The Suzuki-Orff School of Music Faculty
Christina ABADIR ORTON: Violin Instructor (since 2010)
Clarissa ALLEN: In-schools Instructor (since 2011)
David ANDREWS: Chair, Piano Department. Piano Instructor (since 1984)
B.F.A. in Piano Performance- Indiana University in Pennsylvania; M.M. in Piano Performance- the American Conservatory in Chicago; studied with Abraham Stockman. Suzuki training with Ray Landers. Pianist for Chicago 20th Century Music Ensemble. Featured guest artist with Cube New Music Ensemble of Chicago. Performer and clinician at Indiana State University. Piano instructor at the Wellington Suzuki Institute in Wellington, New Zealand. Featured on the recently-released CD, "Of Time and Place" on the Capstone label. Parent of a Suzuki-Orff student.
Malgorzata (Gosia) BAGLEY: Piano Instructor (since 1999)
B.M. and M.M. in Piano Performance- DePaul University School of Music. Studied with Mary Sauer, principal pianist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Received Suzuki teacher training at the Chicago Suzuki Institute with Doris Koppelman and Fay Adams. Taught individual traditional and Suzuki method lessons in the DCFS Pathways to Development Program for foster children for three years. Writes and edits Piano Explorer Magazine in Northfield, IL. Also teaches at New Music School. Parent of two young Suzuki-Orff students.
Marjie BELCHER: Violin Instructor (since 2011)
Michel CHATARA-MORSE: Chair, Guitar Department. Guitar Instructor (since 2005)
Michel received his B.A. in Guitar Performance from the University of Puget Sound and his Masters Degree from Roosevelt University/Chicago College of Performing Arts. Attended the Greater Pittsburgh Suzuki Guitar Institute and is a registered Suzuki Association of the Americas Teacher. Currently, he is guitar department head of the Lawndale Conservatory of the Ravinia Festival Community Outreach Program and serves as Chair of the Suzuki-Orff guitar department. Is currently studying with world-renowed guitarist Denis Azabagic. Has participated in Masters Classes held by such distinguished players as Davis Leisner, Andrea Cannon, Sergio Assad, David Russel, and Denis Azabagic. Performs regularly in Chicago venues and his hometown of Springfield, IL.
Clara D'ONOFRIO: In-Schools Instructor (since 2007)
M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University. B.S. in Psychology from Georgia State University with a minor in sociology. Advanced training in classical voice, musical theater, and music theory. Actively involved with professional and community theatrical performances and concerts in Chicago and Atlanta.
Scott DANKERT: Co-Chair Choir Program. Staff Accompanist and Instructor of Musicianship (since 2000)
B.M. Michigan State University. Former member of Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Lansing Symphony, and the Midland Symphony as principal flutist. Flute is his primary instrument but he is also a pianist and countertenor. He is a member of Chicago-based Bella Voce and the St. Alphonsus Church Choir. Developed the Suzuki-Orff Musicianship curriculum which he teaches as well and serves as staff accompanist. Maintains a private teaching studio in flute, piano and voice. Serves as voice instructor for The Ruth Page Center for the Arts summer musical dance camp.
Samantha FARMILANT: BabySteps and In-Schools Instructor (since 2011)
Phil FORNETT: Outreach Instructor (since 2010)
Currently a music education major at Chicago State University. Over 20-years experience and training as a percussionist and drummer. Actively performs jazz music in and around the Chicago area.
Kimberly GALVA: Chair, Violin Department. Violin Instructor (since 2004)
B.A. in Neuroscience- Oberlin College. Began work this year on a Master's Degree in Violin Performance at DePaul University. Performed at the Heifetz Summer Festival. Plays with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the past two years. Also teaches at DePaul Community Music School's Pathways to Development program for foster children.
Jesus GARCIA: Piano, Orff, and In-Schools Instructor (since 2011)
Courtney GILES: Director, Outreach Programs (since 2008). Coordinator, Orff Program.
BA in Music Merchandising from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and received her Orff Training at the DePaul University School of Music. She has studied Classical Voice and Suzuki Violin and performed throughout Europe as the Soprano Soloist with the Southern Illinois University Community Chorus.
