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Lessons Classes Shows
779 379 2437
Joliet Campus
Heather K
Studio Director, Piano & Voice
Joliet
Heather has been teaching piano and voice for over twenty years and is passionate about empowering students to boldly embrace their love of music, which is the mission of Simply Music.
She and her husband Caleb performed more than 1000 live shows with their band Daniel's Window for much of the past two decades.
In her role as studio director, Heather is committed to giving each studio family a warm, loving environment where students can thrive.
Heather loves Starbucks, scary movies, Stephen King novels, and travel and resides in Joliet with her husband Caleb and two children, Hayden and Lincoln.
Mick M
Guitar & Ukulele
Joliet
Mick has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He loves spending time with his three children and wife of 15 years.
For over a decade, he has been the worship pastor at Crossroads Christian Church in Joliet, where he leads the church's music programs and works with area musicians on a weekly basis.
Mick is always quick with a dad joke, and he thinks most clearly with copious amounts of coffee.
Some of his favorite musicians include Jack Johnson, Damien Jurado, and Bon Iver.
Jennifer B
Voice
Joliet
Mezzo-soprano Jennifer has been teaching music in various locations for over 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education from North Central College, a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University, and post-grad studies in Bodywork for Singers, Singing Voice Therapy, and Estill Voice Method. Currently, Jennifer teaches Classical and Musical Theater Voice, and is the director of the Opera Workshop ensemble at North Central College.
Jennifer believes in empowering students with a whole-body approach to singing, including a large emphasis on vocal health and longevity. She ensures that her students have a safe place for goal-setting, challenges, exploration, and self-discovery.
When not teaching, Jennifer is proud to be a part of the Chicago opera community. She is the Alto section leader at First United Methodist of LaGrange, and she is on the artistic board of New Moon Opera in Chicago. In 2019 she was given best-of-year accolades by Vocal Arts Chicago, for her performance in the US premier of John Plant’s I will fly like a bird with Thompson Street Opera (which you can catch on iTunes and Spotify!)
Jennifer is a huge fan of her morning cold brew, listening to music all day, reading, and playing card games with her family. She has two music-loving children (Rebecca and Aiden), and lives with her spouse Tracey and their pets (Bolt and Poppy) in Minooka. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Danny S
Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Violin, & Voice
New Lenox & Joliet
Danny just finished his degree from University of Missouri with his Bachelors in Music Education with a piano and vocal emphasis, where he studied under International Professional Concert Pianist Peter Miyamoto and Professional Tenor Vocalist Steven Tharp. Danny was a two-time recipient of the Jan Blanchowicz Piano Award and the accompanist for the University Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale. Danny also was a soloist in the University A capella group and Glee Club. Danny had experience conducting, composing, and arranging choral works for all voices under Dr. Brandon Boyd.
Danny also plays violin, guitar, and the ukulele. He currently resides in Joliet, and plans to continue to teach, perform, and compose as much as possible. Danny believes music belongs to everyone, and everybody should have the resources necessary to allow them to study music.
Some of Danny’s hobbies include the gym, chess, and hiking. His dream is to visit all of the national parks over the course of his life.
Darin A
Drums, Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Guitar
Joliet
Darin discovered his passion for music at a very early age and began playing instruments seriously at the age of 10. His main instruments are guitar, bass, and drums.
Darin is a proud father of four and loves spending time going to the park, hiking, and playing games with his children. He can appreciate any style of music but his favorite genres are folk, alternative/rock, and indie.
According to Darin: “I want to inspire and encourage people of all ages to grow musically. My goal is to understand what my students are hoping to get out of their time with me and craft a plan from that. I want my students to be able to take what they’re learning and use it practically during the course of their lives."
Hannah B
Kindermusik, Voice, Ukulele & Guitar
New Lenox & Joliet
Hannah is currently working toward her degree in Digital Audio Recording Arts at the University of St. Francis. She plays the guitar and ukulele and has a passion for music composition and singing.
