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New Lenox 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
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 Recording Arts and a Master's in Business [. . .]

Teaching Team

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Alexis Hart

Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, & Ukulele

Alexis has been playing trumpet for 16 years and has spent the past 7 years as a band director and music teacher in public schools. When she’s not teaching, you’ll likely find her in one of three places: [. . .]
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Claire Athern
Drums & Bass
Claire has been playing drums since she could hold drumsticks. Whether behind a brass ensemble or a blues band, she keeps the rhythm steady. With years of formal instruction and a deep passion for music, [. . .]
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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 [. . .]
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Dylan Lee
Voice
Dylan is a student-focused instructor and musician who believes in teaching both music and the life skills it inspires. His student-centered approach ensures each learner receives a meaningful and [. . .]
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Emma Forbes
Kindermusik & Musical Theater
Emma is a passionate performer and educator who has been involved in the arts for most of her life, performing in more than 30 musicals. She recently earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre[. . .]
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Hannah Black
Piano, 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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Jennifer Corp
Musical Theater
Jennifer is a passionate music educator with over 20 years of experience teaching junior high choir and music. She holds a Masters Degree in  Education from VanderCook College of Music. Throughout her 20+ year[. . .]
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Jim Holton
Drums & Percussion
Jim is a drummer/percussionist with over 40 years experience as a performer and educator. He holds a B.A. degree in music education from DePaul University in Chicago. While at De Paul, he studied drums and mallet  [. . .]
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John Falsey
Piano
John has been playing piano for 16 years and is also an accomplished guitarist. While Coldplay is one of his biggest musical influences, he draws inspiration from many genres. Outside of teaching, he enjoys writing original songs  [. . .]
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Kim Rothstein
Piano
Kim has been playing the piano since she was seven years old, and music has been a constant source of joy in her life. She loves all types of music, but her favorite artists are The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and Gracie Abrams.  [. . .]
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Kristy Kollner
Piano
Kristy has been playing piano for over 20 years. She has a fur baby Dora who’s a mini goldendoodle, but thinks she’s a Great Dane! During the day Kristy works with technology at a software and incentive company.   [. . .]
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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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Miguel Heredia
Violin, Viola, Cello & Double Bass
Miguel's philosophy of teaching is simple. "Create a space where students can have an education in music, through structured fun, and a confident state of mind." ​After playing violin for 11 years from elementary through high school, Miguel [...]
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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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Rodney McCalister
Violin, Viola, Piano, & Drums
As a former member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Homewood - Flossmoor Community High School, Rodney developed a passion for playing music that has stayed with him throughout his career. [. . .]
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Sydnee Swanson
Piano, Voice, & Sax
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, [. . .]
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