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Teacher Information

 

Teacher Information Index

Please click on the teacher's link for their information

Piano Classical Guitar Voice
Frances Finstrom Ron Stark Kirsten Fyr
Karen Kulzer Ryan Stark Shelly Bhuyan
Ellen Avery Bryan Albert Strings
Carla Schanstra Ben Westfall Bob Ferraris (Bass)
Joshua Vogel Electric Guitar Carla Schanstra (Violin/Viola)
Erin Landshaft Kathy Palmer Daniela Bisenius (Violin)
Shiho Saito Ryan Stark Harp
Scott Williams Ben Westfall Nichole Luchs
  Electric Bass Guitar  
Percussion Bob Ferraris Administration
Lucas Gillan Saxophone/Clarinet Karen Kulzer, Director
Art Joel Moore Ron Stark, Director
Magi Hernandez   Mary Carhart, Admin.
Cheryl Ziegler Flute John Kulzer, Admin.
Heidi Miller Kristin Paxinos Ashley Preciado, Admin.
 
 
 

 
  Frances Finstrom - Piano Instructor

 

Education:

 

bulletNorthern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL) Bachelor of Music - Piano Performance. Bachelor of Music - Music Education, general music.
bulletLicensure: MA PreK - 12 Initial License (IL Type 10)

 

Experience:

 

bulletConservatory Lab Charter School (Brighton, Mass.) 3-5 Music Teacher.
bulletRavenswood Elementary School (Chicago, IL) Student Teacher: General Music.
bulletPrivate Piano Teacher for over ten years.
bulletNIU Community School of the Arts - Fall 2002 - Spring 2005.
bulletBirch Creek Symphony Camp (Door County, WI) Teacher's Assistant - Summer 2004.
bulletNaperville Music - Summer 2001, Summer 2002.

 

Special Training/Experience:

 

bulletNew England Conservatory (Boston, Mass.) Kodaly Music Institute (Level I).
bulletSalzburg College (Salzburg, Austria) Studied piano privately with Ms. Susan Neumuller of the Mozarteum.
bulletCommunity Advisor in the Fine Arts House at Northern Illinois University 2001-2003.
bulletOrientation Leader for Northern Illinois University - Summer 2003.

 

 

Research/Grant Experience:

 

bulletNorthern Illinois University: Budapest, Hungary USOAR Grant Project. (Undergraduate Special Opportunities in Artistry and Research): "Piano Pedagogy and the Kodaly Method and Their Role in Preparing Future Music Teachers in Europe and the United States".

 

Awards/Distinctions:

 

bulletGolden Key Honors Society - 2005.
bulletFinalist in Midwest Young Artist Concerto Competition - 2004.
bulletFinalist in NIU Concerto Competition - 2004.
bulletNIU School of Music Tuition Waiver - 2002-2004.
bulletJane Jenkins Lovering Memorial Scholarship - Spring - 2002.
bulletPhi Sogma Eta Honors Society - Spring 2002.

 

Organizations:

 

bulletInternational Kodaly Society, member since 2005.
bulletOrganization of American Kodaly Educators, member since 2005.

 

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Karen L. Kulzer - Piano/Keyboard Instructor

 

Employment/Education:

 

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Bachelor's degree in Music/Composition from DePaul University School of Music, 1997.

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Studied with Michael Fritsch, Melody Lord, Alan Swain, Jim Trompeter.

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Master class participant for Oscar Ghiglia, Northwestern University.

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Taught in her own private music studio in Naperville for over 12 years, and served on the faculty of Swain Music Studios and Musical Expressions.

 

 

 

Performance History:

 

Karen Kulzer has performed in many different venues in the Chicago area and elsewhere, such as: DePaul University, Naperville Christian Church, St. Margaret Mary Parish, St. Raphael's Parish, The Nature Studio, The Paramount Arts Center, and NAMM Conferences in both Anaheim, CA and Nashville, TN. In addition to performing acoustic piano, Karen also worked as an electric keyboard player and composer/arranger with various musicians and groups. Karen is featured on the following pop recordings: Sink ( The Secret Behind Caterpillar Walls, 1999), T. D. Clark (Perspectives, 2000), and Gloria Taylor (2003). Karen has participated in numerous music recitals, as well as working as an active accompanist, and providing music for weddings and other social events.

