Classical

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in opera, production, and stage direction, University of California, Los Angeles
Master of Teaching in Special Education and LBS II
Bachelor of Music, University of British Columbia

dlloyd@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Voice

Classical

Popular/Jazz

Name

Dr. Dorothy Jean Lloyd

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Dr. Dorothy Jean Lloyd.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

National Association of Teachers (NATS)
The Cove School: director of music
North Park University: teacher
National Louis University: teacher
Council for Exceptional Children: member

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
Theatre, film, and travel

Favorite composer:
French repertoire—Berlioz, Debussy, Fauré, Ravel, Poulenc

Most memorable musical moment:
Performing La Morte de Cléopatra (Berlioz)

Weight

Barbara Ann Martin

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:53 +0000

Barbara Ann Martin ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Vocal training: Jim Carson, Susan Charles, W. Stephen Smith

Acting: Dawn Arnold, Michael La Tour

Audio Book Training: Sean Pratt

SAG/AFTRA

Audio Book Workshops Please go to iTunes for a complete list of my classical voice recordings & audio book recordings. https://music.apple.com/us/author/barbara-ann-martin/id257419464 AUDIBLE AUDIO BOOKS https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Barbara+Ann+Martin

Academic Title

Voice Department Chair; Voice Faculty

Anything else we should know?

I ADORE collaborating with students of all ages & all genres, to bring out the best in them! Whether it is being a church cantor, avid choral singer, musical theater aspirant, Lieder &/or Opera enthusiast, pop or folk music lover--or anything I have forgotten to mention! It is a pleasure to make music with you! As a performer, I enjoy the classics, music from The American Songbook (Cole Porter & George Gershwin especially), & contemporary classical music. (I am an avid performer of the music of the American composer George Crumb.)
I also am very interested in the "Spoken Word" & have a lively career as an audio book narrator as well. ACX COMPLETED PROJECTS https://www.acx.com/dashboard?bucket=completed AMAZON AUDIO BOOKS & CDS https://www.amazon.com ITUNES AUDIO BOOKS & CDS https://music.apple.com/us/author/barbara-ann-martin/id257419464 https://bridgerecords.com/products/9275?_pos=19&_sid=2aa9d24d7&_ss=r&mc_cid=ce3d057663&mc_eid=%5BUNIQID%5D SAG-AFTRA MEMBER AUDIBLE AUDIO BOOKS https://www.audible.com/search?searchNarrator=Barbara+Ann+Martin

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I have developed a “holistic approach” that incorporates the entire person, & not just a “segment” of his/her personality, as my philosophy of teaching has evolved throughout my 40+ years of experience. A student may come to study for a variety of reasons: to learn musical & communication skills, build repertoire, prepare for performances & auditions, seek career counseling & guidance, develop confidence & poise, experience therapy or just have fun. It is necessary to take the students where they are, & acknowledge & respect their dreams, aspirations & needs for personal development. Music is often the means to a deeper expression of a student’s life, & I have helped them to develop that expression. I have a transgender student who worked with me before, during & after her “transition.” Her musical studies were vitally important during this time, as was the encouragement that I provided when her own family did not. She continues to study with me, & values the human, as well as the vocal support that I am able to provide. Many students come to me, full of career aspirations to become Broadway “stars” but often don’t have the talent or the personality that that lifestyle would require. I never discourage my students from their dreams, but often provide “reality checks” at the proper time. One New Trier senior was very intimidated by the toughness that being in “Co-Op” required. I was overjoyed when she decided to become a forensic scientist, with music becoming a hobby. Other students have gone on to major in music in the finest conservatories & universities both here & abroad, & are making solid musical careers for themselves. All of these examples are “success stories,” and acknowledge students who have found their true life paths. Music will always be an integral part of their lives, & they will always be loyal MIC graduates. What are some of the key strategies you use in your teaching? I present growth opportunities to my students, & then I encourage them to question, to analyze, to evaluate. I encourage self-observation on physical, mental, emotional & spiritual levels, depending on the awareness of each student. I encourage them to be their own “living laboratories” as singers, as artists & as human beings. How does the vocal mechanism work? How does it connect with breathing, energy flow, alignment? How does the power of “intention” influence the shaping of a phrase, the communication with the audience? As a student is guided to ask these questions in their home practice, as well as in their lessons, a higher level of musical achievement is possible--& a deeper bond of trust is established between us. How do you know when these strategies have been successful? With the enhanced self-awareness gained through our sessions, my students experience a greater commitment to practicing & a profound joy of music making. A heightened sense of self-worth & confidence naturally follows. Often, this translates into more participation in MIC performance venues & an openness to try new repertoire & new challenges—both musical & personal. I had a student in her 20’s who was high-functioning autistic & had a severe anxiety disorder. When the possibility arose for her to go to Rome to sing for the Pope with her church choir, I encouraged her to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity. I assured her that she would be fine, that the group would protect her & that this would be an inspiring experience. She trusted my judgement, and confidently went on the trip. She came back enlightened & filled with a new joy in her faith & in her singing. What are your personal and professional goals as a teacher?

