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Boys in Guitar Class

Joliet Instructors

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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.

Creative Team

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Heather King

Studio Director, Voice, & Piano

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 [. . .]

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Caleb King

Director of Private Lessons, Guitar & Ukulele

Caleb is a musician, illustrator and writer who makes his home in Joliet with his wife Heather, children Hayden and Lincoln, French bulldog Jazz, and ornery cat Richard. Caleb has played guitar for over 25 years, extensively [. . .]

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Laci Lanclos

Enrollment Specialist & Communications

Laci is the friendly face behind enrollment at Simply Music! She’s your go-to guide for getting started on your musical journey — whether you’re a future piano prodigy or just want to play for fun.  Originally from Louisiana, Laci brings  [. . .]

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Micole Johnson

Onboarding Specialist, Administrative Assistant & Saxophone 

Micole is a musician who has been playing alto saxophone and piano for over a decade. She is also a music producer and publishing assistant with a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Audio [. . .]

Teaching Team

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Audrey Schmidt

Guitar & Piano

Audrey began her musical journey at age 9, starting with piano before moving on to trumpet and guitar. She fell in love with jazz while playing guitar in her school’s jazz band and discovered a passion for musicals while performing [. . .]

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Brianna Coser

Piano

Brianna's passion for music is evident from her years of dedication to playing the piano, violin, and cello. Her love for classical music has expanded to include soundtracks from movies like Inception and Pride and Prejudice. [. . .]

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Cadence Haase

Voice

Cadence has been a music teacher for 5 years, specializing in elementary general music and voice. Her passion for music started when she began singing in choir at age seven. She continued studying music throughout high school, [. . .]

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Carol Colonnelli

Violin, Voice, & Piano

Carol has been passionate about music since grade school. With 28 years of experience teaching kindergarten through 8th grade music, she now enjoys working with students one-on-one, helping them grow as musicians [. . .]

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Dawn Cousins

Piano & Voice

Dawn has a degree in Music Education and an Illinois Teaching Certificate. She ran a piano studio in New Lenox for over 20 years and has taught music, choir, and class piano in public schools. She's especially passionate about [. . .]

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Hannah Black

Violin, Viola & Voice

Hannah is a dedicated musician and educator with a passion for sparking creativity and excitement in her students. She strives to create an inviting environment that inspires curiosity, confidence, and growth— [. . .]

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Ian Sheppard

Voice

Ian has been singing for over 20 years and has been playing guitar for close to 15 years. He loves spending time with his wife of 3 years, his family, and friends. Ian is quick to laugh at just about anything and to ponder anything [. . .]

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Lynn Reyes

Piano

Lynn is a dedicated pianist, music educator, and composer with a lifelong passion for music. She began piano at age three, recognized early for her perfect pitch. With classical composer Franz Lehár as [. . .] 

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Mason Parker

Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass 

Mason began playing guitar at thirteen, inspired by heavy metal bands like Pantera, Lamb of God, and Metallica. His influences extend across genres, including jazz, blues, and indie. Alongside performing, Mason finds joy in teaching  [. . .]

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Mick Murray

Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass

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 [. . .]

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Nick Meadows

Guitar, Bass, Drums, & Ukulele

Nick began his musical journey at age 14, starting with piano before expanding his skills over the past seven years to include guitar, bass, drums, and flute. Through private lessons, recitals, and live performances  [. . .]

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