 

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  Ellen Kuzmenko - Piano Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

bulletNorth Central College double major in Music Performance and Education.
bulletPrincipal pianist Ukrainian Baptist Church, Berwyn, IL., evening services.
bulletAmerican Grands participant 2004.
bulletAccompanist for various performance classes and events.
bulletStudied with Zanieda Constantinova, Maribel Robinson, April Stovall, and Barbara Vanderwall.
bulletRecipient of Aurora Foundation and Hansen Furnas Scholarship, North Central College Presidential Scholarship, and North Central College Piano Performance Scholarship.
bulletAWANA Teacher for five years, extensive experience working with children and young adults (educational, day care, and camp coach).
 

 
bulletActive in mission trips and church activities.
bulletOther languages: Russian.

 

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  Carla Schanstra - Piano Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

bulletBA from Western Illinois University
bulletParticipated in the DuPage Youth Symphony, IMEA State Orchestra, Downers Grove Oratorio Society, North Central College Orchestra, Western Illinois University Orchestra, Galesburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Elgin Symphonette.
bulletStudied with John Svoboda, Ki Joo Lee, David Morse.
bulletPlayed with numerous other chamber orchestras, pit orchestras, and church orchestras. Also interested in Celtic fiddle music and has played with local musicians in sessions.
bulletMusic studies at American Conservatory, North Central College (Naperville, IL.), Western Illinois University.
 

 
bulletManager of Printed Music, Brookdale Music (Naperville, IL.) (2004-2006).
bulletPrivate instructor, Community Christian Church's School for the Arts.
bulletPrivate instructor, Brookdale Music (Naperville, IL.).

 

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  Joshua Vogel - Piano Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

In 2002 and 2003, Joshua received the Harold McGilvra Piano Scholarship towards his college education at Northwestern College in Orange City, IA. Joshua completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 2005. In addition to his piano performance degree, Joshua has participated in several musical groups, organized several music recitals, a capella choirs, Symphonette groups and chamber ensembles.

 

 

 

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  Erin Landshaft - Piano Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Erin is currently a junior studying Music Education at North Central College in Naperville. She has been involved with music for as long as she can remember. Erin has been studying and performing piano for ten years and has studied voice extensively as well. She is comfortable teaching a wide variety of piano repertoire. Some of Erins’ musical involvements include: Choral singing, Madrigals Singers, Jazz singers, Musical Theater, piano recitals, many years of private study, as well as being a current member of the North Central College Women’s Chorale. Erin strives to make lessons both fun and structured by creating a teaching environment where her students are classically trained but also have the freedom to explore other types of repertoire including, but not limited to, Broadway, pop, and jazz. 

 

 

 

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  Dr. Shiho Saito - Piano Instructor

 

Teaching Philosophy:

My teaching philosophy emphasizes the individuality of each student. I believe in providing students with the tools and skills that they can use to teach themselves. Through each learning process, I want students to gain a better understanding of self, learn work-efficiency, and expand their artistic personae. Piano learning should be a rewarding, interesting, fulfilling, and exciting process. I am an enthusiastic teacher who believes in creating an environment in which students can learn. Throughout twelve years of extensive teaching experience, I have helped students across a wide spectrum of levels, ages, nationalities, and backgrounds, and I enjoy sharing my experience and musical ideas with students and colleagues.

 

 

  Education/Experience:

 

bulletDoctoral of Musical Arts in Piano Performance- Michigan State University (MI)
bulletGraduate Studies in Piano Performance- Hunter College at City University of New York (NY), Manhattan School of Music (NY)
bulletBachelor of Music in Piano Performance- Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music (OH)
bulletBusiness Management and Accounting- City University of New York (NY)
bulletTokyo Metropolitan High School of Music (Tokyo, Japan) 
bulletMichigan State University (MI)- Graduate Piano Teaching Assistant
bulletAmati Conservatory (NJ)- Piano Instructor
bulletAmati Music Festival (NY)- Artistic Coordinator, Festival Assistant, Piano and Chamber Music Instructor
bulletZen Music Center (NJ)- Piano Instructor, ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) exam preparation for students
bulletManhattan School of Music Summer Program (NY)- Sponsored by New York Board of Education- Assistant Lecturer in Piano Literature, Piano Instructor, Counselor
bulletAmy Vander Linde Piano Studio (NY)- Piano Instructor
bulletBaldwin-Wallace College Preparatory Department (OH)- Piano Instructor

 

Adjudicator/Judging:

 

bulletYoung Musicians’ Competition, New Jersey Music Teacher’s Association
bulletSpring Piano Festival, New Jersey Music Teacher’s Association
bulletStudent Assessment Testing, Piano Performance division judge, Michigan Music Teacher’s Association
bulletPiano Festival & Scholarship Competition, National Federation of Music Club

 

Professional Affiliation:

 

bulletMusic Teacher’s National Association (MTNA)
bulletCollege Music Society (CMS)
bulletMichigan Music Teacher’s Association (MMTA)
bulletCapital Area Music Teacher’s Association (CAMTA)
bulletNew York Music Teacher’s Association (NYSMTA)
bulletOhio Music Teacher’s Association (OMTA)

 

Awards and Distinction:

 

bulletDr. Benno Lee Graduation Award and Scholarship, Hunter College CUNY
bulletEsther Hoffman Prize and Scholarship, Hunter College CUNY
bulletStar Award for Academic and Teaching Excellence, Music Teacher’s National Association
bulletCleveland Musical Arts Society Scholarship
bulletCleveland Cecilian Music Club Scholarship
bulletOutstanding Student Award, Woman’s Committee, Cleveland
bulletSophie Albrecht Piano Scholarship, Baldwin-Wallace College
bulletSignificant Academic Achievement Prize, Baldwin-Wallace College
bulletMargaret Griffith Scholarship, Baldwin-Wallace College
bulletDayton C. Miller Honors Society, Baldwin-Wallace College
bulletAlpha Lambda Honors Society, Baldwin-Wallace College

 

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  Scott Williams - Piano Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Scott Williams was raised in Naperville, Illinois, and developed an interest in music at an early age. He began studying the piano at age 6 and violin at age 9, and thanks to the influence of artists such as Oscar Peterson and Dave Brubeck he began directing his studies toward Jazz.

Scott’s early music education came at the Grammy Signature Award winning music department of Neuqua Valley High School under the direction of Charles Staley and Jonathan Lauff. There he studied music theory and performed for four years with the Neuqua Valley Jazz Orchestra. In addition to winning the school’s 2004 Louis Armstrong Jazz Award, Scott also was named to the IMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble in 2003 and 2004, and played with the Youth Jazz Ensemble of DuPage where he had the opportunity to perform with musicians such as Jamie Abersold, Victor Goines, Terell Stafford, and Mark Colby.

 

 

 

Mr. Williams began studying jazz piano with Chicago-based pianist Larry Novak when he started attending DePaul University in 2004; he also received classical instruction from Jupiter Trio pianoist Aglika Angelova. While playing for DePaul’s Jazz ensemble in 2007 under the direction of Bob Lark, Scott has also been fortunate enough to receive instruction from Tim Coffmann, Bob Rummage, Mark Colby, Bobby Broom, and Bob Palmeri. Mr. Williams completed his Jazz Studies degree at DePaul University in 2008. 

Scott performs for many different groups ranging from the Deen Anbr Organ Trio to LaCosta Theatre’s productions of “The Last Five Years” and “A New Brain”, to solo piano performances for private events. In 2007 Scott joined the Frank Catalano Band and has had the opportunity to perform around the nation, opening for Stanley Clarke at the Blue Note in New York (March 2007), and performing at various venues in California. He continues to perform weekly at Andy’s Steakhouse Jazz Club and The Green Mill in Chicago with Mr. Catalano, and recently recorded with him on “Bang!” (Savoy Records).

 

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  Lucas Gillan - Percussion Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Lucas Gillan started playing drums when he was nine years old in his hometown on Tucson, Arizona, and quickly found himself performing frequently in settings as varied as churches, punk clubs and jazz concerts before entering high school. While in high school, Lucas played in Tucson's top student jazz and classical ensembles and decided that music was destined to be more than a hobby for him. This led him to the elite Jazz Studies program at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, where he completed all the requirements for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. 

While at NIU, Lucas played in numerous jazz, classical, and world music ensembles including the Philharmonic, Percussion Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble and the renowned NIU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Ronald Carter. While with the jazz ensemble, Lucas had the privilege of performing with such jazz greats as Antonio Hart, John Clayton, Charles McPherson and others. In the summer of 2006, Lucas played drums in the show band of the Carnival Pride cruise ship, playing for audiences of thousands every night in week-long trips to the Mexican Riviera. 

