestras, and accompanying choirs.  She uses her experiences to help her students learn, grow, and perform in any context that interests them.

Corey has been playing trumpet for over 35 years and earned his BA Degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University.  He is proficient in all  band instruments, but predominantly Trumpet and Trombone.  He performed in numerous Symphonic and Jazz bands while in school, as well as community bands beyond school. Corey taught music in the public school system for nine years and currently  teaches private Trumpet and Trombone lessons.  He is active in performing at local venues throughout the Chicago area.

 Adam's ongoing passion for teaching goes back 15+ years to when he started teaching privately at age 14. More recently, Adam has gained significant playing and teaching experience from studying with great educators like Jamie Gallagher and Rod Jacobs. Adam teaches with a strong emphasis on drum set and snare drum, although he is knowledgeable and able to teach all types of percussion instruments. Adam has been passionately playing drums for over 20 years and continues to perform in and around the city with various groups playing Rock, Jazz, R&B, and Fusion.  He is currently performing/recording with an indie folk/rock group called Skyline Semblance. 

Gregg's musical adventure started in the 1960's.  Singing in Church choir and beginning several years of private organ 

lessons at the age of 10.  While in High School he played trumpet in Marching Band, started to teach himself guitar and

played organ for Oak Park based Up With People.  He took his first Music Theory class at Triton Jr. College in 

River Grove, Illinois while in High School.  He went on to receive a Bachelors of Arts degree with concentration in 

music and art.  He began teaching piano in college while doing a field work experience at Guardian Angel Home in Joliet.

His teaching philosophy provide lessons and the material presented as challenging and attainable.  Weekly successes build

into larger successes.  He encourages students bring in music they enjoy or perhaps are working on for school or church.

He will supplement this music with the lesson plan.  Lesson plan will include music theory.

Gregg's performance career includes touring with the Drifters during the late 70's. While playing with Joliet based Beat's

Walkin' he shared the stage with two members of country rock recording artists Heartsfield.  He has played with Ric Parnell,

the drummer in the movie Spinal Tap and recorded and performed on stage with south-side Elvis impersonator Dave Carlson.

Gregg's love and enjoyment of music comes though in his lessons.  He looks forward to sharing these with his students

at Apollo Music. 

Kathy started piano lessons at the age of 5. As a young child some of my favorite pieces to play were songs from The Sound of Music. In high school, I was one of the piano accompanist for our chorus. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1982 from Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois,  and in 2003 a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Connecticut State University. 

I taught grades K,1, 2, 3, and 4 for 36 years in CT, NY and IL.  I used my piano talent as an accompanist for school functions and weddings.  I also was a church pianist that played the hymns and offertory.  When I moved to Naperville, I volunteered as a piano performer at Edward Heart Hospital. 

In the early 90’s I taught piano lessons for a couple of years.  I retired from Plainfield School District 202 in 2019 and look forward to teaching piano students again.