Teaching Artists

Our students learn from the best, with 60+ professionally trained, inspiring, committed, paid teaching artists teaching lessons, conducting ensembles, and transforming lives at The People’s Music School.

Carmen Abelson
carmen.abelson@peoplesmusicschool.org
Carmen Abelson
Violin Teaching Artist

Alejandra Aquino, Program Coordinator
alejandra.aquino@peoplesmusicschool.org
Alejandra Aquino
Program Coordinator and Flute Teaching Artist

Alexis Bennett
Originally from Chicago Heights, Alexis is working on her bachelors degree in music education at VanderCook College of Music. Although her primary instrument is the clarinet, she is a self taught pianist who regularly plays for churches throughout the Chicagoland area and assists with her own church’s choir. When Alexis Isn’t teaching or practicing she’s most likely reading about a culture or language other than her own.
Degrees:
BMEd Candidate, Clarinet
Alexis Bennett
Voice Teaching Artist

Ashley Bennett
Flutist Ashley Bennett is originally from Chicago Heights, Illinois. She’s a current Music Education major at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of VanderCook’s honors woodwind chamber as well as the Collegiate Chorale. Her secondary instrument is cello, and she is the Cello Teaching Artist for The People’s Music School. Ashley has a background in gospel music, and has directed numerous groups in the south suburbs. She is determined to enrich the lives of young musicians through a well-rounded music education.
Other work: President of the VanderCook Flute Ensemble, member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, National Flute Association Office Internship
Ashley Bennett
Cello Teaching Artist

Natalie Butler
natalie.butler@peoplesmusicschool.org
Natalie Butler grew up in Miami, FL and tried studying voice, violin, and cello before deciding upon the clarinet as her primary instrument.
Natalie received her Bachelors of Music Education from Florida State University and shortly thereafter moved (in the middle of winter, no less) to Chicago to begin her career as a music educator. She took a break from teaching to pursue and receive her Masters of Music from Northwestern University and later successfully completed the process to become a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood Music.
Natalie spent over thirteen years teaching general music and conducting bands for students in grades pre-K-12 in the Chicago Public Schools while continuing to study clarinet privately and performing both clarinet and voice. In 2013 Natalie joined the team at The People’s Music School. Throughout her career Natalie has conducted, presented, and published her research on the national and international levels.
Natalie is honored to serve our amazing People’s community of students, families, and faculty and proud to serve alongside our dedicated staff.
Degrees:
Bachelors of Music Education – Florida State University
Master of Music in Education – Northwestern University
Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent Through Young Adulthood Music
Natalie Butler
Dean of Learning and Teaching, Wind Ensemble Conductor and Theory Teacher

Anna Carlson
anna.carlson@peoplesmusicschool.org
Anna Carlson
Violin and Viola Teaching Artist

Nico Carter
nico.carter@peoplesmusicschool.org
Nico is a composer and pianist who trained at Oberlin Conservatory under Lewis Nielsen and Josh Levine. He has studied composition and theory with John Orffe of Alarm Will Sound, and jazz/blues with Robin Eubanks and Andrew Lawrence. Nico has written for film, musicals, and composes beats for transient artists in Chicago. Nico was the winner for the MTNA Young Artists Composition contest for Pennsylvania for his piece, Invoice.
Degrees:
Bachelor’s of Music
Links: Compositions
Nico Carter
Piano and General Music Teaching Artist

