Meet Our Awesome Staff

Jennifer is a dedicated teacher who has spent over 5 years in education, with over 2 years specializing in Voice and Piano instruction. She is currently pursuing her B.A in Music (Vocal Performance) from Aurora University. At AU, she sings soprano for three ensembles, student conducts and serves as a T.A for the choral department. Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her teaching, she is a first-generation Mexican-American educator inspiring her students to reach their full potential. Her focus on vocal health and correct technique ensures that her students develop a strong foundation and are able to express themselves through music in a healthy and sustainable way.

Dennis has performed and taught piano for over 40 years. He studied classical piano with Alice Angermann at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, as well as jazz piano with Skip Green. Dennis has played extended engagements at the Hotel Intercontinental in Dubai, U.A.E., the Pump Room in the Ambassador East hotel and the Palm Court in the Drake Hotel in Chicago.

He has served as an accompanist for jazz artists such as Kurt Elling, Milt Trenier, Kimberly Gordon, Jackie Allen, Bill Acosta, Nan Mason and many others in various jazz clubs in Chicago and the suburbs. Currently, Dennis is performing regularly at Sullivans' Steakhouse in Naperville. As a teacher, Dennis' objective is to keep the learning experience fun, as he feels that music is to be enjoyed. He has found that once the student is engaged and learning with a positive motivation, then learning technique, practicing, etc. become much more interesting to the student. Dennis is a dynamic, energetic teacher with a passion for sharing his love of music with his students.

Sarah has been playing the piano and flute for over 13 years. While Sarah’s main goal is to ignite a passion for music in all of her students you, can expect a gentle teaching style for all beginners as you ease into your instrument. Sarah enjoys teaching all musical genres and styles and also plays a little guitar in addition to the piano and flute. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, archery, and modeling

Ryan has been teaching brass and woodwind instruments for over 15 years. He has a degree in Comprehensive Music Education and his K-12 Music Certification from Chicago College of Performing Arts of Roosevelt University. He is currently employed as the director of beginning band and orchestra, intermediate band, and advanced band levels in Riverside school district.

Most of his interests involve music, but outside of music, he enjoys football, pop culture, and martial arts. He was a member of Del Souls and In Full Swing big band, has performed as a freelance musician, and has been a clinician for a number of festivals and Solo and Ensemble competitions. Ryan specializes in teaching classical, blues, funk, soul, and be-bop music. He focuses lessons on fundamentals and proper technique but believes that ear training is important as well. He aims to make students better, more sensitive musicians, while keeping lessons upbeat and positive.

Matt Bon Durant has been teaching guitar for over 15 years and the drums and piano for more than 8 years. Matt enjoys playing with his local band and he is determined to make your musical goals achievable. Matt specializes in rock music on both guitar and drums. He also enjoys teaching beginner piano students.

Miss Buettner holds a Master of Music Degree from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois and a Bachelor of Music Degree from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. She completed her preK-12 ESL endorsement through Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois and utilizes the tools and knowledge gained with her current students. She is a current member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA).

Miss Buettner began learning piano in second grade. Her private piano instructors include Mrs. Karen Brockman, Mrs. Donna Simon, and the late Dr. Kent Conrad. She joined the band in elementary school on trumpet and has performed in a variety of ensembles including concert bands, chamber wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, orchestras, musical theatre pit orchestras, and brass ensembles. Her private trumpet instructors include Dr. Mark Ponzo, Dr. Ronald Keller, Dr. Mark DeGoti, and Dr. Andrew Cheetham. At VanderCook, Ms. Buettner studied string pedagogy with Dr. David Eccles and took private lessons with Mr. Eran Meir and Mr. Doug Bistrow on cello and bass, respectively.

She currently resides in the Chicago suburbs and teaches 5th and 6th grade orchestra in a local public school district. Outside of teaching, she performs with the Naperville Municipal Band, composes band and orchestra music, and enjoys Pickleball and sewing.

Sam has been playing guitar and bass for over 15 years and enjoys actively gigging at various venues in the area. He can also be found performing at open mics and battle of the band competitions. Outside of school and work, he enjoys writing, philosophy, and fitness. Sam can teach a variety of musical genres, but especially enjoys teaching alternative, rock, and metal. Sam wants to help each student cultivate their own unique style.

Angeline has been playing the piano for over 35 years and teaching the instrument for over 30. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Southern Illinois University. Angeline wants her students to learn to express themselves through music and find and play songs that interest them. She can be an expert guide for the serious student and a fun, encouraging piano coach for the person who wants to try out a new hobby. Angeline enjoys playing and teaching all genres from classical to pop and, outside of music, loves to travel.

Paul has been playing the violin, viola, and guitar for over 15 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Loyola University in Chicago. Paul wants to share his fascination with music and the sense of fun and adventure it brings to all his students. He has played in small bands in college and also with the York Orchestra, the Loyola Orchestra, and the Loyola Choir. He specializes in rock and alternative styles of guitar as well as classical. Outside of teaching, he is an aspiring music therapist and also enjoys playing video games and taking care of his dogs

I’m very passionate about classical music, especially late Baroque. My favorite composers ever are J.S Bach and J.D Zelenka (one of Bach’s contemporaries.) However, I do enjoy Jazz and some Indie pop/rock here and there like Beach House and Mac DeMarco. I can teach and incorporate music theory and counterpoint during lessons if requested. Moreover, I frequently compose in the late Baroque to the Romantic style, so feel free to ask for any compositional advice!

Music has been one of the most pivotal parts of my life. I began studying piano with Mary Funk in Sun Prairie, WI at age seven, and I sang in school choirs beginning at age ten. My musical knowledge from childhood allowed me to flourish in all theatrical and high-level choral ensembles, and I had the opportunity to lead rehearsals and sectionals throughout high school and college. That leadership experience and musical expertise gave me the confidence to co-found North Central College's women's a cappella group, Tonacity, as a freshman in 2017.

Since graduating, I have been teaching piano and voice at Naperville Music and have continued my education in both acting and music. I have built up my student base to around thirty students of all ages and levels, and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching them blossom into the finest of musicians.

Morgan has been singing and playing flute since she was 10 years old and has been playing piano for 11 years. She specializes in woodwind instruments including flute & piccolo, single and double reeds, and also teaches piano and vocals, as well. She has played in pit orchestras, chamber ensembles, marching band, and ILMEA junior/senior festivals both orchestral and choral throughout her middle school and high school years Morgan is currently pursuing K-12 music education at North Central College.

Ben has been playing guitar for over 20 years. Ben also plays bass guitar. He is experienced in private as well as group lessons, and has taught professional in studios, schools, park districts and churches.

His goal for his students is to help them reach their musical goals, whatever they may be. And have fun in the process.

As a teacher, he adapts to his student’s needs, no matter what style of music they like, how experienced or inexperienced they may be. Students can look forward to having fun and learning a lot in a relaxed, no pressure environment.

Ben says “Playing your instrument at home is crucial to your success as a musician You should want to play and therefor it shouldn’t feel like homework. It’s just enjoying the process of getting better”.

Amanda Perez is a graduate of Northern Illinois University where she studied with Anthony Devroye and earned a Bachelors in Music in 2024. Amanda first developed a love for music in the Sphinx Performance Academy and soon after was selected as an inaugural fellow in the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative where she studied with Helen Callus. She is an alumna of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra where she was awarded a Luminarts Scholarship in 2020. Amanda was a winner of the Illinois American String Teachers Association Competition in 2021, and in 2023 was awarded a Sphinx Empower Artist Grant.

Ed is a retired, part time drumset and guitar teacher. I live in Lisle. I am also a part time pet specialist, mostly caring for and walking dogs for a local company.

I have studied and played music over the past 50 years, having taken hundreds of lessons myself,
Including drums, guitar, percussion, piano, and voice.

I have also collected some of the best teaching books and videos on the market. I feel it necessary to keep up to date with the latest instruction on Youtube. My specialty is teaching how to count when reading written notation.

Nathan Slavinskas has over 8 years of gigging experience playing in everything from metal bands to brass quintets to classical guitar. He is always looking to expand his musical knowledge by picking up new instruments. His love for music is something that clearly comes out in his teaching as all of his students come out of their lessons with a big smile.

Brett is a multi-instrumentalist, favoring the guitar and vocals. He’s been practicing writing, learning, and performing music for ten years. He started out in the Lisle Bands, Choirs, Musicals, and Plays. Brett then went on to perform with his own bands in venues across the state and recorded songs at Gremlen Studios in Aurora. While he mainly studies and consumes Metal music, Brett enjoys anything from R&B, Jazz, Neo-Soul, and Emo, to Death Metal, MetalCore, Rap, and DeathCore(etc). He is an avid believer that music is the ultimate bridge-builder in which we learn life skills and communication. Brett couldn’t be happier to be a part of our team.

Kendall has been playing piano for over 10 years and viola for 8 years. She is currently studying Music at College of DuPage and is a part of the Jazz-Pop Combo’s band. Kendall has diverse performance experience and enjoys collaborating with other musicians, whether that’d be performing, creating music, or learning something new. She is open to teaching students of all ages and excels working with primary age groups. Kendall’s goal is to have every student learn various musical techniques and play the songs that they love. Outside of music, she enjoys rollerblading, creating art, designing, and spending time with family and friends.

Myckala attended VanderCook College of Music. She has been studying music
since she was 10 years old, beginning with clarinet. In high school, she was accepted into the
ILMEA Allstate Band and also received the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence from
the United States Marines Youth Foundation.
Myckala strives to teach her students a love for both their instruments and the music they play,
as well as building their confidence as they learn. Along with teaching private lessons, she
has established a flute quartet at Naperville Music.
Outside of music, she thoroughly enjoys reading, crafting, and spending large amounts of her
time with her two crazy dogs.