Adult Studies

Department Head

Off

Education

(BM) Eastman School of Music
(MM) Juilliard School
(DM) Eastman School of Music

dbaer@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Piano

Suzuki Piano

Location(s)

http://danielbaerpiano.com

Lake Forest

Name

Dr. Daniel Baer

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Baer, Daniel web pic copy.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

MTNA Young Artist Competition Coordinator Illinois
Suzuki Association of America MTNA

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

A few of my favorite things…

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

"My interests outside of music include: reading, coffee, tea, soccer, running, cooking, and being outdoors."

"I love music from the early 20th century: Karol Szymanowski, Lili Boulanger, Carlos Chavez, Paul Hindemith, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, Bela Bartok, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, and Arnold Schoenberg to name just a few! I also love to read fiction and essays about music."

"I love the piano because each pianist brings a unique personality to the instrument. You can tell who the pianist is based on the nuances of their tone and phrasing. I also love the depth, range, and variety of piano literature. There are always new composers and music to study, explore, and perform."

Weight

GUID

116

Media ID

430

Willing to Teach at

Nicole Gurt

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 23:32:13 +0000

Nicole Gurt ntakagi Fri, 08/18/2023 - 18:32

Academic Title

Sectional Leader, MIC Concert (Clarinet)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Adult Studies
MIC Concert Band Sectional leader - Clarinet

Department

Department Head

Off

ngurt@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Clarinet

Name

Nicole Gurt

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Program Area

Weight

Laura Hamm

ntakagi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:47:18 +0000

Laura Hamm ntakagi Thu, 08/24/2023 - 13:47

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Teachers that impacted her career:
Walfrid Kujala, William Bennett, and Julius Baker

She took master classes with Jean Pierre Rampal, James Galway, Doroit Dwyer.

Various performances with well-regarded organizations:
Chicago Sinfonietta, Joffery Ballet, Chicagoland Pops, and the Elgin Symphony.

Ms. Hamm was also a flutist with Trio Chicago and Friends, and had the opportunity to be a part of the touring Chamber ensemble traveling to Africa in 2004 and 2005, and Vietnam in 2005.

She has done several performance duos with her husband, George Goetschel on World Cruise Company tour, as well as performances with Larry Coryell, Nestor Torres, Michael Feinstien, Howard Levy, Chick Corea, and many more.

Academic Title

MIC Concert Band Sectional Leader - Flute

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Group Lessons
Adult Studies -
MIC Band Sectional - Flute

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master's in Music and Certificate in Performance, Northwestern University
Bachelor's Degree in Music, University of Washington

lhamm@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Flute

Name

Laura Hamm

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Ms. Hamm also has a relationship/background with various music programs around the area. She was a former member of the Goodman Theater Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, and the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble.

She is the Executive Director for the Musical Source of Chicago which is a booking agency for live musical performances

Served on the Board of Directors for Seattle and Chicago flute clubs for over ten years.

Program Area

Weight

Galina Kiep

ntakagi — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:55:07 +0000

Galina Kiep ntakagi Thu, 08/31/2023 - 15:55

Galina Kiep is a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She has been a member of the Sarasota Opera Orchestra since 2014, and has played with ensembles such as the San Diego Symphony, the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and Ballet orchestras, the Atlanta Symphony, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. She has participated in many music festivals including the Atlantic Music Festival, the Pacific Music Festival, the Colorado College Music Festival, and Music From Angel Fire. In addition to her performance engagements, she currently serves on the faculty at Carthage College, and Olivet Nazarene University.

Academic Title

Bassoon Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

My mission is to provide a comprehensive bassoon education to any dedicated to bassoonists. Whether you are interested in preparing for a professional life in music or simply looking to improve your skills, my studio has a place for you. I believe in providing a supportive environment in which we face challenges, celebrate success, and build friendships together.

Courses

Private Instruction

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

MM, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
BM, Curtis Institute of Music

gkiep@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sun, 01/01/2023 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Bassoon

Location(s)

Name

Galina Kiep

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

GalinaKieppic2022.jpg

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
I'm an avid yogi and practice every morning. I find it a wonderful compliment to balance out my professional performing and teaching life.

A few of my favorite things:
I love to bake, read a good book, and go on walks outside in all kinds of weather!

Why study music? :
You'll never be bored, and the more you progress the better it gets!

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Deborah Knowles

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 03:36:54 +0000

Deborah Knowles ntakagi Sun, 10/08/2023 - 22:36

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Awards and achievements:
Ms. Knowles' achievements stem far and wide as she has had the honor to hold some very important positions and a vast amount of exposure to different areas of music. Deborah was the principal percussionist for the Lake Forest Symphony, Light Opera Works.

She has also participated in performances with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Moscow Ballet Orchestra, and Symphony of the Shores.

Academic Title

Percussion Faculty (Jazz)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Jazz Studies
Adult Studies

Department Head

Off

Education

MM and BME Northwestern University

dknowles@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Name

Deborah Knowles

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

DebbieKatzKnowles.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Deborah also has several professional affiliations, as she has performed with the Chicago Ballet, Chicago Theater, Goodman Theater, Holiday Star Theater, and Shubert Theater.

She has also had the amazing opportunity to work and study with other artists such as: Tony Bennett, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis, Jr., Liberace, Henry Mancini, and Harry Connick, Jr. Furthermore,

Ms. Knowles is also a private teacher at Lake Forest Symphony Music School, and Lake Forest College.

Program Area

Jazz Studies

Weight

Jasmine Lin

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:04:53 +0000

Jasmine Lin ntakagi Mon, 10/02/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Naumburg International Violin Competition, 2nd prize
London International String Quartet Competition, 1st prize

Recordings:
Grammy Award, Nominee Recordings: Formosa Quartet From Hungary To Taiwan
Delos Records, 2019. Lei Liang. Luminous. New World Records, 2016. Formosa Quartet, Reiko Uchida. Gernsheim/Brahms Piano Quintets. Delos Productions, 2016. Shih-Hui Chen. Returning Souls. New World Records, 2013. Laura Schwendinger. High Wire Acts. Centaur Records, 2013. Trio Voce. In A New Light. Con Brio Records, 2013. Chicago Chamber Musicians. The Coming of Light. Summit Records, 2013. Trio Voce. Inscapes. Con Brio Records, 2010. Formosa Quartet. Formosa Quartet. EMI Classics, 2006.

Academic Title

Violin Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I want to offer the next generation of musicians and music-enthusiasts the same inspiration, support, love, and happiness that my musical mentors have given me in my musical journey.

Courses

Private Instruction
Academy Chamber Music

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

BM, Curtis Institute of Music, Indiana University

jlin@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Tue, 10/07/2014 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Violin

Location(s)

Chicago - St. James

http://www.formosaquartet.com

Name

Jasmine Lin

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

jasmine_photo.jpg

Photo Credit

Samatha Zauscher

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Formosa Quartet, violinist
Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University, adjunct faculty
NYO Canada, resident faculty
Formosa Chamber Music Festival, resident faculty

Program Area

Chamber Music

Three Questions

A few of my favorite things…

Most memorable musical moment?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

Favorite things: watermelon, opera, The Hobbit, seeing blossoms for the first time every spring

Memorable musical moment: when an audience member said to me after a concert, "You make me want to go on living."

What I love about playing the violin: it's like pulling your arm through a creamy river of chocolate

Weight

GUID

171

Media ID

511

Willing to Teach at

Academy Faculty

Megon McDonough

Educo — Sat, 06 May 2023 19:04:53 +0000

Megon McDonough Educo Sat, 05/06/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Megon McDonough Discography * Indicates original compositions + Indicates covers/other composers (1968) Don’t Jump To Conclusions / Blue Eyed Soul ~ Mercury Records (From 1972 – 1974) *Megan Music ~ Wooden Nickel Records/RCA *In The Megan Manner ~ Wooden Nickel Records/RCA *Keepsake ~ Wooden Nickel Records/RCA *Sketches ~ Wooden Nickel Records/RCA *+If I Could Only Reach You ~ North Star Records 1979 *Day by Day/Minute by Minute ~ Sirius Records 1988 *+American Girl ~ Sirius Records 1989 *+Blue Star Highway ~ Sirius Records 1993 4+1 Music Inspired by The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz ~ 1995 +My One And Only Love ~ 1998 +The Patsy Project ~ 1998 *+Spirits in the Material World ~ 2008 *+Breathe ~ In Tune Presentations 2011 *+Burnin’ Karma ~ 2016 CD’s with The Four Bitchin’ Babes Buy Me…Vol I & II ~ Rounder/Philo 1990 Fax It Charge It Don’t Ask Me What’s For Dinner ~ Rounder/Philo 1992 Gabby Road ~Shanachie 1995 Beyond Bitchin’ ~ Shanachie 1999 Compilations On a Winter’s Night When Oct. Goes Follow that Road Laugh Tracks Big League Babe Phil Oaks Compilation

Academic Title

Voice and Songwriting Faculty

Anything else we should know?