Kathryn Cederborg
kathryn.cederborg@peoplesmusicschool.org
Originally from Northern California, Kathryn is a clarinetist, flutist, saxophonist, and teacher currently working and performing throughout the Chicago area.
Her love for teaching and mentoring students of all levels emerged through a college internship with The People’s Music School – where she currently resides as the Program Coordinator for Uptown Academy, as well as a teaching artist in music theory, clarinet, and the Transform wind ensemble director at the Albany Park site. Additionally, she is an Instructor of Applied Woodwinds at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL.
In 2020, Kathryn completed a Master’s of Music in Clarinet Performance at Baylor University, where she studied with Jun Qian and Richard Shanley. She earned a Bachelor’s of Music Education with a certificate in Music for Social Change in 2017 at North Park University, studying with Ralph Wilder.
Kathryn currently lives in Chicago with her guinea pig, Peach. She enjoys running along Lake Michigan, and attending live concerts throughout the city.
Kathryn Cederborg
Clarinet, Flute, and Theory Teaching Artist

Elizabeth Chun
elizabeth.chun@peoplesmusicschool.org
Elizabeth Chun began her teaching career as a public school K-5 general music teacher. In addition to her B.A. in Music Education, Elizabeth earned a Masters of Education in Education, Culture, and Society from DePaul University. Her focus on equitable education and decolonized teaching practices led her from the school setting into educational nonprofits. Elizabeth is grateful to be a part of People’s, where she teaches General Music and Music Theory Lab. She also works at Chicago HOPES for Kids, leading literacy programs in homeless shelters and at community sites throughout Chicago.
Degrees:
MEd in Education, Culture, and Society – DePaul University
B.A. in Music Education – North Central College
Elizabeth Chun
General Music and Theory Teaching Artist

Jamaal Crowder
Flute, Saxophone, and Clarinet Teaching Artist

Kelly Dennis
kelly.dennis@peoplesmusicschool.org
Kelly Dennis is a Chicago-land freelancer, music educator, and non-profit administrator who specializes in data analysis. Kelly has been a lifelong musician and grew up playing the trumpet and piano. She studied trumpet at DePaul University School of Music and went on to pursue her masters in non-profit management at Roosevelt University. Kelly believes that music education should be accessible to all and is passionate about creating equity and inclusion in the music industry.
Degrees:
Master of Non-Profit Management – Roosevelt University
Data Analytics Certification – General Assembly
B.A. – DePaul University School
Kelly Dennis
Senior Manager of Student Data and Systems, SLAM Chamber Coach and Trumpet Teacher

Laura Duggan
laura.duggan@peoplesmusicschool.org
Laura Duggan is a violinist originally from Tacoma, Washington. She is currently working on a Performance Certificate from DePaul University where she also completed a Master of Music degree in violin performance. She received her Bachelors of Music degree in violin performance from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. When she isn’t teaching or performing, you can find her running, reading, or spending time with her orange cat named Clementine.
Degrees:
M.M. in Violin Performance
B.M. in Violin Performance
Performance Certificate in Violin Performance
Laura Duggan
Ensemble Teaching Assistant and Violin Teaching Artist

Anatolia Evarkiou-Kaku
Flute Teaching Artist

Kaitlin Foley
Voice Teaching Artist

Ariel Garcia
ariel.garcia@peoplesmusicschool.org
Ariel Garcia was born and raised in Chicago’s La Villita neighborhood where at the tender age of eight, he began his formal training on the violin. Ariel holds degrees from the DePaul University School of Music, the University of Nebraska, and is a doctoral candidate at the University of Wisconsin. He has had extensive performance experience with orchestras such as the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Ariel is also an avid chamber musician. He is a founding member of the Music of the Americas Ensemble (MAE), a Chicago based ensemble consisting of classically trained Latino musicians from all over the Americas.
Ariel Garcia
Community Manager & Teaching Artist

Simon Gomez
Percussion Teaching Artist

Elena Grijalva
elena.grijalva@peoplesmusicschool.org
Originally from Southern California, Elena Grijalva is a Latinx trombonist who teaches and freelances in Chicago.
She has held positions such as the Academy of Music Performance Coordinator with the Chicago Philharmonic, Artistic and Production Assistant for the Grant Park Music Festival and Program Coordinator for the Chicago Metamorphosis Orchestra Project. Working with these organizations has led Elena to have a passion for music administration. Being a Program Manager for the The People’s Music School has furthered her growth and dedication to create impassioned communities through the joy of music. Elena holds a Master of Music degree in Performance from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. Elena has participated in summer programs such as the Philadelphia International Music Festival, where she received the Young Artists in Residency Award, and Aspen Music Festival and School. She enjoys playing a wide range of genres and has showcased that in her first album entitled MOSAICO; which was released in October of 2020.
Elena Grijalva
Greater South Side Program Manager and Low Brass Teaching Artist

