Keith
Drum Teacher
Keith joined School of Rock in 2007 as a drum instructor. He is one of our first Rock 101 teachers, and he's directed countless shows over the years. Keith takes a great deal of pride in that he's been a part of the SOR family since the early days and has fostered long-lasting and meaningful relations with students and families to this day.
Keith has collaborated on original music projects with Barret Tasky of Barret's Hidden Agenda, Brettly K. Kawaguchi (Roundeye), Micki (Broeker) Croisant and Good Name Band, and the ultra-retro recording collective, Hot Soup. Keith is most notably a professional drummer on the local and regional event scene. A founding member of Think Floyd USA since 2004, and is the first call drummer for DQ: an #ABBA Salute franchise, since 2014.
Michael
General Manager
Michael is thrilled to bring his passion for music alive in his professional career. He started his musical journey by taking piano lessons from the nun in his school, and yes, she used to smack his "fly away fingers" with a ruler to keep them on the keys. His passion for music quickly developed as he grew. He is thankful to have been introduced to musical theater as a young child, and began auditioning for Broadway in Chicago. Most notably, Michael was in the childrens' choir for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond. He was cast in numerous musicals including Gypsy, Showboat, My Favorite Year, Fiddler on the Roof and countless others. Michael took 8 years of dance lessons including Tap, Jazz, and Ballet. He is currently a certified WERQ Dance Fitness Instructor and continue my passion for dancing in a professional dance studio in Chicago on Sundays for fitness and fun.
Professionally, he has had the pleasure to work with children the past 20+ years working in the Health and Fitness industry. He has had great experiences working within the community to build safe, healthy, and inclusive programs for children of all ages and abilities.
Nick
Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Nick has been a professional musician since 2002 and has led his own bands Zock and the Zock Organ Trio, performed with the band Magnetic, and played countless performances at some of Chicago’s best clubs including the Double Door and Lincoln Hall. He also played at Potbelly Sandwiches for seven years, with the Connexion Wedding Orchestra, and freelanced as a solo guitarist and sideman.
Nick released Zock’s debut album in 2015 and in 2016 was featured on Magnetic’s debut EP, both receiving positive acclaim. In 2019 he earned his Master's Degree in Music at the University of Southern California, studying with Grammy-winning classical guitarists Scott Tennant, William Kanengiser and Grammy-nominated guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. In 2020 he released the Zock Organ Trio's debut album, 'Mission Statement'.
Nick has been an instructor of private guitar lessons since 2007, and since then has expanded to teaching bass, drums, saxophones (alto and tenor), mandolin, banjo, lap steel, piano/keyboards, and voice. He has worked for the School of Rock since 2011 has directed and assistant directed shows steadily since 2013.
Taylor
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Taylor started teaching guitar and bass at School of Rock Chicago in 2017. As an alumni of the School of Rock and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago Taylor has a great amount of experience studying and teaching Rock, Blues, RnB, Pop, and Jazz. Along with private instruction, Taylor has also been a part of several original bands that constantly play at some of the best bars and clubs in the city such as The Green Mill, The Hideout, and Schubas.
Lauren
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Lauren got her start in music playing guitar at the age of 7. After being primarily self-taught for the first few years, she sought out lessons from a local music school. A former School of Rock student herself, she joined when she was 12. During her time as a student she took lessons for guitar, drums, and vocals. She was on Show Team from 2015-2017 and got the opportunity to tour as an Allstar in 2016 and 2017.
In 2017 she continued her music education at Columbia College Chicago where she studied Music and Music Business. In 2018 she joined the all-girl cover band Serendipity. With them she played shows in and around the Chicago land area. Most notably the Comed Ice Box Derby and the Chicago Women’s March To the Polls.
In 2019 she joined the all-girl cover band Catfight. With them she plays a variety of Chicago street festivals during the summer season such as Chicago Pride Fest, Market Days and Retro on Roscoe and Backlot Bash.
Aside from cover work she is also a live member for alternative solo artist Mel Senese. With Mel she’s been able to open for national acts The Veronicas, Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria and Starbenders.
Currently at the school she teaches guitar and occasionally bass. She has been working at School of Rock since 2019.
