Our Staff

Zac Emry has been playing and performing on Bass and Guitar for 12 years, and has spent that time spanning many genres from jazz, funk fusion, 70s and 80s rock, to prog and math rock. Zac has played some cool stages in the City of Chicago, Including: The Metro, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Reggies, and many […]

Tom holds degrees in Vocal Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University and Music Education from Northeastern Illinois University. He has substantial experience teaching private lessons throughout the Chicagoland area in voice, guitar, piano, and woodwinds. He also performs throughout the Chicagoland area as a soloist and in the 90’s rock cover band, Minus Montgomery.

Ricky is a multi-instrumentalist, specializing in guitar, electric bass, ukulele and drum kit. He has been teaching for about 7 years. He has been performing in the Chicagoland area for 16 years. He received his Associate’s in music from Harper College in 2015. Ricky is an instructor with a keen eye for detail who is […]

Nan Lambertz-Schager is a classically trained soprano and pedagogue originally from South Dakota. They hold a Bachelors degree in voice performance from the University of South Dakota, and Masters degrees in Voice Performance and Voice Pedagogy from Syracuse University. Their varied performance background includes choral ensembles, operas, musicals, as well as solo work throughout their […]

Mel has a strong background in education, with 15 years in the Catholic school system as the head music teacher for K-8th Grade. He maintains a teaching style rooted in understanding and patience. He works hard to make learning an instrument a fun and rewarding experience for all students.

Matt Tatone is a multi instrumentalist with an engaging and dynamic personality specializing in Vocals, Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele. He has a BA in Vocal Performance and Theatre from University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. He’s performed on many stages across Minneapolis and Chicago in musicals, plays and comedy shows. His favorite role was playing […]

Singer-songwriter and teacher Lizzi Trumbore crafts catchy jazz-infused pop songs with a colorful and profound twist. Her breezy and emotive voice, rhythmic drive, and unadulterated lyrics create a captivating and unique musical experience. Growing up in the San Diego jazz scene, she draws influence from contemporary and Brazilian jazz, folk, R&B, and pop music. Her […]

Khahari is a classically trained vocalist and pianist from the south suburbs of Chicagoland, and is now based in Chicago, Illinois. Earning her undergraduate degree in Music Performance from North Central College, she has been involved in a number of vocal jazz and classical performances with opera roles such as Papageno, “Die Zauberflöte,” Thomas Bouché, […]

Joe has over seven years experience teaching both kids and adults. He has played in bands for 25 years, spanning various genres. Joe has also been a long time collaborator with the dance company Khecari, creating percussion music for contemporary dance. Joe loves teaching and tries to instill his passion into the learning process.

James is a multi-instrumentalist adept at teaching guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, dobro, mountain dulcimer, and harmonica. He has over 15 years of experience playing and teaching music professionally in Chicago. He is a founding member of the internationally touring band The Henhouse Prowlers.

Jacob has been teaching a wide variety of instruments, styles and levels for over 10 years as well as maintained an active performance schedule. He believes that studying music at all ages and levels is an important part of being an educated individual and developing a lifelong appreciation for all types of music. His teaching […]

Lobo has had a passion for playing in bands for 19 years. He received a B.A. in music with a focus in recording technology, and has since run his own recording studio and toured the U.S. and Canada. As a self-taught drummer, he believes that you never stop being the student, and continues to take […]

Eric Woody Eric is a pianist/keyboard player and teacher whose musical journey has taken him around the world and exposed him to countless musical styles. He began studying classical piano at the age of five and then began to explore jazz in high school, leading him to study jazz piano performance at Columbia College Chicago. […]

Dave is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in guitar, bass and ukulele. He has 15 years of experience playing guitar and performing in bands in a wide range of styles including rock, soul, funk, country, hip hop, and jazz. His teaching approach focuses on the joy of musical expression while highlighting important musical concepts along the way. […]

Cathie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Master of Music (performance major) from Northern Arizona University. Although she is classically trained, she loves all musical styles and genres. She also loves teaching and performing and has years of experience as