Mark Haworth
mark.haworth@peoplesmusicschool.org
Mark freelances all around Chicago, performing everything from opera to polka. In his downtime, he likes going for walks, reading, and trying new recipes from the internet.
Degrees:
M.M. – DePaul University
B.M. – Oklahoma State University
Performer’s Certificate – DePaul University
Mark Haworth
Brass Teaching Artist

Miro Hernandez
miro.hernandez@peoplesmusicschool.org
As a percussionist and teaching artist who moved to Chicago from North Texas, Miro Hernandez has performed with many groups of varying genres, from classical and jazz, to funk and Latin-fusion. Being new to the Midwest, he is now working with a few new groups and his own solo work which incorporates the vibraphone with a looper and various other percussion instruments. During his free time, Miro loves playing beach volleyball, camping, and taking his two bunnies to the park.
Miro Hernandez
Band Director, Percussion Teaching Artist, and Theory Teaching Artist

Dan Hickey
Clarinet Teaching Artist

Sam Hight
Saxophone Teaching Artist

Eric Hines
eric.hines@peoplesmusicschool.org
Eric Hines

Jonathan Hodges
jonathan.hodges@peoplesmusicschool.org
Jonathan Hodges
Violin Teaching Artist

Jack Kartsotis
jack.kartsotis@peoplesmusicschool.org
With a passion for all kinds of music, Jack Kartsotis is a clarinetist with a diverse portfolio of performance experience. Originally from Dallas Texas, Jack’s musical background, ranging from full orchestras and wind ensembles, to chamber music and solo recitals, has served him in becoming a versatile performer as well as educator.
Jack currently holds the position of 2nd clarinetist with the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky, and lives in Chicago, Illinois where he is a Teaching Artist and Program Coordinator at The People’s Music School.
Degrees:
M.M. in Clarinet Performance – Indiana University
B.M. in Clarinet Performance – University of North Texas
Jack Kartsotis
Program Coordinator and Clarinet Teaching Artist

Kelly Dennis
kelly.dennis@peoplesmusicschool.org
Kelly Dennis is a Chicago-land freelancer, music educator, and non-profit administrator who specializes in data analysis. Kelly has been a lifelong musician and grew up playing the trumpet and piano. She studied trumpet at DePaul University School of Music and went on to pursue her masters in non-profit management at Roosevelt University. Kelly believes that music education should be accessible to all and is passionate about creating equity and inclusion in the music industry.
Degrees: DePaul University School – BA
Roosevelt University – Master of Non-Profit Management
Data Analytics Certification – General Assembly
Soo-Young Kim
Piano Teaching Artist

Jamaal Crowder
ellie.kirk@peoplesmusicschool.org
Eleanor Kirk is an experienced orchestral, chamber, and solo musician from Evanston, Illinois. She served as guest Principal Harpist with the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra for the 2022-2023 season, and holds the position of Principal Harpist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Highlights from the past year include guest appearances with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Orchestra, and Detroit Symphony Orchestra. A passionate educator, Eleanor’s students have received top honors at the Midwest Harp Competition, Illinois American String Teachers Association Concerto Competition, and the Greater Chicago Chapter of the American Harp Society Competition. In her free time, she enjoys snuggling with her two cats, gardening, and knitting (old lady activities only)!
Eleanor Kirk
Harp Ensemble Conductor, Harp Teaching Artist