From years of choir, involvement in many school musicals, performing in church as well as school rallies and assemblies, music has followed Hannah wherever she goes. Her favorite artists consist of Taylor Swift, Stacy Kent, and Jack Johnson.
“I grew up in a very musical family. Some of my fondest memories happened when I was very young, singing and dancing and laughing with my family around the piano. I believe Kindermusik and music lessons embody this joyful and unique experience and I feel passionate and excited to share this experience with children!“
About Us
We are a small and supportive team of passionate music educators, who believe wholeheartedly in creating outstanding musical experiences for each of our students. We want to educate, inspire and excite our students by teaching good technique, tailoring lessons to each student’s personality and preferences, and preparing students for opportunities to perform for friends, family and our community.
Joy D
Piano
New Lenox
Joy has been playing piano for close to 20 years and has been in education for over 10 of those years. Joy plays multiple instruments and has toured the US and Palestine with their college orchestra.
With a background in social services and education, Joy believes in the importance of establishing connection with students and incorporating students' interest into lessons. Some of Joy's best memories in music are of teachers believing in and encouraging them to let themselves shine through their music.
Joy's favorite city is Chicago, but they also love the peace and tranquility of nature, particularly waterfalls, which they chase every chance they get.
A nerd through and through, some of Joy's favorite things to do include analyzing Steven Universe characters, watching "The Great British Bake-Off," studying biology and chemistry, and of course, listening to and playing music. Joy is a nursing student, spouse, and parent, and will never turn down a good coffee.
New Lenox Campus
Danny S
Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Violin, & Voice
New Lenox & Joliet
Danny just finished his degree from University of Missouri with his Bachelors in Music Education with a piano and vocal emphasis, where he studied under International Professional Concert Pianist Peter Miyamoto and Professional Tenor Vocalist Steven Tharp. Danny was a two-time recipient of the Jan Blanchowicz Piano Award and the accompanist for the University Wind Ensemble and Concert Chorale. Danny also was a soloist in the University A capella group and Glee Club. Danny had experience conducting, composing, and arranging choral works for all voices under Dr. Brandon Boyd.
Danny also plays violin, guitar, and the ukulele. He currently resides in Joliet, and plans to continue to teach, perform, and compose as much as possible. Danny believes music belongs to everyone, and everybody should have the resources necessary to allow them to study music.
Some of Danny’s hobbies include the gym, chess, and hiking. His dream is to visit all of the national parks over the course of his life.
Dawn is still working on her selfie! Check back soon for her picture!
Brooke B
Violin
New Lenox
Brooke fell in love with playing violin and learning music when she was eight years old. She participated in orchestras throughout her youth, including Lincoln-Way Youth Strings, Lincoln-Way High School Orchestra, and Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra. Brooke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Media Production from Ball State University and played in the university symphony orchestra (BSSO) for her four years there. Currently, Brooke is pursuing her MBA from DePaul University.
Her enthusiasm for music unleashed a passion for being creative, leading Brooke to a vibrant career in marketing as a content specialist. While her chosen occupation is not music, she uses violin as an outlet to unwind and have fun.
Brooke's favorite hobby is portrait photography. She most enjoys hanging out with family in her spare time, cooking delicious plant-based recipes, getting her lift on in the gym, and being in the sunshine.
Sydnee S
Kindermusik & Voice
New Lenox
Sydnee graduated from Bob Jones University in 2019, with a bachelors degree in vocal performance. She is classically trained and loves to share her love of music with others.
From the fourth grade and all through college, Sydnee has been involved in play performances, opera workshops, aria competitions, NATS, and competitive solo and choral ensembles. Throughout her college experience, Sydnee has been able to travel to Europe, be a featured soloist in Dan Forest's "Requiem for the Living", and perform at Carnegie Hall.