My personal goal as a teacher is to “treat” the whole person while imparting greater musical skills & knowledge. Students choose to study music for a great variety of reasons: fun, therapy, personal development, building confidence & poise, etc. Many are pursuing dreams of a professional career, or need guidance to enter the universities of their choice. I respect the aspirations of my students & strive to help them to fulfill their human & musical potential. My professional goals as a teacher always involve becoming better at my job: understanding how the voice works; how to train my students with greater effectiveness so that they can become better singers & communicators; how to learn more about vocal repertoire in all genres, so that I can share that knowledge with them; & (for those who want it) how to manage the music business & develop a career. I also have a professional goal to establish a solid reputation at MIC, so that I will attract students who will want to study with me, & who are committed to excellence. Some might become world-class artists; others, gifted amateurs-- but all would maximize their potential as singers while becoming productive members of society. We are training future philanthropists, leaders & players on our world’s stages. They will need the positive mindset & compassion that the best musical training can provide. Why have you chosen these goals? As a teacher, I am in a position to shape the productive citizens of tomorrow, not only the next generation of artists. We must have continuity with the past, in terms of our musical heritage. We are “caretakers” of a classical tradition that must be treasured & preserved. Through my encouragement of each & every student who works with me, I am laying the foundation for a more enlightened society. I have a deep spiritual commitment to bring out the best in each student, so that they may carry that “spark” of Light into a world that so desperately needs it.

Department

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.a.martin.18

Department Head

Education

Bachelor of Music, Master of Science Degrees,
The Julliard School of Music, NYC

bmartin@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sat, 07/01/1995 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Barbara Ann Martin

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

canalepictures05_005.jpg

Photo Credit

Mike Canale

Professional Affiliations & Activities

SAG/AFTRA NARAS (GRAMMYS)
NATS (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE TEACHERS OF SINGING)
TOASTMASTERS
INTERNATIONAL ACX/AUDIBLE.COM

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

A few of my favorite things…

What does music mean to you?

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music/A few of my favorite things:
I have a wide variety of personal interests, some of which include: my long-haired German Shepard (Bearitone), T'ai Chi, Toastmasters International & Public Speaking, Chinese Cuisine (to eat, not to cook!), metaphysics/mysticism, science fiction (the Mandalorian!), Emmett Fox "The Sermon on the Mount," "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, etc.

Music to me is LIFE, it is the Language of God. It is the place where we find our true selves, & where we learn to express the best that is within us.

Weight

GUID

172

Media ID

465

Willing to Teach at

Winnetka

Downers Grove

Jennifer McCormick

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:51:05 +0000

Jennifer McCormick ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:51

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Voice with Nancy Henninger, Lorian Stein-Schwaber, Corinne Ness, Jeffrey Ray
Coaching with George Tenegal, Dr. A. Kit Bridges, Margo Garrett, Nyela Basney
Acting with Michael LaTour and Michael Kotze

Awards and achievements:
2nd place: The National Society for Arts and Letters Music Theatre Competition, Evanston Chapter
Estill Voice Training System, Levels I and II
World premier recording of "Abord de l'Evening Star," 2009

Academic Title

Voice & Musikgarten Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I reach out to all types and ages of students, from child to adult, beginner to advanced, and teach them how to find confidence and beauty in their own voice with no aesthetic or stylistic bias. Through my respectful approach students deepen their sense of humanity and strengthen their character, while cultivating their musicianship and musical sophistication.