Grecia Landin
grecia.landin@peoplesmusicschool.org
Grecia Landin
Albany Park Program Manager and Wind Ensemble Conductor

Fabricio Lock Sotomayor
Guitar Teaching Artist

Istvan Loga
istvan.loga@peoplesmusicschool.org
Istvan Loga is a GRAMMY® award-winning violist based in Chicago. From hip-hop recording sessions to classical concert halls and from NPR’s Tiny Desk to the teaching studio, Istvan is known as much for his extraordinary musicianship as for his versatility.
Degrees:
Istvan Loga

Stephanie Londoño
Uptown Academy Program Manager and Voice Teaching Artist

Bethany McKnight
Piano Teaching Artist

Krystal Miranda
Clarinet Teaching Artist

Emily Munn-Wood
emily.munn.wood@peoplesmusicschool.org
Emily Munn-Wood
Cello Teaching Artist

Oliver Munoz
Violin and Viola Teaching Artist

Rossman Palfrey
Guitar Teaching Artist

An Phan
an.phan@peoplesmusicschool.org
An Phan
Piano Teaching Artist

Felix Ponce
felix.ponce@peoplesmusicschool.org
Felix Ponce

Steve Reinfranck
steve.reinfranck@peoplesmusicschool.org
Steve has played double bass in classical, jazz, and folk/ethnic styles for decades. Music has taken him to Germany, Kenya, Japan, Canada, and New Zealand. Former students play in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera, and have toured with jazz ensembles and theatrical ensembles. Steve likes to play and teach ice hockey (he does a little figure skating, too). Political activism is a major part of his life.
Degrees:
Masters in Performance and Pedagogy – Northern Illinois University
B.A. in Music – Northwestern University
Friend of the Bass, International Society of Bassists award
Steve Reinfranck
Bass Teaching Artist

Nicholas Ritter
Bassoon Teaching Artist

Megan Robbins
Prior to teaching at The People’s Music School, Megan Robbins held the position of principal oboe in the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra from 2011-2017. Dr. Robbins completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in oboe performance at Northwestern University and holds a Master of Music degree in oboe performance and literature from the same institution.
In her free time, Megan enjoys learning languages, gardening, and spending time with her family.
DMA- Northwestern University
MM- Northwestern University
BA- Johns Hopkins University
BM- Peabody Conservatory
Megan Robbins
Senior Manager of Learning and Teaching and Oboe Teaching Artist

Sandra Rowland
sandra.rowland@peoplesmusicschool.org
Sandra Rowland earned both her BA and MA degrees in flute Performance from Eastern Michigan University. She performs regularly with the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony, Lakeshore Symphony and Lakeside Flutes. She is currently a teaching artist for the People’s Music School in Chicago and maintains a studio of private students. Sandra holds an Early Childhood Certificate from the Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center and taught for 10 years at Rogers Park Montessori School, and for 7 years at the Barrie School in Silver Spring, MD.
Sandra Rowland
Flute Teaching Artist

Allison Rye
Oboe Teaching Artist

Hugo Saavedra
hugo.saavedra@peoplesmusicschool.org
Hugo Saavedra is a Trombone member and fellow at the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as well as 2nd Trombone in the Kalamazoo Symphony.
Degrees:
MM – Northwestern University
BM – Universidad Nacional de Colombia
AD – Roosevelt University
Hugo Saavedra
Trombone Teaching Artist

David Sands
david.sands@peoplesmusicschool.org
In addition to his role as Senior Manager of Artistic Engagement, “Mr. David” brings many years of teaching experience to The People’s Music School. He holds bachelors and masters degrees in cello performance from DePaul University, where he now serves as adjunct faculty. He served as assistant principal cello of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and has also appeared on the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s contemporary chamber music series MusicNOW. David has served as a clinician of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and led masterclasses at DePaul and North Park University. His private students have performed on WFMT’s Introductions and participate in vigorous programs such as The National Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, The Chicago Chamber Music Festival, and the inaugural cohort of The Chicago Music Pathways Initiative. In his spare time, David can be found baking or singing barbershop quartets with himself.
Degrees:
MM Cello Performance – DePaul University
BM Cello Performance – DePaul University
Executive & Performance Leadership Certificates – Cornell University
David Sands
SLAM Orchestra Conductor, Cello Teaching Artist, and Chamber Coach