 

  Lucas has also maintained a freelance career in the Chicago area, gigging with jazz and rock musicians like Fareed Haque, Gary Tu and Dave Miller. Besides being a busy performer, Lucas is a dedicated educator, having taught privately for over six years. He loves sharing his passion for music and drums with beginners and experienced drummers alike.

Besides being a drummer and percussionist, Lucas is also a singer-songwriter. He plays his original songs for audiences throughout the Chicago area and has released an EP of his material entitled On Your Knees and Kiss the Earth You Holy Fool!

 

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  Kathy Palmer - Electric Guitar Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Kathryn Palmer began playing professionally at the age of thirteen and started teaching when she was fifteen. She has studied music extensively both formally and in the classroom "of the street". At the age of sixteen Kathryn began her formal education at the Chicago Musical College of Roosevelt University studying classical guitar, music theory, ear training and other subjects in music. After having two children she resumed her studies; still focusing on classical guitar but branching out into jazz guitar, composition and film enhancement. Always taking a wider view of the place of music in the world, Kathryn also focused on the liberal arts and received a BGS/MUS from Roosevelt in 1993. Kathryn continued studying music at Northern Illinois University working on a Masters in Musical Composition and is close to finishing this degree.  

 

   

Knowing that no school can fully teach performance, Kathryn has taken advantage of the wealth of musical talent that passes through the Chicago area and has been mentored by many of the greats of jazz and composition through master classes and direct communication including the late Sir George Solti, the great conductor of the Chicago Symphony, and with the late Joe Pass, one of the finest jazz guitarists of the 20th century.


She has performed extensively both locally at clubs and recitals and nationally, including the NPR radio show Mountain Stage in Charleston West Virginia. Teaching has always been important to Kathryn who welcomes students of all ages, style interests, and skill levels. She feels that music is a window to the world and that the discipline, knowledge and skills developed playing enhance every other aspect of life.

 

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Ronald P. Stark - Classical Guitar/Electric Guitar Instructor

 

Employment/Education:

 

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Worked as a staff member at Brookdale Music (Naperville), 1995-1998.

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Employed as a guitar instructor at Musical Expressions (Naperville), 1995-2000.

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Classical guitar instructor for the Naperville School of Performing Arts, 1999-present.

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Head of guitar division (designed and taught curriculum) for the Naperville Park District, 1997-2000.

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Faculty member (guitar, theory, ensemble instructor) for the Oakbrook Academy of Music and Art, 2000-2003.

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Received music education at DePaul School of Music, focusing on guitar performance.

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DePaul Guitar Ensemble Concertmaster for three years.

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Attended two-week master class with Southern Methodist University under Robert Guthrie, Taos, New Mexico (2000 and 2004).

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Participated in master classes with Oscar Ghiglia (Northwestern University), Mark Maxwell (DePaul University), Anne Waller (Northwestern University).

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Studied with Brian Torosian (Northwestern University), Mark Maxwell (DePaul University), Robert Guthrie (Southern Methodist University).

 

 

 

Performance History:

 

Ron Stark performs professionally throughout the Chicagoland area at many different events and special venues. In the past, Ron has performed as a soloist for concerts hosted by: The Fox Valley Arts Council, The City of Naperville, Southern Methodist University (Taos, New Mexico), Loop Dreams of the Art Institute, Kulzer/Stark Musical Services, The Oakbrook Academy of Music and Art, and many other private organizations. In addition to the formal concert setting, Ron has provided music for many special ceremonies and social functions, some of which includes: Archbishop Francis George (welcoming reception), Jessie Jackson (honorary doctoral ceremony for DePaul University), Fox Valley Arts Council, Arts Exhibition for Trish Evers (O'Hare Plaza), Solo Demonstrations - Music and Art the Wayne Atkinson and wedding ceremonies. Ron currently performs at various recitals and venues in the Chicagoland area. Ron also is involved with the Music Therapy Division at Edwards Hospital, in Naperville.

 

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  Bryan Albert - Classical Guitar Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Bryan has enjoyed a multifaceted freelance career as a teacher, performer, studio artist, and composer. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University, and a Master's from Northwestern University, both in music performance. He has studied with Denis Azabagic, Brian Torosian, and Anne Waller and performed in master classes with Sergio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia, and Robert Guthrie.

 

 

 

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  Ben Westfall - Classical Guitar/Electric Guitar Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

bulletUniversity of Cincinnati: College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Cincinnati, OH. Bachelor of Music: Classical Guitar Performance
bulletJazz Arts Studio Dayton, OH. Jazz Arts Productions, guitarist
bulletCollege-Conservatory of Music: Preparatory Department Cincinnati, OH (2007-2008)
bulletWillis Music Company Cincinnati, OH (2003-2008)
bulletDayton Music Studios Dayton, OH (2001-2002)

 

 

  Performances

 

bullet8 Tri-State Tours - CCM Classical Guitar Ensemble (2003-2007)
bulletCCM Feast of Carols (2006)
bulletBig Love - CCM drama scene music (2007)
bulletWAIF 88.3 FM: Cincinnati Public Radio - live performance (2007)
bulletSpanish Guitar Concert Tour (2007)
bulletRomantic/Modern Guitar Tour (2008)
bulletPastoral Musician (1996-present)

 

Recordings

 

bulletJazz Arts Productions (2002)
bulletTodd Almond Band - Take Good Care of Me (2006)

 

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Joel Moore - Saxophone/Clarinet Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Chicago native Joel Moore (b.1973), a highly talented and versatile tenor saxophonist specializing in both jazz and rhythm & blues, received an M.M. in Jazz Pedagogy from the Berklee College of Music and The Boston Conservatory in 2000. While living in Boston, he studied with Jeff Harrington, Bill Pierce and Ed Tomassi and interacted with renowned saxophonists Rick Margitza and Bob Berg during their respective clinics and performances. Joel also performed at the House of Blues and Ryles Jazz Club in Cambridge, MA. and toured throughout New England with a variety of ensembles.


Prior to Berklee, Joel lived in Louisiana and began graduate studies at the University of New Orleans. During this time he studied and performed with Ed Petersen, Ellis Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Mark Whitfield and Victor Goines. He also performed regularly in the legendary French Quarter with a variety of jazz and R&B bands including a year-long stint as saxophonist during the weekly Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues.

 

 

 


From 1992-1996, Joel studied at Western Illinois University and earned a B.S. in Media Communications. During this time he juggled academics and music as a member of the Jazz Studio Orchestra directed by the late Dale Hopper. With JSO, Joel performed along side guest artists Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, Tim Hagans and Jim Snidero. He also toured throughout the United States and Europe and recorded The Third Degree (Sea Breeze Records) in Nashville with acclaimed jazz trombonist John Fedchock. The compact disc The Third Degree received four stars in Downbeat Magazine.

Since moving back to the Chicago area in 2000, Joel has performed extensively at many of Chicago’s live-music venues including Buddy Guy’s Legends, Green Dolphin Street, Green Mill, Underground Wonder Bar, The Note and Elbo Room. He currently resides in Plainfield with his wife, Amy, and is on the faculty of Benedictine University, Lewis University and Prairie State College. Joel recently toured with the Dr. Willie Wilson Gospel Orchestra which contributed humanitarian aid and performed for hurricane Katrina victims in the Gulf region. 


You can check out Joel’s band The Joel Moore Quartet online at: www.joelmoorequartet.com

 

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  Kristin Paxinos - Flute Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Kristin Paxinos began her musical education in Chicago where she studied at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree from DePaul University. Her teachers have included Donald Peck, Kathryn Lukas, Jaques Zoon, and Peter Lloyd.

Kristin has been teaching for over 15 years, spending four years with the Bloomington Young Winds Program and eight years at The School of Performing Arts in Naperville. At The School of Performing Arts, Kristin was the flute instructor, Director of Music, and Artistic Director of the Music Performing Ensemble Program. During her time there, Kristin created and developed The Music Performing Ensembles – a small ensemble program that consisted of various chamber ensembles and a flute ensemble. Kristin has also taught chamber groups and master classes at both Indiana University and DePaul University.  

 

 

  In addition to teaching, Kristin has extensive performing experience. She has held flute and piccolo positions with the Evansville Philharmonic, the Terre Haute Symphony, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and the Bloomington Pops Orchestra; and substitute positions with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. She most recently filled in as second flute with the London Symphony Orchestra, and performed with them on their tours through Germany and France, and well as performances in London.