Now more than ever we need to raise our voice and song to release the Imprisoned Splendor

Available For

Online

Available Offsite

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

When I was a kid The Beatles saved my life, and I've been trying to repay them for 50 years. I believe singing songwriting and performing is a calling, not just a career. I love teaching pop, folk and rock singing and songwriting, and encourage my students to study classical technique as well. Singing and playing music is probably one of the best things we can do for our physical, mental and emotional health. And - best of all it's FUN!

Department

http://www.megonmegon.com

Department Head

Off

Education

Dr Harvey Ringle/Roosevelt Univ. Chicago, IL Douglas SuSu Mago/Evanston, IL

Instrument(s)

Songwriting

Voice

Popular/Jazz

Name

Megon McDonough

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Photo

meg_her_way_photo_1.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

SAG AFTRA AEA Mezzo – Soprano THEATRE______________________________________________________________ Parcel From America Bridge Irish Theatre of Chicago My Name Is Will Anna Shakespeare Project of Chi. As You Like It Amiens/Composer Shakespeare Project of Chi. JR Sullivan’s Hometown Holiday Self Nordloff Center, Rockford How Ringo Saved Me From A Life In The Convent Self Musical Memoir / 3 Cat Productions+ Her Way ~ Great Women Singers One woman show Overture Center, Metropolis, Wilmette, + Pure Prine Annie Viaduct Theatre Always…Patsy Cline Patsy Northlight Theatre* Quilters Lisa Northlight Theatre* Book of The Night Wishing Woman Goodman (workshop) Beehive Various roles Briar Street Theatre Beehive Various roles Japan Tour Pump Boys and Dinettes Prudie Cupp Apollo Theater *Joseph Jefferson nominated + Original / One Woman show COMMERCIALS/ TELEVISION ___________________ Upon request FILM/VIDEO __________________________________________________ Windy City Live WLS/TV Chicagoing With Bill Campbell WGN Morning News As The World Turns Day Player WGBH Boston Four Bitchin’ Babes Angel Land WCVB/ABC Principle player/Co-writer Star – Danielle Steel/Made for TV Movie/NBC vocals for Jenny Garth Beyond Bitchin’ Four Bitchin’ Babes Concert in Angel Land (Children’s DVD) Co-writer / performer INDUSTRIAL FILMS ______________________________Upon Request DISCOGRAPHY/MUSIC FOR TV __________________ Upon request SKILLS _________________________________________________Guitar, Piano, Composing/Songwriting, Percussion, Bodhran Drum, Yoga, Some Dance, MC, Voice Coach, Musical Theatre, Bicycle, Excellent Driver

Program Area

Three Questions

A few of my favorite things…

Most memorable musical moment?

Why study music?

Three Questions Answer

I love classic movies. The LIGHTING! And though they're so long and slow compared to contemporary programs, there is a certain "vibe" that comforts me, and takes me back to a beautiful place. The MUSIC in old movies is fantastic, and what inspired me as a kid. Tow if my favorites are Wuthering Heights (The original with Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier) and Rebecca - also staring Olivier! Oh - Downton Abby, The Crown and Ted Lasso for current! One of my favorite books is Memoir of a Geisha. I had the good fortune of touring Japan with the musical Beehive ~ The 60's Musical! and fell in love with the country and the people. I can only encourage people to study music, I know how difficult it can be to take the time and to PRACTICE! Everyone knows It will take time and effort, but the feeling of sitting down and playing a piece, singing a song, and playing with other musicians is - well, indescribable. It can literally change your brain, and hey, who does love that? I know changing my brain and keeping it healthy is a very good thing. Also, I like to encourage my students to give themselves the "gift of their own time" and just lean into it. It doesn't have to be perfect! And hey, in the beginning - it might sound down right awful, but if you stay with it, you will surprise yourself. It's also a great way to connect with your spiritual nature - just sayin'