Ryan
Drum Teacher
After discovering the Beatles and Guns & Roses, Ryan could not wait to start playing drums in the fifth grade band. He led his schools’ Symphonic, Marching, Pep, and Jazz bands, but always knew that Rock Music was his true calling. Ryan spent his high school years playing and releasing vinyl with Punk outfit 'The Valentines' before turning down his acceptance to Berklee College of Music and starting a rock band with 2 friends called 'Catfish Haven'. Despite receiving offers from major labels, Catfish Haven signed to the elite independent label Secretly Canadian records. They lived in a van playing 150 shows a year in North America and Europe, sharing the stage with Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Lucero, North Mississippi Allstars, Cold War Kids, and Band of Horses. In Chicago, Catfish Haven played at prestigious venues including Ravina, The Riviera Theater, House Of Blues, Park West, Metro, Lincoln Hall, and at the music festival Lollapalooza. Their music was in regular rotation on 93.1WXRT, The BBC, and MTV2 leading Ryan to be featured multiple times in Modern Drummer. Today he is focused on teaching music to the next generation and performing and recording with many different Chicago bands including Dorian Taj, Prichard, Michelles, and Robbie Skye.
Mina
Vocal Teacher
Mina is a classically trained vocalist with rock roots. She began her performance career in early childhood, playing in a variety of bands and in solo acts for over 20 years. She is also a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter. She moved to Chicago in 2019 and her career as a session musician has grown since. As a session singer, she can optimize her technique to be able to fit a variety of genres and projects. This is a skill Mina applies to teaching her students, as she recognizes that different styles require different techniques. She is versed in genres such as R&B, blues, soul, rock, jazz, and classical. She is currently in pursuit of a Master's degree in vocal performance.
Mina is passionate about creating a fun, welcoming, and safe space for all people. She believes that great technique should also come with finding your own voice and confidence. Mina loves being able to guide students in finding their voice and embrace it. She teaches students of every age, ranging from beginner to advanced. She also teaches Rookies, Rock 101, and is involved in season shows.
Matt
Assistant General Manager
Matt grew up in a house filled with music, as both of his parents are music educators. Fittingly, he took 10 years of private piano lessons, and sang in every choir or ensemble that would have him. His strong passion for the arts led him to earn a BA in theatre from Florida State University as well as complete the Conservatory program at Chicago’s Second City Training Center. Favorite performance credits include Les Miserables, Shrek the Musical, Steve Martin’s The Underpants, The Legend of the Christmas King, for which he wrote the book and music, and his one man cabaret “Man of Many Aprons”.
Matt has a background in operations management as well as years of experience teaching improvisation and musical improv to kids of all ages. He is beyond ecstatic to be a part of the SoR family, and to help play a part in spreading the love of music!
Maggie
Bass Guitar Teacher
Maggie is a School of Rock alumni, hailing from School of Rock Naperville, where she played bass guitar and drums from 2015-2019. During her time there, she was able to play through various performance groups, the Show Team/Houseband from 2016-2019, and was on tour for the AllStars program in 2019. As an instructor, Maggie strives to share that same experience with the next generation of rockers by teaching bass guitar, drums, and guitar to various ages and all walks of life.
Maggie is currently studying at DePaul University for film and television with a concentration in sound design, something that can also be applied to creating audio for video games as well. In her free time, she likes to write scripts, watch movies, play video games, and even shoot the occasional music video. Maggie brings all of these experiences into a wonderful lesson atmosphere that is both enjoyable for her and for her students.
Adriana
Studio Coordinator, Vocal Teacher
Adriana is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter who is so incredibly thrilled to be part of the School of Rock family! Her passion for singing and performing began at the age of two when she stood up on a table at a restaurant and belted "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion in front of the afternoon lunch rush and she never stopped performing since. From musical theatre to rock n' roll, Adriana has performed professionally on multiple stages across Chicago and beyond. She received her B.F.A in Musical Theatre with an emphasis in vocal studies from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. When her professional career began after college, Adriana performed in productions with Drury Lane Theatre and Theo Ubique to name a few. She is currently performing as the lead singer in two local bands, UltraBeat and as Stevie Nicks in The Rumours Five: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac.
In addition for her love of music, Adriana has always been passionate about teaching and inspiring younger generations. Her mission is to encourage students to embrace their individuality and motivate them to become the greatest rockstars they can be!