 

Kristin’s solo performances include recitals at the Chicago Cultural Center, Lincoln Center, and Symphony Center. She has played solo recitals at the Syrinx Flute Festival in Ontario, the National Flute Association’s Annual Convention, the Chicago Cultural Center’s Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, the Viggiano Flute Festival in Italy, and was recently awarded a grant from the City of New York to perform a flute and percussion recital. Kristin has also appeared as concerto soloist with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra, Sinfonia Toronto, the Orchestre Nationale D’Italia, the Evansville Philharmonic, and the Indiana University Orchestra.

 

Kristin is the recipient of numerous awards and prizes including performance awards from Indiana University, DePaul University, the Musician’s Club for Women, the Union League Civic and Arts Foundation, and the Greek Women’s University Club. She has also participated in several international competitions, most recently winning a recording grant in the Contemporary Record Society’s National Performing Artist Competition, and First Prize in the Leonardo de Lorenzo International Flute Competition.

 

 

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  Magi Hernandez - Art Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Magi has been an artist all her life. Her mother reports that she was born with a paintbrush in one hand and a chocolate bar in the other. She is a multi-disciplinary artist and makes her art using a wide variety of mediums, including oils, pencil, batik, watercolor, photography, and sewing. Most of the time she paints on silk. She received her BA from BYU in 1986. Since then she has been painting and teaching art wherever life takes her: Utah, Hawaii, Ecuador, New Jersey, Nevada, California, England, and now Illinois. Magi has been teaching art for 20 years. She specializes in teaching Silk Painting; and her curriculum has a class for all ages and interest levels from 2 to 102; from a simple passing curiosity to the developing professional. Magi lives in Oswego, IL with her husband, Gary, and her three marvelous and precocious teenaged children, Dominene, Steven, and Justin.

 

 

 

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  Kirsten Fyr - Vocal Instructor

 

Employment/Education:

 

bulletAssociate Member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
bulletSoloist with the South Bend Symphony and throughout the area.
bulletMember of the South Bend Chamber Singers, Vesper Chorale, and South Bend Symphonic Choir.
bulletServed as Children's Choir Director, Cantor, and Alto Section Leader at many area churches.
bulletExtensive vocal training under instructors Wishart Bell, Theresa Brancaccio, Robert Orth, Loretta Robinson, and Amy Cofield.
bulletTrained pianist with over fifteen years of private study, and has been playing since age four.

 

 

  Performance History:

 

Kirsten Fyr, Mezzo-Soprano, is best known for her baroque singing. Kirsten has sung the solo's in Handel's Messiah, Bach's Christmas Oratorio Mass in B Minor, Cantata No. 80, and Jesu Meine Freude, Mozart's Coronation Mass and Mass in C Major, and Vivaldi's Gloria. Kirsten is a professional chorister throughout the Chicagoland area. She is also an active church musician, performing at many church recitals and services.

 

Teaching Experience:

 

bulletFor 10 years, Kirsten has been teaching voice to students of all ages, from 4-64. She has taught in both private and group settings.
bulletThrough her sound classical training, her students have learned to sing well in many styles, including classical, early music (medieval and renaissance), Broadway theater, jazz, folk, and rock.
bulletHer students often get the lead roles in their school musicals, and many of them are chosen for community theater productions as well.
bulletKirsten's belief is that anyone can learn to sing; no special talent is required, only a positive attitude.
bulletShe is highly successful in teaching students how to match pitch. Many of her students who are now wonderful singers with lovely voices were previously tone deaf or told they could not sing.
bulletKirsten includes ensemble singing as part of her private voice lesson program at the Fox River Academy, believing that through mutual cooperation, students become better singers. The ensembles have had tremendous success and are a great way to meet other singers, make friends, and learn to sing harmonies.

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  Shelly Bhuyan - Vocal Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

Shelley has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Yale University. Her professional roles with the Dorian Opera Theatre include Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus), Louisa Giovanni (The Song of Norway) and Cornelia (Julio Cesare). Shelley was the Soprano Section Leader and soloist for the Lutheran Choir of Chicago. She has also sung professionally with the Chicago Symphony Chorus as second-soprano, and has been featured as a soloist on several occasions with The Naperville Chorus. Shelley has taught private and group voice lessons for thirteen years and is a trained and licensed Kindermusik educator.


Teaching Objective: To teach every student the beneficial outcome of healthy singing through regimented breathing, posture, vowel formation, vocalization, phrasing, etc., and to effectively prepare each student for individual and school program performances. 

 

 

 

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  Bob Ferraris - Bass Guitar Instructor

 

Education/Experience:

 

With over 40 years of experience on acoustic and electric bass