Lisa GOETHE-McGINN: Chair, Flute Department. Flute Instructor (since 2003)
B.M. in Commercial Music- Millikin University. M.M. in Flute Performance- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Experienced traditional and Suzuki flute instructor. Received Suzuki certification under David Gerry. Active performer and soloist throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Advocate of contemporary music and improvisation. Premiered numerous solo and chamber works. Soloist/performing member of MAVerick Ensemble and Ensemble Noamnesia. Also teaches at Sherwood Conservatory of Music.
Carey GOLDENBERG: BabySteps and In-Schools Instructor (since 2011)
Lisa LITHALL: Chair, Cello Department. Cello Instructor (since 1988)
B.A. in Performance- Northern Illinois University. M.A. in Performance- Western Illinois University. Received Suzuki teacher training through Book 6 with Tanya Carey at Western Illinois University and short-term teacher training courses with Marilyn Kesler, Jean Dexter, and Nancy Hair. Studied with Marc Johnson of the Vermeer Quartet at Northern IL University. participated in master classes with Raya Garbasova and Irene Sharp. Certified in Kindermusic. Worked with Abby Newton as a participant in both the 2000 National String Workshop and the 2002 Rocky Mountain Fiddle Competition. Plays in the Buffalo Grove String Quartet. Member of the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra. Also teaches private cello in the northwest suburbs and at Barrington High School.
Kristen McMANUS: Co-Chair, Choir Program. Chair, Voice Department. Manager, BabySTEPS program. In-Schools Instructor (since 2003)
B.F.A. in Music Theatre and M. M. in Music Therapy- Colorado State University. Manages the Suzuki-Orff early childhood program at Suzuki-Orff and Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Developed an adaptive music program for the Chicago Public School blended pre-school programs. Music Therapist for Heart Connection, a pediatric counseling program at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
Billy OH: Violin Instructor (since 2007)
B.A. in English and Creative Writing from Loyola University in Chicago. Studied at Dartmouth. Received Suzuki teacher training in books 1-6 with Ed Kreitman, Ed Springer, and Alice Joy Lewis. Has performed professionally in Chicago since 1999 specializing in folk and roots music from around the world. He is a founding member of Tangleweed, a Chicago-based bluegrass ensemble.
Taylor ROSS: Piano Instructor (since 2008)
B. M. in Music Theory and Composition- University of Kansas. Studied piano with Christopher Kabala at Interlochen Music Center for the Arts, Jane Allen at the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music, and jazz piano with Alan Swain. Received Suzuki training at the Cleveland Suzuki Institute studying under Leena Crothers and Gail Lange Dorris Loppelman. Studied recording engineering at Hedden West Studios, Schaumburg, Illinois. Taught privately for four years teaching piano and music history to children and adults in Chicago. Active music performer in the Chicago area.
Matt RUTHERFORD: Guitar Instructor (since 2007)
Masters Degree in Guitar Performance from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor's Degree in Music Business from Millikin University and studies in Guitar Performance from Shenandoah University. Matt is also a Suzuki trained Cellist.
Virginia SENSENBRENNER: Piano Instructor (since 1991)
B.A. in Music- American Conservatory of Music. Received Suzuki teacher training from Mary Craig Powell and Yasko Joichi. Also trains and shows dogs in obedience and agility. Participates with canine companions Nikki and Basil in pet therapy at area hospitals and nursing homes through organizations such as Pawsitive.
Valerie SIMOSKO: Flute Instructor (since 2011)
Principal Flutist of the Charlotte Symphony for 25 years, Ms. Simosko is now a resident of Chicago where she owns and operates The Flute Enterprise, is a board member of the Chicago Flute Club and serves as editor of its newsletter,Pipeline. An active soloist, she was president of the Board of the Friends of Music at Queens College and founder of the Charlotte Junior Youth Symphony and Charlotte Junior Flute Choir. Her teaching experience includes university level students, youth orchestras, and private flute students as well as music theory and music appreciation.
Heather WILLIAMSON: Violin & Viola Instructor (since 2011)
The Suzuki-Orff School of Music
1148 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
ph: 312-738-2646
fax: 312-738-0285
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