Student Spotlight

A note from her teacher:

“Roma is a talented, hard-working student who takes initiative and is always yearning for more. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Roma for over 5 years, but over the past two or so years (including 1 ½ years of virtual lessons), she has progressed immensely. Roma shows up prepared for every lesson and always with a great attitude. She even takes the time to learn pieces on her own! I’m very proud of the talented young lady she has become, and I have no doubt great things lay ahead in her future.“ - Ashley Wenzel

A note from her teacher:

”Rebecca is a natural student that we could all do well to emulate. She is well organized and finds enough time to practice most days despite having a full time job. She has the highest respect for the music she plays, and has a great appreciation for different genres of violin playing. She works very hard and has progressed quickly as a result, doing in one year what takes many students several years. Rebecca has proven to me that adult students can learn to play well and that hard work in music does not go up rewarded.“ - Joshua Malave

A note from his teacher:

“Michael likes playing piano, is always ready for his lessons, and eager to learn more songs. He’s a hard worker and is persistent when faced with new concepts or techniques. He’s a joy to know. I wish him well in all his adventures.” - Arden Fortner

A note from his teacher:

”Akshay is a very talented student with a lot of dedication for the guitar and it shows both inside and outside the lesson room. In lessons, he always shows curiosity for the instrument regardless of the level or genre he is playing; while also remembering to stay persistent and patient during challenges in his musical progress. With this, he is always striving to checkout and learn new songs and techniques for his instrument as his knowledge continues to grow.” - Michael Bruns

A note from his teacher:

“Matthew Limaco has been learning piano for almost past two years under my guidance but It would not be a justice to take the entire credit since his Mom (Mrs. Ali) has been remarkable in pushing him towards the given targets of the weeks too! Matthew hardly misses his practice during the week and meets his goals within time! Recently, he has started inclining towards blues and jazz and working on different pieces. He is also a good reader of the books! I am happy to join him in his journey of piano adventure! I wish him best for the future!” - Bruce Nicholson

A note from her teacher:

”I nominated Nemerah because she is always consistent, motivated and eager to learn. Nemerah is passionate about singing, and whether it’s on-site or through the virtual platforms you can tell that she is enjoying what she’s doing. She truly works hard to grow not only as a vocalist but as a musician.” - Michelle Mock

A note from her teacher:

“Janna is a wonderful musician and student. She strives for ultimate musical achievement in music, by learning all she can to be the very best at her instruments. She likes to sing while playing her guitar. She loves to play alternative and rock music the most. 

Janna first became my student back in January 2019. She was very interested in learning the guitar. She wanted to play an instrument that she could play and sing along too. Janna took the guitar with ease, passion, and complete dedication on being the very best guitarist she could be. Any challenges that I have put in front of Janna she has been able to tackle them down. She even did Apollo Music’s Christmas Recital in 2019 by playing the guitar and singing to audience members. 

She has expanded her playing to other settings as well. She has brought her guitar and play to nursing homes for those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Her passion for music has brought her to major in music at her community college Waubonsee for the last few years. She is now moving on to Western Illinois University for Music Therapy starting this fall.  

I know she will go far in her studies and her career. I hope for the very best for her and I look forward to picking up lessons with her again later this year.” - Jennifer Klingberg 

A note from her teacher:

“Andrea is a hard-working student who loves playing music. Her practice is consistent enough for her to make quick progress and learn many pieces. Having a supportive family and a dedicated violinist as a sister has contributed greatly to her success. I look forward to every lesson with her.“ - Joshua Malave

A note from his teacher:

”David has been working hard to prepare for Marching Band through his school over the past weeks. Once announced that rehearsals would be virtual, David knew he would need to work hard to stay ahead of his older peers who have been part of the marching band for years. For his final assessment in May, David recorded a musical podcast where he created both the intro and exit music by himself. David enjoys singing in choir and acting on the big stage as the most “eccentric” character playable, as it suits his personality.” - Drew O’Niell

A note from his teacher:

”Tanush has been my student for almost 4 years now, and has made tremendous improvement in his note reading and identification. Tanush loves the piano and is a joy to teach.

I have many great things to say about him, and he has made so much progress over the last year. He has gone from not being dependent on numbers in order to play to now being able to identify the entire bass and treble clef staves. In addition, he has made tremendous improvement to his focus and learning.” - Ryan Penman

A note from his teacher:

”I’ve had the pleasure to work with Gibson for the last year. He is very smart and funny, and always brings a great attitude to our lessons. I have seen his confidence and musical skills improve in just that short time I have been working with him, even as we continue our lessons via FaceTime. He has even started composing his own music! He is such a joy to work with and I always look forward to our lesson each week. I am very proud of you, Gibson!” - Ashley Wenzel