Weight

GUID

174

Media ID

467

Audrey Morrison

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:04:54 +0000

Audrey Morrison ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Selected Discography for Audrey Morrison:
Chicago Jazz Ensemble- The Chicago Jazz Ensemble- Chase Music Group CMD 8052
Diva Big Band- Something's Coming- Perfect Sound PSCD-1216
Barrett Deems Big Band- Groovin' Hard- Lydia records Lydia DE-505
Barrett Deems Big Band- How D'You Like It So Far?- Delmark Records DE-472
Birch Creek Academy Band- Barnburner- Door County Voices DCV009
Bradley Williams' Original 21st Century Review- Sideways Entertainment 6-48203 2021 2-0 and 6-48203 2022- 2-9
Dizzy Gillespie/ Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra- the Symphony Sessions- Projazz CDJ 698
Lake Forest Symphony- “Liquid Melancholy” with John Bruce Yeh, clarinet ( Grammy Award Nominee ) Cedille CDR 90000 176 E
lgin Symphony Orchestra- Aaron Copland- American Classics Series- Naxos 8.559297
Chicago Chamber Orchestra- Carl Nielsen- Centaur CRC-2024

Academic Title

Trombone Faculty (Jazz)

Anything else we should know?

" The jazz program at MIC is amazing! Students play with other talented and passionate musicians from around Chicagoland. As a band director for 30 years, I know the importance of having students develop their skills in both private lessons and groups outside of their school. As a jazz parent, it's great to know that my own kids are being taught by such a talented and caring faculty. I would STRONGLY recommend this program! "
- Eric Bachman Director of Bands Emerson Middle School

Available For

Online

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Make Music | Share Music | Be Happy!

Courses

Jazz Combo, Jazz Improvisation, Summer Jazz Camps

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

M.M. in Jazz Studies, Eastman School of Music
B.M. in Music Education Eastman School of Music

amorrison@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Trombone

Location(s)

Name

Audrey Morrison

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

AudreyMorrison.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Chicago Jazz Ensemble: lead trombonist for more than 15 years
Member of the big bands of Clark Terry, Barrett Deems, and the DIVA band in New York City
National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa, Ontario; Rochester Philharmonic; Elgin Symphony: principal trombone
SHE (jazz sextet), Lake Forest Symphony: member

Audrey Morrison is the Director of Jazz Studies and jazz trombone faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago. A native of New York City, she studied under Emory Remington and Bill Dobbins at the Eastman School of Music where she received a B.M. in music education and a M.M. in Jazz Studies. While at Eastman, she received the coveted Performer's Certificate for superior performance which included a solo concerto performance with the Rochester Philharmonic.

As lead trombonist for over 15 years with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble under William Russo and Jon Faddis, she performed with legendary jazz greats including Clark Terry, Terell Stafford, Joe Lovano, Paquito D'Rivera, Steve Turre, Curtis Fuller and Joshua Redman.

She has also been a member of the big bands of Clark Terry, Barrett Deems and the DIVA band in New York City. Audrey has performed at the Chicago Jazz Festival and at jazz festivals and jazz venues in Canada, Europe and the Middle East.

As principal trombone of the National Arts Centre Orchestra ( Ottawa, Ontario ) for 6 years, the Rochester Philharmonic for 3 summers and the Elgin Symphony for 28 years, she performed with greats Yo Yo Ma, Kathleen Battle, Isaac Stern, Fredericka Van Stade, Lyn Harrell, Christopher Parkening and many others.

Audrey played for 3 years with the Velvet Brass ( Quintet ) with tubist Velvet Brown and trumpeter Susan Slaughter.

A performer and educator in both jazz and classical styles, she is currently a member of the jazz sextet SHE and the Lake Forest Symphony and teaches at North Park University.

Audrey teaches and performs with the Ravinia Jazz Mentors and at jazz programs for the Jazz Institute of Chicago ( "Women's Leadership Initiative” ) and at the summer Jazz program at Birch Creek Music Center in Door County, Wisconsin.

She is a clinician for Conn-Selmer and is an active adjudicator, clinician and soloist at high school and college jazz festivals.