Corey Sansolo
corey.sansolo@peoplesmusicschool.org
Corey Sansolo is the trombonist for Axiom Brass and the director of the DC Trombone Workshop. He has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra, Chicago Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and in musicals at the Paramount Theater. Corey teaches low brass for The People’s Music School, Whitney Young High School, and Oswego East High School and has taught masterclasses at colleges and universities across the United States. Outside of music Corey loves to spend time with his wife and cat and cheer on the Chicago Sky and New York Mets.
Degrees:
Bachelor’s Degree in Trombone Performance and Performer’s Certificate – Eastman School of Music
Master’s Degree in Trombone Performance – University of Maryland
Corey Sansolo
Trombone Teaching Artist

Adam Shohet
Trumpet Teaching Artist

Julia Slater
julia.slater@peoplesmusicschool.org
Degrees:
Bachelors degree in music education – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Professional educators license, K-12, endorsed in music
Julia Slater
Bass Teaching Artist

Anthony Stewart
anthony.stewart@peoplesmusicschool.org
Anthony Stewart is an Orchestra Conductor and Strings Teaching Artist at The People’s Music School. Anthony was born in Venezuela, raised in Argentina, and grew up in the El Sistema program. He plays rugby and enjoys traveling.
Certification: Profesional Educator License with Endorsement in Instrumental Music PK-12.
Degrees:
Masters degree in Musicology, and Music Education
Bachelors degree in Business Administration, Viola performance, and Music Education
Anthony Stewart
Orchestra Conductor and Viola Teaching Artist

Nyle Taylor
nyle.taylor@peoplesmusicschool.org
Nyle Taylor is the founder of Music Man LLC, Assistant Band Director for The Peoples Music School Greater South Side, and the Director of Bands at Von Steuben High School in Chicago, Illinois. An alum of the Von Steuben band program, Nyle now attempts to give back the holistic music education that creates habits for success and enriches lives. Since receiving his bachelor’s degree from VanderCook College of Music, Mr. Taylor has been featured in newspapers, magazine articles, national publications, and has been nominated and winner of awards for his work in music education.
Degrees:
Nyle Taylor
Assistant Band Director, Saxophone Teaching Artist

Kennison Ther
kenni.ther@peoplesmusicschool.org
Kenni has 5 years of public school music teaching and coaching of all instruments from beginner to advanced. His main instrument is percussion and loves playing Brazilian Samba music. He also enjoys playing in musical and opera pit orchestras. When he’s not working on music, he loves watching movies and keeping up with his favorite Chicago sports teams!
Kennison Ther
Wind Ensemble Conductor

Michael Thompson
michael.thompson@peoplesmusicschool.org
Clarinetist Michael Thompson currently serves as The People’s Music School’s Instrument Inventory Coordinator and as a clarinet faculty member. As a freelance performer and teacher in the Chicago area, Michael eagerly seeks out opportunities to share his music with audiences and students alike.
Though having grown up in Petersburg, KY, Michael has been a member of groups nationwide, including the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, the University of North Texas Wind Symphony, the Fillmore Wind Band, and the Hot Springs Festival Orchestra.
As a finalist in the 2019 George Papich Chamber Music Competition Competition, participant in the 2020 Fresh Inc contemporary music festival, and member of several international chamber music collaborations, Michael has had an equally varied career in small ensembles and solo performance.
With interests stretching outside of the realm of western classical music, Michael performed for two years with the UNT Chinese Music Ensemble, playing dizi (bamboo flutes), sheng, and Beijing Opera-style percussion.
Not only an accomplished performer, Michael served as an Undergraduate Research Fellow at the University of North Texas and received Second Prize in the 2019 North Texas Music Entrepreneurship Competition. He received his Bachelor of Music and minor in Spanish from the University of North Texas and Master of Music from DePaul University.
Michael Thompson
Instrument Inventory Coordinator and Clarinet Teaching Artist

