Mary Cannek is one of our longest standing music instructor at Melody Mart with a rich history spanning over 50 years. Mary's lifelong passion for music began in grade school when she first picked up the accordion, an extremely. Her early music education was deeply influenced by her family's musical background, with her mother being an avid singer and her uncle playing the mandolin. Mary's teaching journey started unexpectedly when she helped a young student play the organ co

Liz Limon began her musical journey as a young band and church choir member at the age of 9. Over the years, she has explored a diverse range of instruments including saxophone, guitar, piano, bass, vihuela mexicana, violin, and drum set. With 10 years of musical experience and a Bachelor's in Music Education, Liz has recently joined Melody Mart and teaches students aged 5 and up. At Melody Mart, Liz instructs on an extensive array of instruments such as flute/piccolo, Bb cla

Daniel Gayden is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter and drummer, holds a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University. With 15 years of drumming experience, Daniel began his musical journey at the age of 10. His life's mission is to spread love and humanity through music, which is reflected in his teaching philosophy. Daniel creates a positive and engaging learning environment, believing that students should learn music that feeds their energy and spirit. He emphasizes t

Davis Young has 20 years of experience with the piano and 15 years with percussion. He teaches percussion, piano, and music theory at Melody Mart, where his musical journey began at age 5 with the piano and expanded to percussion at age 10. Inspired to share his extensive musical experiences, Davis teaches to connect with others through music. His favorite book is "Oh, the Places You’ll Go" by Dr. Seuss. Professionally, Davis has played various instruments, including the pian

Gary Weisenberger has been a part of the Melody Mart family since 2017. With a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) from Illinois Wesleyan University and 15 years of teaching experience, Gary has an extensive background in music. He began playing music at the age of 10 and has since played numerous instruments. Gary has participated in various musical ensembles and performance groups, including the Homewood Flossmoor Community Band, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni Band

Scott Bonshire is a musician with over 49 years of experience in recording and live performing. He is also a dedicated music educator, having taught for over 39 years. Scott began his music career in 1965, influenced by rock, jazz, funk, and R&B, and inspired by drummers like Danny Seraphine and Steve Gadd. Active since the 1980s, he worked as an in-house musician at The Hyatt Oakbrook, Hyatt O'Hare, and Nick's Fishmarket during the Club Era. He has performed at corporate eve

I always, always recommend students, musicians, and performers to attend as many performing events as they can; because it is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a musician. To me, this is an extension to of one of our other programs. Anyways, Open Mic nights at Melody Mart are low-pressure events for students of Melody Mart and our community where developing artists can experiment with new material, receive constructive feedback, and connect with fellow musicia

We are thrilled to share the wonderful success of our 2024 Open House event with you! On May 07, our community came together for an unforgettable day of music, fun, and connection. Here's a recap of the highlights: A Musical Journey: Passport to Music Our musical petting zoo was the start of our open house-- Guests of all ages enjoyed the hands-on experience of exploring different instruments. It was a joy to see the excitement and curiosity as participants experimented with

Melody Mart stands out from other music shops through its comprehensive approach to music education, exceptional community focus, and unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike other music stores, we offer a wide range of tailored programs, including our unique exploratory program, private lessons, and group classes, all led by passionate and experienced instructors. Our inclusive environment and personalized customer service create a welcoming space for musicians of all ages a

Music Theory Game Time transforms learning music theory into an engaging experience by reimagining classic games