Audrey is a founding member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago's "Women's Leadership Initiative" mentoring younger female jazz musicians.

Audrey composed "Kaleidosonic Suite" in 2013 for trombone soloist and concert band. She has performed this work, which includes jazz and classical movements, with the Mount Prospect Community Band, the Wilmette Community Band and the North Park University Concert Band.

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Most memorable musical moments:
Performing with the MIC Jazz Faculty with Paquito D'Rivera at NCH.

Performing with Clark Terry and former members of the Count Basie Orchestra at the Great Plains JazzCamp.

Performing with pianist Marian McPartland with the Birch Creek Academy Big Band.

Performing with Dave Brubeck at the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Performing Duke Ellington's " Black, Brown and Beige" with the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.

Performing Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" and Mahler's "Symphony #5" with the Elgin Symphony.

Weight

GUID

176

Media ID

469

Willing to Teach at

Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier

ntakagi — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:04:54 +0000

Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier ntakagi Tue, 10/03/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Studied piano technique, pedagogy and chamber music with Deborah Sobol (founding member of the Chicago Chamber musicians) for five years, post Master's degree

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Anything else we should know?

I have been amazed by the depths of music as an art. I have found it very enriching to study music and discover the individual language of each composer, their contributions to the art of composition and expansion of the abilities of the instrument.

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I enjoy teaching people of all ages and love my students with all their unique talents and individuality. I love to introduce students to the magical world of music, and give them the means to express themselves. I love to teach students who have a hunger for knowledge. Music is an oral tradition and a language, and passing down the information that was passed to us when we studied with our instructors, is a delight, responsibility and honor. I am a life-long learner myself, as I find that continuing to learn in life makes you a humble teacher and the best teacher for others.

STUDENTS: Adult students (beginners or more advanced) are welcome to study with me as well as children and teenagers. I am happy to work with students at the level they are and help them advance. I have a background in chamber music performance and coaching and also in coaching piano-duo and two-piano repertoire, performance and coaching. I have prepared high school students for successful university/conservatory auditions for many years.

I have also taught AP Music Theory and judged piano competitions, juries and auditions.

STYLE I have been brought up with classical music education. I enjoy teaching classical music, but I am also open to students who are branching out to more contemporary sources of inspiration, such as film soundtracks and genres that cross over to other styles.

Courses

Private Instruction
Piano Duo Coaching
History of the Keyboard
Piano Repertoire

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

MM, Piano Performance, DePaul University (Studied with Mary Sauer, pianist of the CSO)
BM, Piano Performance, Nikos Skalkotas Conservatory (studied with Dimitri Toufexis, of the Juilliard School of Music)
BM, Harmony, Model Conservatory

dschreier@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Piano

Location(s)

Chicago - St. James

http://devvoraphotography.com

Name

Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Papatheodorou Schreier, Devvora2.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Chicago Music Teachers National Association (CMTNA)

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

What do you love about Chicago?

Three Questions Answer

I love living in Chicago, a beautiful city with easy access to amazing artistic talent. I am grateful to all the amazing teachers who introduced me to the wonderful world of music.

Music education is a great way to channel one's feelings, thoughts, creativity and individuality. People perform music the way they live life and every one's expression is unique. I love the moments I am alone with my piano and able to study music at an always deeper level. I believe in the importance of art collaboration. Though a life-long student of painting (oil painting), the last few years I have developed my photography skills, taking classes in photography. I enjoy portraiture and nature photography and find that music can be enriched in combination with the study in another art. I list my photography site for you to enjoy the gallery of photos from over the years, just another side of my art.

Weight

GUID

217

Media ID

Willing to Teach at

Irina Polskaya

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:04:55 +0000

Irina Polskaya ntakagi Mon, 10/02/2023 - 14:04

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Anything else we should know?

I have over 40 years of professional experience as a piano teacher and accompanist. I teach kids and adults.

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Classic piano teaching

Courses

Private Instruction

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master of Arts in Music, Donetsk State Conservatory, Ukraine
Bachelor of Arts in Music - Donetsk Music College, Ukraine

ipolskaya@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 01/01/2001 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Piano

Location(s)

Lake Forest

Name

Irina Polskaya

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Irina Polskaya pic 2021.JPG

Photo

Program Area