Felipe Tobar
felipe.tobar@peoplesmusicschool.org
“Creativity is connected to the core of the arts, and it is a very important part of what inspires humanity to create objects, machines and solve practical problems.”
“Great ideas are born and developed through a creative process, and incorporating improvisation from early stages of music education can help students to develop that creativity. Playing and learning diverse repertoire can be a great way to engage with the students, when they see themselves represented and they identify with the composer, music can be more accessible for them.”
Felipe Tobar
Learning and Teaching Associate and Violin & Viola Teaching Artist

Lena Vidulich
lena.vidulich@peoplesmusicschool.org
Violinist/violist Lena Vidulich is an adventurous and versatile performer based in Chicago. A tireless advocate for new music, she is also able to move fluidly between the worlds of orchestral music, rock, improvisation, and musical theater. She is a regular member and guest performer of many ensembles such as earspace, Amalgama, Quartet121, Talea Ensemble, and the Louis Moreau Institute. Lena holds a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University and received her master’s degree in contemporary performance at the Manhattan School of Music. She is also a teacher of the Alexander Technique (m.AmSAT) and has been on faculty at the Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique, the American Academy of Dramatic Arts NYC, and Alexander Technique Training in Chicago (ATTiC).
Alexander Technique Teacher Certification – Riverside Initiative for the Alexander Technique
M.M. – Manhattan School of Music
B.M – Northwestern University
Lena Vidulich
String Ensemble Conductor

Serena Voltz
serena.voltz@peoplesmusicschool.org
Serena Voltz
Tuba Teaching Artist

Annamarie Wellems
Cello Teaching Artist

Wesley Woodward
wes.woodward@peoplesmusicschool.org
Wesley is a versatile musician who is comfortable performing all genres of music. As a freelancer Wesley has recently performed with the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, DuPage Symphony, Kenosha Symphony, Erie Chamber Orchestra, and was recently appointed to a trumpet position with Genuine Brass Quintet In addition to his passion for trumpet Wesley is an advocate for new music. Wesley was a premiering soloist for Kevin McKee’s Centennial Horizon for Solo Trumpet and Wind Ensemble (2017). Additionally Wesley commissioned 3 Divertimenti for Wind Orchestra by Luigi Zaninelli, which he conducted the premier in 2017. His most recent commission, Impromptu for Solo Trumpet, was premiered in March of 2020.
Outside of The People’s Music School Wesley currently is on faculty at South Suburban College where he teaches applied trumpet, conducts the Wind Ensemble, and teaches music coursework. Wesley is also the affiliated trumpet instructor at the University of Chicago.
Outside of music Wesley loves to hike and travel with his wife, Maria, and spend time with their cats Lily and Poppy.
M.M. – Roosevelt University
B.M. Instrumental Performance, Trumpet – Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Wesley Woodward
Trumpet Teaching Artist

Daniel Zheng
daniel.zheng@peoplesmusicschool.org
Daniel has been a violinist for 15 years, and has led as the concertmaster of the University of Maryland Repertoire Orchestra and Second Violin Principal of the Northwestern Medical Orchestra. Prior to joining TPMS in 2021, he began teaching and volunteering for Orchkids in 2019, an El Sistema program in Baltimore. With a background in Philosophy, he is currently pursuing a Masters’ in Medical Humanities and Bioethics and hopes to bring his passion for music and music education into his future career in medicine.
Degrees:
M.A. Medical Humanities and Bioethics
B.S. Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics
Daniel Zheng
Violin Teaching Artist and Teaching Assistant