Matthew Gallagher (he/him) is a banjo player and educator with 22 years of picking, gigging, and jamming across bluegrass, newgrass, and beyond.

John, with over 35 years of experience teaching bass guitar, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to his instructional book, "EADG 4," recognized for its concise and effective format in developing aspiring bassists into skilled musicians.

Jordan Foster, a seasoned musician and instructor at Melody Mart, imparts his extensive expertise in electric and upright bass to students of every skill level.

Guadalupe Esquivel Jr. is an accomplished musician with a rich background in woodwind performance, specializing in bassoon. He began his musical journey in the 5th grade with the clarinet and has since expanded his expertise to include bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, oboe, and English horn.

Madeline Gloss, an esteemed clarinet and saxophone instructor with decades of experience as a Band Director, offers expert and engaging private lessons at Melody Mart, sharing her passion for music and fostering excellence in her students.

"You play music how you live life," underscores his holistic view of music education. He teaches a range of genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and R&B, and encourages students to bring their instrument, notebook, and pencil to lessons.

Scott Bonshire, an accomplished drummer with decades of experience on drums.

Ali Campbell is a vocalist, flutist, and educator with 15+ years of music-making and a student-first approach grounded in her dual training in music and social work.

Al is a highly accomplished and personable violin and fiddle instructor with over five decades of experience, offering tailored lessons in classical violin and country fiddling to students of all ages and skill levels at Melody Mart.

Esperanza, an accomplished flutist with extensive performance experience, combines her passion for music with holistic teaching methods to empower her students' musical journey.

DK is a versatile and experienced multi-instrumentalist, educator, and Band and Orchestra sales liaison, offering expert instruction in woodwinds, brass, and beginning strings while providing valuable musical guidance and support for students of all ages and skill levels.

Franks has a B.A. from Roosevelt University. He has been entered in the Rich Central High School Hall of Fame for music and teaching. He has been teaching at Melody Mart since 1976 and has become a local legend of a guitar. He enjoys rock, blues, and Jazz.

With over six years of musical experience, Diane brings a thoughtful, student-centered approach to beginner guitar education. She combines strong educational foundations with a passion for helping students grow both musically and personally.

Kendall Carter is a dedicated music educator and versatile musician with a lifelong passion for guitar and music.

June Schmidt, an experienced piano teacher with over 40 years of teaching experience, delights in guiding students ages 4 and up to discover the joy of music and develop their musical skills through a fun and inviting approach to learning.

Mark Cannek is a dedicated piano teacher committed to nurturing musical passion and knowledge through engaging and versatile instruction.

Ashley Beck, a dedicated piano teacher, utilizes her passion and extensive musical background to provide engaging and comprehensive instruction, fostering her students' musical growth with a fun and versatile approach.

Leslie Raich, a passionate and experienced piano instructor with a diverse musical background, offers engaging lessons for students ages 6 and up, drawing from her lifelong love for music and extensive teaching experience.

Jim Schutters (he/him) is a pianist, composer, and educator with 45+ years of experience. Raised in Melody Mart’s own lesson studios, he went on to perform in jazz bands, choirs, praise & worship groups, and as a country-club and fine-dining soloist. Jim specializes in stride, classical, jazz, and hymn arrangements.

Davis is a versatile musician and dedicated educator specializing in piano and mallet instruments, inspiring students with his passion and exuberance for music.

Her teaching motto, “Learning starts from the inside; teachers help find the kindle and give it the spark it needs to burn bright,” reflects her student-centered approach.

Gary is a dedicated music educator with over a decade of experience, inspiring young musicians at Melody Mart to reach their full potential and discover the joy of music within a vibrant and supportive community.

Hector Lara, a dedicated musician and experienced Band Director, brings over a decade of expertise in tuba and euphonium performance, along with a deep commitment to arts education.

Anokyewaa Oppong Wadie, a passionate and dedicated violinist with nearly 12 years of experience, offers dynamic and personalized instruction in violin and beginning viola, fostering growth and development in a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Canisha Russ (she/her) is a Chicago native with deep roots in community arts with 12 years of study and performance rooted in R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Gospel, and Jazz.

Amanda Weichinger is a multi-instrumentalist and educator with 35+ years of musicianship on saxophone, clarinet, flute, and ukulele. A first-call section leader and versatile doubler, she’s performed in concert and jazz bands, saxophone quartet, community band, and Bel Canto community choir, and has spent many seasons in the orchestra pit for musical theatre.