Phil
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Phil was born in San Francisco. Since the age of five, he’s been playing piano. He started by playing classical piano and at age twelve he discovered the beauty of writing music. That’s when he fell in love with music. Since then, he committed himself to the craft of music composition and songwriting despite the heavy disapproval of his family. In 2016 he started his music study at University of Miami, Frost School of Music. It was there that he was fully exposed to the world of contemporary music. He also had the opportunity to perform with Andy Timmons and Jacob Collier during his time in Miami. He later transferred to Berklee College of Music majoring in professional music. He is now in Chicago enjoying the joy of tutoring kids' music. And he’s looking forward to more music induced fulfillment in the future.
Besides music, Phil enjoys writing novels, poetries, watching movies and sitting by the fireside and singing a song or two. He also believe there’s no such thing as a wrong note.
Abigail
Vocal Teacher
Abigail is trained in both classical and contemporary vocal techniques with roots in musical theater. Her career began when she was 5 years old as a child actor. She was in dozens of commercials and hundreds of voiceovers as well as 7 professional theatrical productions over the span of 8 years. She trained primarily as a singer in musical theater but also participated in the Chicago Children’s Choir where she was trained in a classical style. Abigail joined School of Rock Chicago as a student in 2013 and quickly began performing with Showteam until she graduated in 2015. Her time at School of Rock inspired her to pursue music and she attended Berklee College of Music as a vocalist where she studied music business management with a concentration in marketing and a minor in psychology.
Throughout her long career, Abigail has always loved working with and teaching children. She is passionate about creating a safe space for kids to explore their musical tastes and interests. Abigail loves being a part of her students' learning process and watching them grow. She teaches students of all ages in voice ranging from beginner to advanced as well as beginner piano players. She also teaches Rookies, Little Wing, and Rock 101.
Elliot
Guitar Teacher
Elliot has not been able to put down his electric guitar since the day his father passed it down to him 15 years ago. Before moving to Chicago, Elliot played his guitar in the local music scene in his hometown, Paris, France. He studied sound engineering while in Paris and has created and produced original songs/music using the skills that he learned while studying. He enjoys the diversity of the Chicago music scene and exploring local music venues. In his free time, he likes to watch and play basketball, and game with friends back home.
Josh
Assistant Music Director
Josh is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Bartlett, IL. He has been playing guitar since the age of 12 and performing professionally from 2014 to the present day. Josh enjoys studying and teaching a wide variety of genres like rock, metal, funk, R&B, jazz, blues, and Latin. He is always excited to teach a lesson because he takes pride in helping people express themselves through music.
Josh earned his Bachelor of Music and associate's degree in Marketing at Columbia College Chicago. Before Columbia College Josh had played with cover bands, high school marching, symphonic, and jazz ensembles, and was a two-time School of Rock AllStar. During his college career, Josh began teaching private lessons and grew to love them once he realized the positive impact they had on growing musicians.
Sarai
Vocal Teacher
Sarai grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California, where its historically rich musical culture infused them with a love for classical arias, musical theatre ballads, Americana folk rock and alternative indie rock/pop. They studied Operatic Voice at Jacobs School of Music and performed in theatrical show choir and chorale ensembles before swapping out the gowns for leather jackets to sing in rock and roll cover bands, form a body of original solo work, and start neosoul/indie rock band Kid Comet. Performing at DIY and local music venues in Los Angeles, Bloomington, San Fransisco and Chicago, their passion for live performance and forming connections within music community has blossomed. Laced through Sarai’s academic and on-the-ground music education journey was a love of songwriting, and they have taught songwriting courses as a part of youth performing arts camps for five years.
Having graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in Gender Studies and a certificate in Rock and Roll History, Sarai couldn’t imagine their life without the healing properties of music and knows how freeing singing can be. They are committed to an approach to teaching that centers each individual’s natural talents to build upon with healthy technique, spurring students to find confidence and joy in developing their unique performance styles, as well as learning to collaborate with the long lineage of our favorite iconic musicians that inspire us. If you can dream it, you can be it!
Jesse
Drum Teacher
Jesse has been playing drums professionally since 2003. He started in the youth jazz circuit in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the tutelage of great instructors/musicians such as Phil Hey and Tom Wells. He played for hire at many events and in advanced extra circular groups during his summer months, and continued on to perform at local venues with independent youth rock bands.
