Our Staff

Janet Kuester teaches violin, viola and piano. She founded The Music Connection in 2004. Janet has more than four decades of experience teaching and performing. She received her music degree from DePaul University and is a certified Suzuki Piano and Violin Teacher. Janet has performed with numerous orchestras including the Illinois Philharmonic. She is a […]

Matthew Kijowski teaches piano. He has years of teaching, performing and directing experience. Matthew began playing classical music at the age of six. He has a Bachelor of Music in Worship from North Park University where he received awards for both chamber music and solo classical piano. Matthew writes music, arranges music, directs worship teams […]

Mirela Luarasi teaches piano. She is a professional pianist with over two decades of experience teaching and performing. Mirela has a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, Albania. Mirela performed as Concertmaster in classes of flute, violin, cello, and vocal performance. She has participated in International and National […]

Matt Piet teaches piano. He is a professional pianist and vocalist with over a decade of experience teaching, composing, directing and performing. Matt studied Jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston. He is an active participant in Chicago’s vibrant jazz and improvised music scene. Matt has recorded extensively and has been awarded “four stars” […]

Melinda Sondag teaches piano. She has years of experience teaching, accompanying, and performing. Mindy has a Bachelor in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University and a Master in Piano Performance from Brandon University in Canada. Mindy has performed in numerous festivals and ensembles. She is also the Orchestra Manager for The Suburban Youth Symphony […]

Matthew Barwegen teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violist with more than a decade of experience teaching and performing. Matthew has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wheaton College, a Professional Studies degree from the San Francisco Conservatory, a Master of Music in Viola Performance from Illinois State University and a Performer’s […]

Edward Eubank teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violinist with more than three decades of experience in teaching, directing, administrating and performing. Ed has a Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance, under Mr. Ki Joo Lee, at the American Conservatory of Music. He also has a Master of Arts Educational Administration degree […]

David Heise teaches violin and viola. He is a professional violist with more than two decades of teaching and performing experience. David believes in a whole-person approach to learning music. He incorporates posture training, ear training, scales, technical exercises, sight reading, music theory, and relaxation techniques in his lessons. David’s favorite aspect of teaching is […]

Carl Johnston teaches violin and viola. He has more than four decades of experience teaching and performing. Carl has both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music from the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University. Carl has taught music at numerous Chicagoland schools including the University of Chicago Laboratory School. Carl has been […]