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New Lenox Instructors

We are a small and supportive team of passionate music educators, who believe wholeheartedly in creating outstanding musical experiences for each of our students. We want to educate, inspire and excite our students by teaching good technique, tailoring lessons to each student’s personality and preferences, and preparing students for opportunities to perform for friends, family and our community.

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Heather King

Studio Director

Heather has been teaching piano and voice for over twenty years and is passionate about empowering students to boldly embrace their love of music, which is the mission of Simply Music. She and her husband [. . .]

Ben Johnson

Guitar & Ukulele

Ben Johnson has been playing guitar for about 14 years. When he is not immersed in his music, Ben likes to spend his time playing video games, driving around with his friends, and flying [. . .]

Bethany Sluis

Piano, French Horn, Trumpet

Euphonium, Tuba, & Trombone

Bethany is a dedicated and skilled musician with 13 years of experience playing the French horn and 10 years with the trumpet. For the past 7 years, she has been teaching [. . .]

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Brian Pavlak

Voice, Piano, Electric Bass,

Violin, Viola, Cello, & Double Bass

Brian has extensive experience teaching and performing across various genres, including musical theater, jazz, and classical music. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education in vocal [. . .]

Brooke Braun

Violin

Brooke fell in love with playing violin and learning music when she was eight years old. She participated in orchestras throughout her youth, including Lincoln-Way Youth Strings, Lincoln-Way High School Orchestra, and [. . .]

Dawn Cousins

Piano & Voice

Dawn has a degree in Music Education and an Illinois Teaching Certificate. She ran a piano studio in New Lenox for over 20 years and has taught music, choir, and class piano in public schools. She's especially passionate about [. . .]

Jennifer Corp

Red Note Choir, Playdates & Musical Theater

Jennifer is a passionate music educator with over 20 years of experience teaching junior high choir and music. She holds a Masters Degree in [. . .]

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Jim Holton

Percussion & Drums

Jim Holton is a drummer/percussionist from New Lenox, IL. He has over 40 years experience as a performer and educator. He holds a B.A. degree in music education from DePaul University in Chicago. While at [. . .]

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Kristy Kollner

Piano

Kristy has been playing piano for over 20 years. She has a fur baby Dora who’s a mini goldendoodle, but thinks she’s a Great Dane! During the day Kristy works with technology at a software and incentive company. [. . .]

Mason Parker

Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Guitar

Mason began playing guitar at thirteen, inspired by heavy metal bands like Pantera, Lamb of God, and Metallica. His influences extend across genres, including jazz, blues, and indie. Alongside performing, Mason finds joy in teaching [. . .]

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Matt Chiaro

Adult Group Guitar

Matt is a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with over a decade of experience performing nationwide. Passionate about musical communication, Matt draws influence and inspiration from guitarists such as Guthrie [. . .]

Mick Murray

Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass

Mick has been playing guitar for over 20 years. He loves spending time with his three children and wife of 15 years. For over a decade, he has been the worship pastor at Crossroads Christian Church in Joliet, where he leads the [. . .]

Micole Johnson

Studio Administrative Assistant

Micole is a musician who has been playing alto saxophone and piano for over a decade. She is also a music producer and publishing assistant with a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Audio [. . .]

Mitch Elzinga

Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, & Piano

Mitch is a multi-talented musician with over a decade of experience in various instruments, including piano, guitar, ukulele, bass, trumpet, and singing. He has a strong foundation in [. . .]

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Nick Meadows

Guitar, Bass, Drums, Ukulele. & Piano

Nick began his musical journey at age 14, starting with piano before expanding his skills over the past seven years to include guitar, bass, drums, and flute. Through private lessons, recitals, and live performances [. . .]

Rodney McCalister

Violin, Viola, Piano, & Drums

As a former member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Homewood - Flossmoor Community High School, Rodney developed a passion for playing music that has stayed with him throughout his career. [. . .]

Sydnee Swanson

Kindermusik, Piano, Voice, & Sax

Sydnee graduated from Bob Jones University in 2019, with a bachelors degree in vocal performance. She is classically trained and loves to share her love of music with others. From the fourth grade and all through college, [. . .]

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