He moved to Chicago in 2007 where he studied Performing arts at Columbia College Chicago and graduated with an interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree. Throughout his years in Chicago, he has maintained an independent career both as a musician and as an actor/general performer. He has worked with many entities and venues including Chicago Artists Month, Lake FX Summit and Expo, House of Blues, International Children's Film Festival, and countless other independent and fringe performances.
He has also been a professional educator since 2012, working with young people of different age ranges in structed creative settings like summer camps and private lessons as well managing teams of employees working in more unstructured settings like recess and after school.
Walker
Drum Teacher
Walker has been teaching drums at School of Rock since 2019, having taught at the Libertyville and Andersonville locations as well as School of Rock Chicago. Walker is a seasoned musician, with concert/marching band experience, and he’s been playing drum set in local bands since 2016. Musical opportunities have taken him to Nashville, Disney World, New York City, and even Germany, where he toured for 2 weeks with his school band. His current bands, We Weren’t Invited and Isn’t It Strange, are taking the Chicago scene by storm with their high-energy live shows and genre-bending music. Walker believes there are no bad musicians, only those who haven’t practiced enough yet.
Alexis
Vocal Teacher
Alexis is a local Chicagoan and 2018 Chicago School of Rock graduate. During her time at School of Rock, she participated on Showteam and as an AllStar acquiring experience over hundreds of gigs. Alexis recently graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Geology and concentrations in Music and Educational Studies. Her academic experience has helped train her in meaningful and effective pedagogical practices. Alexis aims to cultivate unique and individual connections with every student such that they can evolve into their best singing self. She is trained in myriad singing styles including rock, jazz, musical theater, and opera, and believes that singing success comes from a combined musical style perspective and the evocation of a confident self-image and stage presence. When she’s not studying meteorites at the Field Museum, Alexis can be found working on her own music, crocheting and knitting clothing, or lifting in the gym.
Adam
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Adam is a multi-instrumentalist and singer with over 20 years of professional experience. Adam plays in groups large and small, in almost every genre of music, and his album, Live at Bowery Poetry, is available on all streaming platforms. An actor by trade, Adam has made music a central part of his career on stage and film, singing and playing in almost every professional production he'd been a part of. He teaches guitar, bass, vocals, piano, and drums, as well as mandolin, ukulele, and harmonica.
Adam plays often with the SoFar Sounds Series in Chicago, and with the esteemed Bluewater Kings Band. He can also be seen alongside Keith Urban in his guitar lesson DVD series, "30 Songs in 30 Days." Adam is so excited to be a part of the School of Rock Chicago team, and to get to jam with anyone and everyone!
David
Music Director, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
David is a guitarist, songwriter, performer, and educator from Downers Grove, Illinois. He began his musical journey at 4 years old with classical piano, shifted his focus to guitar at age 10, and since then has been involved in a variety of musical projects as a guitarist, drummer, bassist, and songwriter.
As a lifelong lover of music, David’s influences come from a range of genres including metal, punk, ska, hip hop, alternative, classical, pop, electronic, and classic rock. He’s currently in two bands and gigs regularly around the Chicagoland area.
Sam
Drum Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Sam is a composer, percussionist, and artist based in Chicago. He plays music in the bands Honestly Same (with Zach Good, Mabel Kwan, Lia Kohl, Zach Moore), Beautifulish (with Katherine Young), Physique (with Neil Quigley), with records released on Moon Glyph, Amalgam, Parlour Tapes+, and Shinkoyo Artists Pool.
Sam has presented his work nationally and internationally at festivals, conferences, and performance series such as the Darmstadt Ferienkurse, Indexical, Composit, NUNC! 3, New Music Gathering, Frequency Festival, the International Conference on Music and Minimalism, Outer Ear Festival, and Omaha Under the Radar. His music has been broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Borealis Festival Radio Space, WFMT, and IDA Helsinki.
Aly
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Aly is a multi-instrumentalist, performer, songwriter, and producer currently studying Sound Recording Technology at Depaul University’s School of Music. She began playing classical piano at age 8 and continues to study classically at Depaul, while also being involved in Depaul’s Concert Choir. She began singing at a young age and has performed in numerous musicals and choirs throughout her schooling.
Passionate about learning and creating music, Aly is a self-taught guitarist and began writing and recording her own music in high school, leading her to pursue a career in music. She continues to write and record music while continuing to hone her craft and inspire younger generations of musicians through teaching. Aly previously taught music at School of Rock as a keys, vocals, and Little Wing instructor before moving to Chicago, and she feels lucky to be able to teach students surrounded by the Chicago music scene. Aly is passionate about teaching music, and seeing her students’ love for music grow never fails to inspire and grow her own love of music.
Luke
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Luke is a guitarist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Chicago, IL. After graduating with a music degree from Columbia College, Luke moved to Mexico City where lived and taught guitar for a decade while earning an associate's degree in Audio. 10 years later,
Luke is back at home at School of Rock Chicago! He has played with several Chicago and CDMX bands such as The Drastics, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, and Missing Marbles, and is currently concentrating on his solo indie rock project’s third album.
Dylan
Drum Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Dylan is a multi-instrumentalist, originally hailing from Southern California and now studying at DePaul University in Chicago. He started on drums at 10 years old, followed by bass at age 12, and taught himself on the guitar at 15 years old. He has over a decade of experience playing and performing solo, in personal bands, and at School of Rock.
As a School of Rock alum, Dyland participated in performance groups playing drums and bass from ages 11 to 16 years old. He was also on the show team from ages 14 to 16 and was even selected as a drummer for the 2019 AllStars at 15 years old! In personal music projects, he has played drums in numerous rock bands in both SoCal and Chicago. His experience in both musical endeavors has allowed him to perform at venues like the Troubadour, Chain Reaction, The Observatory, Beat Kitchen, and more.
Dylan's influences range from all genres, including rock, indie, metal, electronic, soul, folk, jazz, world, R&B, rap, and everything in between. His knowledge of music both as a maker and listener has inspired him to share his love for his craft and appreciation of the expansive world of music.
Courtney
Drum Teacher
Courtney is originally from Chicago and has been playing drums for over 12 years. She is a graduate of School of Rock Chicago and participated in the performance program and Show Team during her time at the school. She majored in neuroscience and music at Brown University and has recent experience in early childhood education and as a studio engineer in Bangkok, Thailand.
Courtney has musical training and interest across a wide range of genres, including rock, pop, funk, soul, folk, classical percussion, and musical theater. She has played, written, and recorded for artists across the country (KT, KiwiiSour, The Kelson Twins), and has performed at venues like Summerfest, Schubas, and House of Blues. Courtney's time with School of Rock played a foundational role in her becoming the musician and person that she is now, and she is dedicated to creating an engaging learning environment and caring community that is just as deeply impactful for young musicians today.
Zach
Guitar Teacher
Zach has been playing guitar for over 15 years. When he first saw Slash playing with Guns N' Roses, he knew he had to pick up the guitar and now he can barely put it down.
Before moving to Chicago, Zach played in various rock and metal bands in the Pittsburgh area. He loves the fact that every artist and tour rolls through Chicago and goes to as many shows as he can. Along with being a guitar teacher at School of Rock in Chicago, Zach is an engineer and also writes and produces original metal songs.
Kevin
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Kevin is a seasoned music instructor with over two decades of playing experience under his belt. He is the lead singer/guitarist of his band and has written hundreds of songs in his career. Inspired by the works of Jimmy Page, John Lennon, and Kurt Cobain, Kevin's musical journey reflects a deep-seated passion for various genres, making him a versatile guitarist with an eclectic taste. Kevin has performed countless gigs and attended thousands of live performances, and this exposure has enriched his musical palette and provided invaluable insights into the craft.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Kevin shares his home with his two cats named Ringo and George. In his free time, Kevin can be found indulging in his hobbies, which include hanging out with friends, writing and recording music, riding his bike, attending concerts, and spending quality time with his feline companions. Kevin is excited to help you unleash your inner rock star!
Lily
Drum Teacher
Lily is a Chicago-born and based drummer, composer, improviser, and organizer. She was featured in the Chicago Reader as a “Chicagoan of Note” in 2023. Lily is a member of Ken Vandermark’s ensemble Edition Redux, who recently put out their debut album “Better A Rook Than A Pawn.” She has collaborated with artists including gabby fluke-mogul, Ken Vandermark, Shanta Nurullah, Dave Rempis, Ben Lamar Gay, Hannah Frances, Devon Gates, Macie Stewart, Ed Wilkerson, Lia Kohl, Katinka Kleijn, Fred Jackson, Jason Stein, Christof Kurmann, and Katie Ernst.
