Our Staff

Ethan’s collegiate career began at William Rainey Harper College where he received an Associate of Fine Arts – Music emphasis in 2016. During his time at Harper, he studied voice with Professor

Eric Drazner holds a Bachelor of Music from the Lamont School of Music at University of Denver. He has been teaching guitar for over 15 years. In that time he has taught

Breda Barry is a gifted and experienced singer, teacher and vocal coach. A graduate from University College Cork, Ireland with degrees in Musicology, English and Education, a Diploma in Sacred Liturgy from

Alex studied jazz and classical music at Harper College for two years and received an Associates in Fine Arts Music degree. He is a licensed sound engineer. Within the last five years,

Luke Chandler received his BA in Music in 2006 from his hometown’s University of Texas at San Antonio and his MA in Music Therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. He comes

Jeff believes the vast amount of experience he has makes him a better teacher. He has written three of his own method books which he uses in teaching. His philosophy concerning teaching is that

A semi-finalist in the 2013 Wilson Center Guitar Competition, Nanae Fujiwara received her associate’s degree in Music from William Rainey Harper College. While studying with Steve Vazquez, Nanae first learned how to

For more than 20 years, Rick Jordan has been performing as a live and session, freelance trumpet artist. Rick attended Colorado State University where he studied trumpet under the acclaimed Dr. Jacob

For nearly a decade, Steve Kaiser has enjoyed working with students of all ages, skill levels, and musical interests. As an instructor, he is committed to helping each student reach his or

Steven Kidera graduated from Elmhurst College with a double major in Jazz Studies and Music Composition. He studied saxophone with Chicago jazz saxophonist Mark Colby as well as classical saxophonist Roger Birkeland.

Jenny Laabs is a talented and versatile musician and educator. She received her bachelor of Music Education degree in 1984 from Concordia University in River Forest, IL. Jenny was the grade school

I was a music teacher at Karnes Music, teaching all stringed instruments for 24 years. I also taught music at Palatine Music for 32 years, and El -Rey Music for 20 years. I

Ashley Lynd ​ has taught performing arts in the North suburbs for over 18 years, including at New Trier’s Performing Arts Summer Workshop, Edgewood Middle School, Wilmette Children’s Theatre, Northlight Theater’s Summer

I have always had a passion for music since I could remember. When my family and I moved to Chicago from New York I started playing guitar. Ever since then I’ve had

Wally Parchomenko graduated from Sherwood Music Conservatory/University of Chicago in June 1968 in Chicago, IL. He earned his bachelors in Music Education and clarinet performance as a minor. During his four years

Brad Schlueter is a professional drummer and plays regularly with several Corporate Event/Wedding bands, Jazz groups, high-energy Party Rock bands, Live Karaoke bands and Praise and Worship bands. Brad has taught private

Bob Thompson’s first musical experience was in his early teens when he decided to take guitar lessons. He developed basic fundamentals in music theory by learning to play songs and then analyzing

Mrs. Tomura, born in Japan, started taking piano and percussion lessons at the age of 3. At age 8, she became a finalist in the Yamaha Youth Piano Competition, and by age 9,

Laura Vandercar has over 20 years of teaching experience. She taught at Palatine Music Center for 19 years and is now pleased to join The Music Room in Palatine. Her teaching style

Justine Izewski attended the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana for an undergraduate degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance.  She has been teaching music privately and in a classroom since 2018.  Justine

Dan Price has been an active performer and music educator in the Chicago area for over twelve years. He attended Indiana University and the University of Georgia for a bachelor’s and master’s

Francesca Castro graduated from Berklee College of Music on a full scholarship with a double major in Performance and Contemporary Writing & Production. While being nominated by the Guitar Faculty as a