My special music interests are American Music Theatre and the works of Richard Strauss.

Courses

Private Instruction
Jazz / Popular Voice
Classical Voice
Musikgarten Classes

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Music in Voice Performance, North Park University
Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre, Carthage College

jmccormick@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sat, 09/01/2007 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Jennifer McCormick

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

JenniferMcCormick.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Professional affiliations & activities:
National Association of Teachers of Singing, member

Program Area

Early Childhood - Musikgarten

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
Backpacking, crocheting blankets for family, running, working with my church's youth group

Favorite quote:
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." --Teddy Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena, excerpted from the "Citizenship in a Republic" speech.

Favorite practice tip:
Trust that with time, everything will resolve itself, and what was once difficult will come with ease.

Favorite composer or piece to play:
Anything by Richard Strauss, Guiseppe Verdi, or Giacomo Puccini. On the music theatre side, I adore AIDA, WICKED SWEENEY TODD, KISS ME KATE, and LES MISERABLES.

Favorite musical moment:
My favorite musical moment is a personal triumph in my own journey to great musicianship. I had been working for a year and a half on the music for my graduate recital, and was alone in the practice room when in one moment, things that all of my previous voice teachers had said just "clicked," and I found I was singing this well-known music higher and more beautifully than ever before. It was the moment when I knew that all my hard work had paid off, and I was going to give the best concert of my life.

Weight

Lucia Muniagurria

ntakagi — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 15:39:57 +0000

Lucia Muniagurria ntakagi Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:39

Lucia Muniagurria has been a member of the Music Institute’s voice faculty since September 2025. She earned her bachelor of music degree in classical voice, graduating summa cum laude from Universidad Nacional de las Artes, and her master of music degree in vocal pedagogy with an emphasis in classical voice at Carthage College. She has sung with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus as a core soprano under Dr. Cheryl Frazes Hill, the Florentine Opera Chorus, and internationally with the World Youth Choir. She has appeared in productions and concerts across Argentina, the United States, and Europe, including Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and Teatro Nacional São Carlos in Lisbon. Her solo work includes performances with the Carthage Philharmonic, CAMUBA Orchestra, and numerous recital appearances. She has extensive experience as a private voice instructor and has coached children’s and youth choirs in Argentina as well as college-level singers in the United States. She has also served as a teaching assistant at Interlochen Summer Camp, leading diction, music theory, and choral sessions. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in helping singers of all ages develop healthy, sustainable vocal technique while nurturing artistry, curiosity, and joy in music-making.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Vocal Pedagogy courses with Gustavo López Manzitti and Myriam Toker 
Voice studies with Elisabeth Canis, Myriam Toker, Gustavo López Manzitti, and David Jones (New York)
Opera and Art Song repertoire with Guillermo Opitz and Pablo Manzanelli
Acting training in Stanislavski Method with Lisandro Fiks and Romina Fernández
Winner, Carthage Philharmonic Concerto Competition (2024) 
Merit Scholarship Recipient, Mozarteum Argentino (2021–2022)

Academic Title

Voice Faculty Member

Anything else we should know?

In addition to my musical career, I teach Spanish at the college level. My intercultural background enriches my teaching, helping me connect with students through both language and music.

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

As a voice teacher, I strive to help students find freedom, health, and expressivity in their singing while developing strong technical foundations. My teaching emphasizes breath management, resonance balance, and body awareness, always adapting to the unique needs of each singer. I am particularly passionate about guiding young singers in their first steps into classical voice, while also supporting singers in choral, operatic, and solo repertoire. My special interests include vocal pedagogy, diction, acting for singers, and bridging classical vocal traditions with diverse musical styles.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Music, Vocal Pedagogy (Classical Voice), Carthage College
Bachelor of Music, Classical Voice, Universidad Nacional de las Artes (summa cum laude)

lmuniagurria@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Lucia Muniagurria

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Muniagurria, Lucia pic.jpeg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Paid Core Soprano, Milwaukee Symphony Chorus (2024–present)
Soprano, Florentine Opera Chorus (2025)
Carthage Choir, Carthage College
Grupo Vocal de Difusión, Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires)
World Youth Choir (Tour in France and Portugal, 2019)
Former member of Vocal Miscelánea and Orfeón de Buenos Aires

Program Area