Lily earned a Master of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts in 2021 and received a full scholarship to participate in the Berklee Global Jazz Institute. In addition, she was part of the Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. Here she was mentored by Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, and Linda May Han Oh. Her thesis project was entitled “Music and Abolition: Creating a World Without Policing - Music’s Role in Imagination, Experimentation, and Collectivity.” Before her time at Berklee, she earned a Bachelor of Arts double major from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Sociology and Music.
Lily is one of the curators of the Option Series, a showcase of contemporary approaches to improvisation and composition held at Experimental Sound Studio. She works for the independent music cooperative Catalytic Sound as the record store manager and festival organizer. Lily was nominated as one of the Next Jazz Legacy semi-finalists in 2023.
Elijah
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Drum Teacher
Elijah is a multi-instrumentalist from Annapolis, Maryland, and currently studying music at Columbia College Chicago. Guitar is his primary instrument and he has over eight years of music experience.
Elijah's students can expect to develop rudimentary to advanced skills with rock and jazz styles.
Francesca
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Francesca is a holistic musician who has been a professionally trained classical vocalist since adolescence with further collegiate experience in jazz, pop, and rock genres. She was raised by a teacher and a gigging rock drummer, making School of Rock a perfect fit for her!
Francesca completed the music business degree program and audio production program at College of DuPage and is pursuing her bachelor's degree in music business and minoring in communication at the University of Illinois Chicago, where she also sings in the Treble and Chamber choirs. Francesca's involvement in collegiate music has included being a section leader in multiple choirs, founding and directing the College of DuPage’s select vocal jazz and contemporary ensemble Polyphony, serving as a choral music student aide, playing bass and percussion, and singing in and arranging for Jazz Combos.
Outside of performing, Francesca directs, composes, arranges, records, and produces digital music. She also collaborates with others, which is her aspiration as a musician in Chicago. As a voice instructor, Francesca is passionate about supporting and mentoring students because she recognizes that the voice is a deeply personal instrument. Her core belief is that through having an open mind, confidence, and the understanding and awareness of both the physical and mental voice, any student can reach their goals.
Francesca has over a decade of vocal experience and thorough studies in a variety of genres, theoretical concepts, time periods, and languages. She also has previous involvement in childhood education and is excited to work with the School of Rock Chicago community of musicians and share her passion for the arts.
Kreature
Vocal Teacher
Kreature is extremely enthusiastic about artistic expression and the growth of students through music. Their studio is a welcoming place for students to experiment and learn more about their skills and interests as growing musicians! From show choir to punk rock, Kreature has the range and experience to help with performance, style, and healthy vocal techniques. Kreature has been teaching voice and performance since 2019 for a variety of ages and experience levels. Much of Kreature’s experience lies in musical theatre and musical theatre performance, with their vocal training and involvement in theatre and choir beginning at 9 years old, and later including competition show choir in high school. Since their early teens, they have also been songwriting, releasing original music, and playing in rock and punk bands. They are currently attending Columbia College Chicago in pursuit of their Bachelor's in Theatre with a concentration in directing. Kreature also loves The Muppets, playing the ukulele, correcting people’s pronunciation of “ukulele”, going to local shows, and cooking for loved ones.
Ali
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Ali is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and music educator with over a decade of experience in music performance and teaching. They hold both a BA in music with a focus on jazz vocal and guitar, and a BEd in primary/junior education. Their educational background helps them create a supportive and engaging environment for students of all ages.
Ali spent years performing and collaborating in diverse musical projects in their home city of Montreal, including their alt-rock project The Leanover, and the math-rock group Fer Sher.
As a teacher, Ali focuses on the joy of expression, helping students discover their own love of music while building confidence and skills. Ali values creativity and exploration, tailoring their teaching to each student’s interests and needs.
Outside of teaching, Ali enjoys biking around the city and exploring other creative outlets like stop-motion collage animation and embroidery. Whether performing, teaching, or creating, Ali is dedicated to making music an accessible and rewarding experience for everyone.