Sydnee also enjoys playing sudoku, teaching, and listening to music. Some of her favorite artists are Kathleen Battle, Renée Fleming, Jesse Norman, Adele, Barbra Streisand, Etta James, Andrea Bocelli, Cynthia Erivo, and Jessie J.
Dawn C
Piano & Voice
New Lenox
Dawn has a degree in music education and an Illinois Teaching Certificate in Music. She had a piano studio in New Lenox for over 20 years and has taught general music, choir and class piano in the public schools. She also is passionate about bringing music to students with disabilities.
Dawn resides in New Lenox with her husband, youngest daughter and two crazy dogs. She loves a good home improvement project, upcycling furniture and great thrift stores. There is no music she won’t listen to, but some of her classical favorites are Bach and Brahms. According to Spotify, Jason Aldean is her most listened to country artist but her playlist also includes Tame Impala, Ozzy Osborne, Ramsey Lewis Trio and Prince, to name a few.
Dawn loves the challenge of connecting with each student and finding out how to make music come alive to them at their level. Her ultimate goal is to give students a life-long appreciation of music.
Hannah B
Kindermusik, Voice, Ukulele & Guitar
New Lenox & Joliet
Hannah is currently working toward her degree in Digital Audio Recording Arts at the University of St. Francis. She plays the guitar and ukulele and has a passion for music composition and singing.
From years of choir, involvement in many school musicals, performing in church as well as school rallies and assemblies, music has followed Hannah wherever she goes. Her favorite artists consist of Taylor Swift, Stacy Kent, and Jack Johnson.
“I grew up in a very musical family. Some of my fondest memories happened when I was very young, singing and dancing and laughing with my family around the piano. I believe Kindermusik and music lessons embody this joyful and unique experience and I feel passionate and excited to share this experience with children!“
Lloyd E
Guitar & Ukulele
New Lenox
Lloyd has been playing guitar for thirty-five years. It’s a family tradition: his grandfather, father, and son all play guitar. He loves spending time with his wife, Summar, son Dylan, and their two dogs, Annabelle and Clifford.
When he’s not playing guitar, he’s spinning records from his fairly large record collection. Some of the music that gets played quite a lot includes the Beatles, Wilco and Tom Petty. He also collects old media like 8 track tapes, and loves a good bike ride.
Lloyd says that he loves the way music inspires students: “My hope is that students feel the way I do about expressing themselves through their instrument. I enjoy it when students have epiphanies about how they can play something that elicits an emotional response from an audience.”
Carrie A
Voice, Piano, Guitar, & Drums
New Lenox
Carrie is a performer and a teacher, and currently is available to teach voice, guitar, piano, and drums. Her favorite instrument to play is the piano, and her musical influences range from jazz to pop, and everything in between!
If you don’t find Carrie playing or writing music you will probably find her doing one of her two other favorite things! She may be hiking on a trail with her husband, or whipping up a decaf espresso drink to enjoy on her patio!
In Carrie's words,“Music education and performance isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding joy in every new note and piece you play and sharing that joy with those around you!"
Rodney M
Piano, Violin, & Viola
New Lenox
Rodney attended Homewood-Flossmoor Community High School. While there, he was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He graduated from Illinois State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree. Some of his most memorable experiences include marching at Soldier Field and touring abroad in Spain and France.
Currently involved with several local community bands, such as the Joliet American Legion Band, Joliet Symphony Orchestra, Joliet Junior College’s Community Band and Percussion Ensemble, Rodney can be found performing more than 30 times a year. A fan of musical theatre, he can also be seen (or heard rather) playing with some of the local community theaters.
Veronica F
Piano
New Lenox
Veronica has been playing piano for over 14 years. She has played at the House of Blues in Disney Springs and was also offered the chance to play at Carnegie Hall.
Veronica enjoys reading and arranging music in her free time. She owns a piano, violin, viola, guitar, harmonica, xylophone, and flute. She hopes to build a bright future for kids by pursuing a degree in social work.
She currently resides in Lockport.