Join us for an epic adventure in a galaxy not-so-far away… Melody Mart! Whether you're a Padawan just starting your musical journey, a seasoned Jedi returning to sharpen your skills, or a curious explorer scoping out the music galaxy — this Open House is for YOU. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for the most force-filled event of the season. YOUR Mission Details Report to base at any point during the mission window — our doors will be open, and the Force will be

Jordan Foster has been an integral part of Melody Mart for 13 years, teaching upright bass, bass guitar, and music theory to middle school students and older. With over 20 years of musical experience and an Associate of Fine Arts from South Suburban College, Jordan brings both technical expertise and a passion for music education to his students. His musical journey began in the fifth grade on euphonium. Influenced by Motown, rock, and blues, Jordan has performed in various e

We often get asked what level a student needs to be involved in our group programming or ensembles-- It usually comes to a "well it depends and we can't really define the group because it is a mixed skill-level ensemble" and usually some form of back and forth until we land on the "Come Check it out!" So we were chatting and decided we need to make an online guide for our Melody Mart's Group Program. Some Background on Musical Skill Classification In music education, skill cl

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. With 25 years of experience on the bassoon, Guadalupe has studied Bassoon Performance at Illinois State University and has been a dedicated performer with various musical ensembles,

Hector Lara Jr. is a music educator at Melody Mart and has years of experience teaching various instruments. He began his musical journey in 5th grade with the trumpet, later exploring trombone and tuba during middle and high school. His college education focused on Music Education with an emphasis on band. At Melody Mart, Hector has been a valued member of the teaching staff for the past couple of years, instructing students of all ages. His teaching repertoire includes trum

DK Bass’s musical journey began at only 7 years old and was marked by an exploration of a wide array of instruments commonly found in band and orchestra settings. With 15 years of teaching experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, DK has been a valued member of Melody Mart for approximately 4-5 years. DK has always had a passion for teaching. From an early age, DK demonstrated a keen interest in guiding others; in 8th grade, they began conducting brass sectionals

With 60 years of musical experience and a passion for teaching, Madeline Gloss has been a staple at Melody Mart for over 30 years. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Madeline brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her students. Her journey with music began over 50 years ago, first playing the clarinet and later adding the alto saxophone. Madeline’s teaching career has been shaped by her love for music and a desire to

Frank Anastos, a cherished guitar instructor at Melody Mart since 1976, has become a cornerstone of the store’s music community. His passion for guitar was ignited at age 12 when he received his first acoustic guitar as a birthday gift, setting him on a lifelong musical journey. With over 48 years of experience, Frank shares his love for music with others and holds educational credentials from Prairie State College and Roosevelt University. Influenced by legendary guitarists

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

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

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

We know that many of our students need help outside of lessons, so we've started a play-along series with our instructors that we would...