Meet The Piano Instructors

As a musician, educator, and business owner, my passion and creativity serve as a conduit into what I consider my life's work: to lift creatives-- especially historically marginalized creatives-- to their highest potential.

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Instruction offered on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 

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!     

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Instruction offered on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays

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. 

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Instruction offered on Saturdays

Jayneisha prides herself on making her lessons fun, interactive, and informative. She likes her students to choose what music style they prefer in order to keep each student interested in what they're learning. She will always have you leaving with a smile!

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Instruction offered on Wednesdays & Saturdays  

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Davis began his musical career right here at Melody Mart the age of 5. Piano was his first love, but Davis has mastered other instruments like the Marimba, Snare Drum and the Steel Drum. Music has taken Davis all over the world, and performing in those countries serves as his proudest musical accomplishment. Davis believes passion is instrumental to learning piano, and his youthful exuberance will have his students looking forward to every lesson.

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Instruction offered on Wednesdays & Thursdays 

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 

Isaih (tenor-countertenor) is an aspiring 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

Jordan Hawken has been a classically trained pianist since 2007 and Melody Mart is proud to have had Jordan teaching for us for nearly two years. Jordan also performs in and coaches Melody Mart's Adult Jam Band Club. She is committed to sharing her love of piano with even the youngest of aspiring musicians. She values the importance of musical education and enjoys encouraging students to embrace learning and have fun along the way. 

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Instruction offered on Saturdays

Madai Juarez is a classically trained flutist that doubles as a pianist. She is currently working in her B.A. in Music Therapy. Madai's uses music as healing while teaching core music skills. She takes a multi-disciplinary approach to her teaching and makes sure to accommodate students and their needs. She hopes to instill a love for music in every single one of her students. 

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She teaches on Saturdays

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.

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Instruction offered on Tuesdays & Saturdays