OUR Piano & Voice  Instructors

Esperanza is a versatile and accomplished flutist with 14 years of experience performing in various ensembles throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Her extensive experience includes playing with orchestras, wind ensembles, Mariachi bands, and chamber groups. Esperanza has also been teaching flute and piccolo for nine years, working with students across different music organizations in Chicago before joining Melody Mart.

 

Esperanza's journey as a flutist began at Bremen High School, where she discovered her passion for music. She then pursued her B.A. in Music at the University of Illinois at Chicago, specializing in Flute Performance and Musicology. Currently, she is continuing her graduate studies in music.

 

As a teacher, Esperanza adopts a holistic approach to teaching flute. Drawing on her academic background, she incorporates historical context, form and analysis, ear training, and theory into her lessons alongside instrumental techniques. She aims to provide her students with a well-rounded music education that enables them to develop their skills and deepen their appreciation of music. In her free time, Esperanza creates a music resource blog aimed at supporting nervous musicians. She also composes and records her own music, demonstrating her creativity and commitment to the art of music.

​

Instruction offered on Mondays 

Isaih (tenor-countertenor) is an educator, musician, director and singer who has an esteemed passion and earnest desire in teaching music instruction to all ages and backgrounds. Mr. Brown has a strong dedication to and the enjoyment of music making.

Mr. Brown received his Associates in Fine Arts degree in music performance (voice) from South Suburban College and later received his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago.

Mr. Brown takes great pride and joy in inspiring his students to reach and develop a further understanding of their human voice, by way of guiding them through basic vocal function in a fun and exciting way

His specialties include, gospel vocal music and technical practices, classical and operatic music and CCM vocal styles (e.g., R&B, Jazz, Blues, Pop, etc.).

 

Instruction offered on Mondays & Fridays

June has taught piano for over 40 years.  She has a BA in music from NIU and a MAT in education from Olivet.  She loves seeing children find the joy of creating music and developing their skills to grow as musicians. She decided to join the Melody Mart family and continues to share the joys of music with many students. She provides a fun and inviting approach to learning music.

​

Instruction offered on Mondays & Tuesdays

Leslie has been playing piano since age 5.  Since that age, her love for music has pushed her to learn organ, clarinet, voice, and violin.  From singing in the church choir and playing for services to conducting the choir and orchestra, Leslie is always involved in music at church.  In 1993 she began teaching piano lessons in Chicago Heights and the surrounding areas.  In 2017, Leslie completed her B.A. in music education from Trinity Christian College.  Leslie became part of the Melody Mart family in March of 2020 and finds much joy teaching all her students

 

Instruction offered on

Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 

Mark Cannek is a piano teacher who is truly passionate about music and eager to use her own musical skill and experience to foster her students'  knowledge. She uses a teaching approach that is both fun and  versatile to ensure that her students' receive a solid musical foundation. Her instruction methods include elements of theory, performance, and technique. 

​

Instruction offered on Saturdays

Ashley Beck is a piano teacher who is truly passionate about music and eager to use her own musical skill and experience to foster her students'  knowledge. She uses a teaching approach that is both fun and  versatile to ensure that her students' receive a solid musical foundation. Her instruction methods include elements of theory, performance, and technique. Before receiving her B.A. from the University of Illinois at Chicago, she studied music at a collegiate level at Illinois Wesleyan University where she received a four year scholarship for Piano Performance and received musical training for a semester in  Paris, France at the Schola Cantorum. She was also co-founder and piano accompanist for Illinois Wesleyan's first gospel choir. Ashley has a considerable performance background and has received awards for original compositions. She is extremely enthusiastic about music and teaching!     

​

Instruction offered on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays

Davis is a multi-talented musician who began his musical journey at the age of 5 at Melody Mart. Although he started with piano, he has since focused his teaching on piano and mallet instruments exclusively. Davis has been playing piano for over 18 years and is skilled in playing a wide range of mallet instruments such as the Marimba, Xylophone, and Vibraphone.

 

Davis is an experienced and friendly teacher who connects well with his students, especially with children. He strongly believes that passion is essential to learning music, and his youthful exuberance will have his students looking forward to every lesson. He conducts both individual and group lessons that focus on piano and mallet instruments. His goal is to help his students achieve their musical aspirations by sharing his knowledge and love of music with them.

 

Apart from teaching, Davis is also in charge of setting up for events and making sure group programs are ready at Melody Mart. He takes pride in his work and is known for his attention to detail.

 

With his talent and passion for music, Davis is an inspiration to his students and colleagues alike. He strives to help each student reach their full potential, no matter their age or skill level.

​

Instruction offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays 

Madai's passion for music began at the age of 10. She is a classically trained flutist and doubles as a pianist. Madai is currently studying for a B.A. in Music Therapy, and believes music has the power to heal and is significant in self-expression. Madai's primary focus has been Early Childhood, as she believes music is vital to child development. As a former tutor in an elementary school setting, Madai's multi-disciplinary approach to teaching basic music skills ensures her students' needs and goals are met. She aspires to instill a love for music while creating a fun, safe and educational environment.

​

Instruction offered on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturdays

Jordan began her musical journey as a student of Melody Mart in 2007, and Melody Mart is proud to have had Jordan teaching for us since 2017. Jordan also performs in and coaches Melody Mart's Adult Jam Band Club, and directs the Little Mozarts program. She is committed to sharing her love of piano with even the youngest of aspiring musicians. Jordan values the importance of musical education, and enjoys encouraging students to embrace learning and have fun along the way! 

​

Instruction offered on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday