top of page
Violin Student

Rental Promotion

Rent 10 months

and get 2 months free

A Community of Passionate Educators and Learners

WELCOME TO SOLO CLASSIC'S MUSIC SCHOOL

At Solo Classic, we encourage spirited learning, growth, development and fun. Our highly skilled and trained educators aim to empower students through music encouraging insightful questions, broadening skill sets and exploring disciplinary boundaries along the way. Our curriculum encourages the engagement with healthy challenges and confronts conventional ways of thinking that go beyond music. We invite you to learn more about Solo Classic and discover an education designed for you.

Sheet Music

About Our School

GAINING SKILLS THAT LAST A LIFETIME

Opening its doors in 2001, Solo Classic has been a neighborhood staple dedicated to providing students with a rich musical education as well as encouraging the foundation of music programs in surrounding schools. Our school provides unparalleled teaching methods centered on a diverse learning environment.

We firmly believe in a customized curriculum based on the needs of the student. Solo Classic is located in Buffalo Grove and has over 400 students and a renowned, diverse staff ready to create a personalized musical curriculum for every student so that they may achieve their musical aspirations quickly and more efficiently.

Private music lesson

SOLO'S
EDUCATORS

Our distinguished faculty includes graduates from Northwestern University’s School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, DePaul University, members of the Civic Orchestra, Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, and Highland Park Strings. At Solo Classic, we pride ourselves on building a diverse team of people that not only study their craft, but also work as professional musicians across the country.

cello student

SCHOOL COLLABORATION

If you or your child is enrolled in a school orchestra, our educators work directly with Chicago school programs and follow their curriculum in order to prepare students for improved performance, competitions, and auditions. Many of our teachers have working and personal relationships with educators in local school districts and often collaborate on teaching in order to maximize learning and set up a customized music schedule for enhanced performance.

Piano student

COMPETITIVE
EDGE

Competitions are a great way to boost any kind of resume and win scholarships, but with so many applicants, it can be difficult to stand out and achieve your goals. With years of experience preparing students for the IGSMA Contest, IMEA, Walgreens National Concerto Competition and many others, our educators are ready to share  necessary tools to get ahead and win.

Violin Performer

Rental Promotion

Rent 10 months

and get 2 months free

piano recital
violin lesson
piano recital
violin recital
cello student
piano concert
violin student
violin student
violin lesson
guitar recital
piano concert
cello student
cello recital
piano concert
voice lesson
cello student
viola student
cello student
violin recital
bass recital
viola recital
guitar recital
cello recital
guitar student
voice recital
violin student
guitar student
violin recital
violin recital

Our Philosophy, The Solo Way

PRIORITIZING DIVERSITY AND ORIGINALITY

Solo Classic Music School honors the individual needs of our students. We believe that with the correct guidance, ALL students can achieve their musical potential.


Solo Classic instructors encourage original thinking and test the boundaries of conventional approaches, because music is art after all! We also strive to provide students with a diverse array of educators from all backgrounds so as to broaden the scope of understanding concerning music performance and beyond.

In-Person & Virtual
Lesson Update

SOLO CLASSIC IS OPEN AND MOVING FORWARD WITH IN-PERSON, SOCIALLY DISTANT LESSONS
VIRTUAL LESSONS STILL AVAILABLE

While virtual lessons have been a great way to continue training and an excellent distraction from current events, they have also come with plenty of unique challenges and cannot replace in person education. After all, this is an art form that has to be meticulously taught...not online chess!  


Virtual lessons, while still available for limited cases for those who wish to stay home, are a temporary solution during quarantine, but finally, students may resume their musical education in person--with added safety measures in place to ensure the health of our community. Please read more about our new rules and regulations for in-person store visits below.

Your commitment to ongoing musical education during this time ensures that you continue making progress with your instrument and that your teacher is able to make a living during this difficult time.

Thank you for all of your support! 

Guitar Close Up

LESSON PRICING

&
POLICY

(10 LESSON PACKAGE)

Violinist

IN-PERSON LESSON

SAFETY MEASURES

Piano Lesson

IN-PERSON
&
VIRTUAL LESSON FACT SHEET

10 Lessons Available
for 30min, 45min, & 60 min

Solo Classic is taking the highest precautions possible to ensure the health and wellness of our community

Questions? We've got answers.

Violin Performer

Rental Promotion

Rent 10 months

and get 2 months free

Violin

VIOLIN LESSONS

Viola

VIOLA LESSONS

cello

CELLO LESSONS

Piano

PIANO LESSONS

Guitar

GUITAR LESSONS

Microphone

VOICE LESSONS

MEET OUR MUSIC TEACHERS

Screen Shot 2017-05-23 at 4.12.21 PM.png

CONCERT PICTURES

AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE STUDENTS' HARD WORK

What’s the Buzz?

voice lesson

UPCOMING EVENTS

chicago violin maker

Our Story...

FROM HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER TO STRING INSTRUMENT MAKER

Roumen Raykovski (owner) was a teacher at Simon Bolivar High School in Bulgaria when he first heard about the Chicago School of Violin Making--one of the few schools in the world that offers courses in the traditional methods of string instrument making. The Bulgarian native made a decision that would change the course of his and his family's destiny: to pursue his dream of string instrument making and immigrate to America. Alongside his studies, Roumen honed his skills and began working for Karnes Music Co. in Chicago where he repaired, set up, and made adjustments to string instruments. A few years later, Roumen moved to William Hariss Lee where he restored priceless instruments as well as instruments for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Roumen's hard work and dedication, not only towards making string instruments from scratch, but also assimilating to his new country of residence, paid off when he opened Solo Classic, a small family business located in Buffalo Grove. With the help of his wife, Dani, daughter Iliana, and son Peter, Roumen's dream came to fruition and expanded into a music school. 
From Bulgarian educator to American luthier, Roumen is living proof of the American dream and continues to share his passion for music with his community.

Violin Performer

Rental Promotion

Rent 10 months

and get 2 months free

Meet Our Solo Staff

HONING SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME

violin teacher

SONIA H.

VIOLIN

Sonia is a master violinist and instructor who received her training from the renowned Tel Aviv University and was a student of the proclaimed Shlomo Bohr and Oedoe Partos.

Sonia is a first prize winner of the Gina Bachauer competition; principal, co-principal and 1st violinist in Haifa Symphony Orchestra (Israel), Israeli Opera and Radio of Israel Light Music Orchestra, Tel Aviv, soloist and ensemble player in chamber groups, Ramat Gan (Israel) and Musicanti of the Cape Town Symphony. Currently Sonia teaches at the Music Institute in Highland Park as well as Solo Classic Music School.

 

Sonia's students, of all ages, have earned countless awards and garnered insurmountable success in the music world. Her experience speaks for itself and Solo Classic is most lucky to have her.

chicago violin teacher

FABIAN U.

VIOLIN & VIOLA

Assistant concert master of the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra, Highland Park Strings, former member of Galveston Symphony Orchestra, Houston Civic Symphony, La Orquesta Sinfonica de la U.AN.L., Filharmonica “George Dima”, and “Virtuoziidin Transilvania.”  During his eight year tenure at Solo Classic, Fabian has enjoyed teaching a range of ages and experience levels using traditional methods and the Suzuki method. He often encourages his students to participate in local activities, school orchestras or local competitions in the hope of preserving music in communities and celebrating art. In the last IGSMA, several of Fabian's students have taken gold medals. A highly driven teacher, Fabian's dedication to his students is showcased through  their focus and talent.

chicago viola teacher

DESI T.

VIOLIN & VIOLA

Loved by students and faculty alike, Desi holds both the BM and MM from the State Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria. Prior to moving to the U.S. In 1996, Desi has been performing with leading orchestras in Europe. She served as principal violist for the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra for 8 years, performed regularly with the Illinois Philharmonic, Illinois Symphony Orchestras and is currently a member of the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra and Highland Park Strings. Teaching both Traditional and Suzuki methods, Desi has been on the faculty of the MCMC in Crystal Lake since 2002, NSMI in Northfield, Starland and Wilmette Park District. She has taught at Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South H.S. for several years.

Violin teacher

GRACE Y.

VIOLIN & VIOLA

Grace is an enthusiastic teacher and an active violinist who frequently performs as an orchestral and chamber musician in the Chicago-land area.


Receiving her Master
of Music (MM) and Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign under the tutelage of Megan Freivogel and Stefan Milenkovich, Grace hopes to share her extensive knowledge of music to her students and incorporate smarter techniques that provide greater results in musical ability.


While at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, she had invaluable
chamber music experience working with the wonderful members of Jupiter String Quartet which has shaped her musicality and musicianship immensely as a chamber musician and as
a violinist. Her major teachers included Megan Freivogel, Jupiter String Quartet, Stefan Milenkovich and Cornelius Chiu.


Grace enjoys sharing her lifelong love of music with others, especially with her students. She feels grateful to have gained so much from learning music
from her master teachers and making music with aspiring musicians.


She believes the process of learning an instrument helps one to grow in many positive ways in life and hopes
to pass on as much wisdom and love of music to her own students in the years to come. Grace's favorite part about being a musician is the freedom of expression. Being musically endowed can open the door to opportunity, but more importantly, yourself. She hopes that through proper technique, her students can open the door to their soul and let it speak through their instruments. 

Grace's method of teaching not only centers on proper form and preparation, but through a customized work plan that yields greater retainability of musical knowledge so that her students can be proficient and successful with their music with or without guidance.  

Chicago piano teacher

SUNGHA C.

PIANO / KEYBOARD

Sungha has been teaching piano to all ages and levels for 25 years.

Originally from South Korea, Sungha began her piano education at the age of five and by the age of 9 pursued it as a career.


Prior to attending graduate school in the United States, Sungha was active as a
collaborator, chamber musician, accompanist and performed with various orchestras, solo and duo concerts, participated in master classes, and won competitions.


She also trained at the International Festival of Russian Music School in Moscow where she completed a variety of master classes with Professor Tatiana Zelikman as well as attending the International Festival of National Austrian Music School with Dr. Shemer.


Since moving to Chicago, Sungha acquired a Masters degree in Piano Performance and a degree of Professional Performance Diploma in Piano at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt
University.


Following her studies, she has distinguished herself in the local music scene through performances with Symphony Orchestras, first place at the American Musicians Young Artist Piano Competition, winner of Music Societies, and a scholarship recipient.


Sungha expanded on her teaching abilities at a local Chicago church as a worship accompanist, youth orchestra director, and director of a
children’s choir. She has also taught as a piano instructor and collaborative pianist at Aurora University since 2007 and teaches piano at Logos Music School.


Her teaching philosophy centers on encouraging each student to explore and develop their own love for music in their own way. She has a passion for teaching and is eager to share her expertise and talents with a variety of levels. Her goal is to prepare her students with proper technique, but also instill an appreciation for music so they may enjoy and cherish it for the rest of their lives.  

chicago violin teacher

GABRIEL H.

VIOLIN/VIOLA

Gabriel began his music education in piano and violin at the age of five. He then progressed to vocal and instrumental studies. At the age of sixteen, young Hwang made his official debut conducting the entire score of Handel’s Messiah from memory. Gabriel received his Bachelor of Music degree from Notre Dame de Namur University for violin performance, composition and instrumental conducting. He also received a Master and Artistic Diploma from San Francisco Conservatory of Music for instrumental conducting, as well as completing the Professional Instrumental Conducting and Violin Performance Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He studied conducting with distinguished teachers such as Daniel Lewis, David Ramadanoff, Jonathan Sternberg, Collin Matters, Carl Topilow, and Vahktang Jordania, and studies violin with world distinguished teachers, such as Joria Flazaness, Stuart Canin, Daniel Kobialka, and Donald Weilerstein. 

As a violinist, Hwang served as the principal violinist with San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Master Sinfonia Orchestra in California. His work as an outstanding choral and symphony conductor has been recognized by critics and audiences as a “splendid conductor possessing a poet, sensitivity, and craftsman efficiency.”

As a result of receiving a prestigious conducting fellowship, Gabriel made his debut with the Aspen Festival Orchestra. As violinist, he won fellowship from Josef Silverstein to perform with Aspen Chamber Musical Festival. He is known for his charismatic presence on and off the podium, innovative offering, and has established close relationships with both orchestras, encompassing a wide scope of repertoire and concert formats throughout the United States.

Some of the orchestras that he has conducted include: The Master Sinfonia Orchestra, San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, West Bay Orchestra, Guyton Symphony, Riverside Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Marin Symphony, Palo Alto Orchestra, Tasajara Symphony, Kahrkov Philharmonic Orchestra, and Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra, to name a few.

Presently, Maestro Hwang is the music director and conductor of the Cleveland Central Philharmonic Orchestra. He is an acting member in the Prestige Management LLC in New York, a company that markets classical artists around the world. Additionally, he also serves as music director, chamber ensemble teacher, and individual instructor at Cuyahoga College as well. 

Gabriel's Videos
"Learn to Play the Violin with Music Instruction" is contracted through the Prestige Management LLC Corporation in New York City as a guest conductor of nineteen (19) cities across the United States. Through the Prestige Management LLC Corp., Maestro Gabriel is featured in “A Universal Affair” at Carnegie Hall in Weil Recital Hall.

Gabriel also has a myriad of professional recordings and also made recordings conducting symphonies across the country.

He looks forward to using his years of expertise with his students and honing their musical knowledge.

chicago guitar teacher

RON E.

GUITAR & UKULELE

Picking up the guitar at the age of thirteen, Ron hasn't put it down since! Over the years, Ron embarked on an intensive musical education and performance journey receiving his professional training and a degree of arts from William Rainey Harper College under the tutelage of Steve Vazquez and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with Dr. Brian Torosian from Northeastern Illinois University, majoring in classical guitar performance. Not only did Ron study classical guitar through these schools, but also took lessons in jazz guitar and piano and studying and preforming classical piano.


Along with his degree studies, Ron has participated in several highly accredited master classes at university as well as widely renowned international classical guitar conventions: Denis Azabagic, Lily Afshar, Anne Waller, Mark Maxwell, Eduardo Fernandez, Raphaella Smits, Quaternaglia Quartet (Brazil), Rene Izquierdo, Xuefei Yang, and Oscar Ghiglia.

Since graduating, Ron has been expanding his range of music with studies of baroque and renaissance music on the mandolin and lessons in flamenco guitar with Nico Angel, a former student of Juan Serrano, and Denis Azabagic.

From the inquisitive thirteen year old to today's guitar maestro, Ron has far surpassed a simple interest in guitar and turned it into a lifelong passion which he hopes to impart onto his students!

Ron's extensive skill set allows him to explore any and all genres of music which, alongside his student's interests, can create a customized performance plan for their individual interest and skill set. 

chicago violin teacher

IRINA Z.

VIOLIN & VIOLA

Irina's passion for music began at six years of age when she first picked up her violin in her native Minsk, Belarus.

After receiving her Bachelors degree in music, Irina decided to further her musical education  at one of the leading conservatories in the former Soviet Union: Minsk State Conservatory. After five years of rigorous study and dedication to her craft, she was able to procure her Masters degree in music.


 Since then, Irina has dedicated her life to musical education and has been a violin instructor with over forty years of teaching experience.

On top of her already extensive education, Irina extended her musical studies in order to be able to teach the Suzuki method, completing her training at the Chicago Suzuki Institute from 2003-2006 and receiving 7 certificates that officially certified her as a formal Suzuki method educator.

Irina has also been teaching violin at the prestigious DePaul University School of Music, SMD since 2004 as well as Park Ridge School of Music.

Irina's teaching style uses a traditional approach in which she incorporates her vast experience with the Suzuki method as well as other technical books. She is comfortable working with all levels of repertoire and different genres of music, always ready to customize musical education to the student's specific needs. 

While teaching violin is Irina's profession, it is also her utmost passion. She 

looks forward to sharing her world of knowledge and experience with her students. Irina understands the diversity of approaches in music education and is excited to make necessary adjustments based on the individual needs of her students. 

Eun Joo Ju's Picture_edited.jpg

EUN JOO J.

PIANO / ORGAN/ KEYBOARD

Eun Joo, a distinguished organist, piano, and music educator, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She further honed her expertise at the Manhattan School of Music with a Master of Music and a Professional Studies Diploma, and at Hansei University in South Korea with a Bachelor and Master of Music in Organ Performance.

With over 30 years of experience, Eun Joo has served as an organist and choir director at numerous churches, including her current roles at Kenilworth Union Church and Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, IL. Her extensive performance history includes solo organ recitals across the United States and South Korea, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft.

Eun Joo has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Gerald Crystal Organ Fund Award and the Marcella K. Brownson Memorial Fellowship from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the International House Scholarship sponsored by Toyota Automobile Company, and the President’s Award from the Manhattan School of Music.

In addition to her performance career, Eun Joo is a passionate and experienced teacher, having instructed students of all ages and skill levels. She believes in fostering a lifelong love of music, particularly in young children, by creating a joyful first experience with music lessons and nurturing their natural musical instincts. For advanced students, she aims to develop their musicianship, theory, and knowledge of music history to a level that advances their musical aspirations.

 

Eun Joo is dedicated to creating unique curricula tailored to her students' diverse needs, ensuring each individual receives personalized guidance and support. Although not all her students may pursue professional careers in music, Eun Joo's goal is to help them enjoy and appreciate music, enriching their lives and the communities around them.

chicago piano teacher

JAMIE S.

PIANO / KEYBOARD

Jamie studied piano from a young age with renowned pianist, Dr. Wael Farouk. She received her Bachelor’s in Music from Carthage College, graduating with honors in 2021, where she studied with Professor Fumi Nakayama and Dr. Deborah Masloski.

During Jamie's time at Carthage, she had  privilege of accompanying the school orchestra, participating in numerous recitals, and serving as the music director of the academic music fraternity. Additionally, Jamie was the recipient of multiple music scholarships, including the Alice Mack and Neill O. Rowe scholarship. She was also selected from her peers to perform in Carthage’s Honors Recital in 2018.


Throughout her musical education, Jamie was dedicated to helping others grow. She was able to do this by serving as a peer coach and the tutor for all keyboard skills classes within the music department, as well as teaching students from the community under the supervision of Dr. Wael Farouk and Professor Fumi Nakayama.

With years of teaching experience under her belt, Jamie is an energetic and warm teacher who strives to share her love of music with her students by finding ways to teach technical abilities and masterful artistry through a variety of methods and techniques that help showcase her students’ potential and unique gifts.


Jamie is excited to find creative ways that spark her students’ interest in music, including utilizing musical selections that inspire her students as they discover a joy and a love for music that will last a lifetime.

chicago flute teacher

DENYS D.

FLUTE

Denys started teaching flute in 2003 while studying at the conservatory of music in Lviv, Ukraine. His first teaching job was at a Children's Music School and later, in 2006, at Lviv College of Music. While studying and teaching, he was also working at the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra as a principal flutist and later at the Lviv Opera and Ballet Theater as a second flute/piccolo.

Denys also did musical tours to Western Europe and South Korea with the Lviv Philharmonic Orchestra. 

 

In 2008, Denys moved to the United States and immediately began teaching private students and performing in recitals serving the community including retirement homes, hospitals, and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.

 

Students can expect Denys to use his 10 year plus experience as a professional musician towards forming a comprehensive and efficient musical plan 
that will produce great musical results in a shorter period of time. Within just a few lessons, the student will be able to create a good quality sound (and technique later) without straining or putting in an excessive amount of effort.

 

DenysI structures his lessons so students can learn what they want to learn, while also maintaining correct posture and proper technique--and most importantly, having fun while doing it!

Martti_pic_edited.jpg

Martti L.

CELLO

A native of Helsinki, Finland, Martti is a distinguished cellist and educator now enriching the Chicagoland music community. From 2015 to 2024, Martti was a full-time faculty member at the esteemed Avonia Music School in Espoo, Finland, where he conducted youth orchestras and coached chamber music, in addition to teaching students aged 4-19. His dedication to personalized instruction has fostered a versatile and dynamic learning environment, tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

Martti’s students have consistently excelled in placement exams and national competitions, with many achieving international acclaim. His teaching philosophy centers around fostering a passion for music while ensuring each student finds joy in playing the cello.

Martti holds advanced degrees in music education and cello performance from the prestigious Sibelius Academy in Helsinki and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His international training includes an Erasmus-exchange program at the Haute Ecole de Musique in Lausanne, Switzerland. As a seasoned performer, Martti has graced numerous European stages, participating in a myriad of festivals and projects. Additionally, he is a dedicated early music specialist and an accomplished viola da gamba performer.

Deeply committed to nurturing not only technical proficiency but also a lifelong love for music in his students, Martti believes in empowering his students to express their individuality through their instrument and strives to cultivate a supportive, inspiring environment that embraces a wide range of learning styles. His ultimate goal is to equip his students with the skills and confidence to pursue their musical dreams, whether in professional careers or personal fulfillment.

music teacher

Inna R.

PIANO/KEYBOARD/VOICE

Having begun her endeavors from the age of 5, music became Inna's greatest passion in life. Inna completed a full 8-year fortepiano course in Ukraine, with honors, under the instruction of renowned music teacher Ermolaev Victor Leonidovich. She then continued her musical education earning a Bachelor's degree in music theory from Mikhail Glinka College of Music in Dnipro, Ukraine, again with honors. Along with working with top professors, including Martynek Tatyana Nikolaevna and Samara Yuri Pavlovich, Inna also completed a music internship with a music school in Ukraine where she honed her teaching skills working with a diverse age groups and experience levels.

 

Inna specializes in classical as well as pop music on a variety of pianos, including mechanical and electric. Furthermore, Inna performed as a vocalist in school and in university bands, which granted her valuable audience experience and the wisdom of combating the classic performer stage fright. She intends to not only impart musical knowledge to her students, but an understanding of what it means to be a performer and the ability to create an experience for an audience; after all, music is intended to be heard and felt as a form of entertainment and musicians need to be prepared not only technically, but emotionally as well!

 

Inna aims to create a customized curriculum for the unique needs of her students, recognizing that each individual person requires different teaching approaches based on their own learning style. Inna seeks to provide a fluent  understanding of music, technical and artistic, and a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Inna hopes that her lessons will instill a lifelong passion for music for a lifetime to come. 

cello teacher

Sydney A.

CELLO

Sydney A., a highly accomplished musician, holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a Master's degree at DePaul University. Her career has been marked by exceptional versatility and dedication.

 

With a wealth of professional experience, Sydney has graced stages throughout Florida, enchanting audiences in church services, holiday celebrations, and weddings. She continues to freelance during the winter and summer months, adding to her performing experience. 

 

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Sydney serves as a substitute cellist for the Space Coast Symphony and Gainesville Symphony, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to musical excellence.

 

Sydney's passion for education shines through her roles as the cello instructor for the USF Community Music Project and as a teaching assistant for Music Theory III and IV at the University of South Florida. 

 

 Sydney takes pride in crafting unique lesson plans that optimize her students' learning experiences. Her approach is centered on the belief that music should be fun, fostering a genuine love for the art form while nurturing technical skills and creativity.

piano teacher

YUNHEE L.

PIANO

Originally from South Korea, Yun-hee is an accomplished pianist with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Dongduk Women's University College of Music. She began her piano studies at the tender age of seven and quickly distinguished herself by winning the Young Artist Competition, securing the first place prize.

 

As a student, studying under professors In-Sup Shim, Sung-gyun Lee, and Suk-ja Kim, she gained expertise through participating in master classes, performing in piano duos, and playing chamber music.

 

During her studies and post-graduation, she was sought after as a piano accompanist by renown opera professors and opera vocalists in South Korea.
Through yearly spring and fall concert programs such as Classical Destinations, Mozart’s Aria Night, and Oratorio she continuously dedicated efforts to strengthen the establishment and growth of traditional classical music in the local community (Gyeonggi Bucheon; outskirts of Seoul).

 

Upon graduation, Yunhee further pursued her educational career as a teaching assistant of performing arts at Dongduk Women’s University for two years. She encountered contemporary music while preparing for the Dongduk University’s College of Music concert series and had the privilege of collaborating with contemporary artists such as jazz vocalist Yun-sun Na, jazz
pianist Gwang-min Kim, and guitarist Jung-sun Lee. This collaboration helped further advance local performing arts with the integration of classical and contemporary music.


Prior to moving to the United States, Yunhee grew her passion for teaching as a middle school and high school music teacher. During her time as a teacher, she formed deeper connections with her students while planning and advising concerts throughout the school year.

 

Performing alongside her students for chamber music and choir competitions strengthened Yunhee's ability to meet students at eye level. She recognizes music as a positive form of expression and empowers ways for her students to find playing piano enjoyable. She believes in a holistic
approach to musical education that values the development of the whole child—intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Ultimately, this teaching approach will enlighten her students’ overall musicianship and personal growth as well as help them internalize music as a whole.

 

With more than 25 years of experience as a private instructor, Yunhee draws on a wealth of disciplines, piano pedagogies, and creativity to accommodate individual learning styles.

 

She has helped enrich the music scene in her local community by performing alongside classical singers in local concerts and recitals. She has stayed active in her practice as a piano accompanist at numerous churches for the past 20 years. She also has experience as a choir director and children’s ensemble director in local churches.

 

Yunhee has a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and playing piano and hopes to pass along that excitement for the piano. The key to infuse that passion lies in encouraging music to be freely explored while providing technical correction. She aspires music to comfort and nourish her students.

teacher photo_edited.jpg

Aurian K.

CELLO

Aurian is a passionate performer, teacher, and scholar who holds a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Oklahoma State University, where she studied under Meredith Blecha-Wells. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Music Performance at DePaul University with Professor Stephen Balderston.

With a commitment to fostering musical creativity and personal growth in her students, Aurian has been teaching privately since 2021, guiding elementary through high school students. Her teaching emphasizes analytical thinking, time management, and preparation for orchestral auditions and solo performances.

Aurian's teaching experience includes serving as cello faculty at the Greenwood School of Music Preparatory Academy and working at OSU Cello Fest. She has extensive Suzuki training, completing courses up to Book 8 with Shu-yi Scott, and has specialized workshops on teaching double-jointed students and vibrato techniques.

In addition to her teaching, Aurian has an impressive performance background. She has played with the DePaul Symphony Orchestra, DePaul Opera, and various chamber ensembles. Her festival experience includes the Ascent Chamber Music Festival, Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and ARIA International Summer Academy, studying with renowned cellists such as Zuill Bailey, Alan Rafferty, and Melissa Kraut.

Aurian's goal as a teacher is to help students discover their own learning styles and guide them in their musical journey. She believes that learning music develops essential life skills like time management, analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, perseverance, curiosity, and confidence. Aurian is dedicated to fostering a love for music and helping her students grow as individuals.

Interested in Enrolling? Contact Us!

If you're interested for more information, please fill out the form with your information and we will be in touch! 

In the Message portion, provide:

  • Student Name

  • Student Age (indicate if adult)

  • Instrument Preference

  • Best time to reach you

  • Days and time of availability for lessons

476 W Half Day Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, USA

  • Google Places
  • Facebook

Thanks for submitting!

Subscribe Form

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page