Changing the Strings of an Acoustic Guitar

Lesson Studio Teachers – Normal

All lessons meet at The Music Shoppe. Teachers set their own rates & schedules. For more information, or to set up a lesson time, please use the contact form on the left (desktop) or bottom (mobile).

Guitar Teachers

Marita Brake Music Shoppe Music Education Center Director Guitar, Ukulele, Dulcimer, & Songwriting Lessons If Marita isn’t a household name in Central Illinois, she should be!  Her credits include performances for two presidential inaugurals, Carnegie Hall, projects for PBS and three CDs. She’s toured throughout the United States  and Great Britain and brings that professional performance to her students. Her specialties include guitar, voice,  songwriting, dulcimer and ukulele.  Marita has taught at the Music Shoppe for over 30 years teaching all levels  and welcomes anyone at any age and level of experience. She teaches a  variety of people and styles while covering all the important stuff.  Her personal website can be found .

Kirk Ellis Guitar Lessons While attending Lincoln College, Kirk studied theory and composition, classical guitar and performed in various rock bands.  He also received the award for the most improved musician.  He received his Bachelors Degree from Illinois State University and studied under three different classical guitar instructors.  Kirk has toured with various country/rock bands throughout the Midwest, opening for some of the biggest names in Country.  He currently plays lead guitar, fiddle and sings harmony for the country/rock group, Brushfire.  Kirk is the regional coordinator for the Nashville Songwriters Association International, hosting monthly workshops on songwriting.  Kirk teaches various styles such as: classic rock, country, classical, acoustic, heavy metal, blues, jazz and blue grass.  He also teaches songwriting, theory, fiddle and mandolin.

Michael W. Hull Classical Guitar Lessons Guitarist Michael Hull has been teaching for more than 20 years to students of all ages and abilities.  He particularly enjoys working with beginners.  In addition, many of his former students are aspiring musicians who have gone on to study at prestigious institutions as Northwestern University, Eastman and North Carolina School of the Arts.  Several of them serve on the faculty of colleges and universities.  Michael Holds a Master of Music from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Music from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  Currently, he serves on the faculty at Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College and Bradley University.  In addition to teaching, he performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician .  His performance credits include the Springfield Classical Guitar Society Concert Series, Cultural House of Vileyka, Belarus (former Soviet Union), orchestral guitarist for the broadwayproductions of The Last Five Years and Spamalot and many other venues and stages.  He has commissioned new works for the guitar, directed the Mid-America Guitar Ensemble Festival (2000, 2008) and is also the President of the Central Illinois Guitar Society. Michael resides in Bloomington with his wife, Svetlana and their children, Nikolai and Evelyne.

Erik Swanson Guitar Lessons Erik Swanson has taught guitar at the Music Shoppe since 2004. An accomplished guitarist and teacher, he is equally adept at teaching everything from Classic & Modern Rock to Blues, Jazz and Classical Guitar. He has taught students of all ages (from 7 and up) and skill levels, from beginner to highly advanced. Erik prides himself on personalizing lessons for his students, selecting songs and lesson material customized to their interests and goals as guitarists. Beginner guitarists will develop a repertoire of songs while simultaneously learning to play chords, strumming patterns and picking, and cultivating general musicianship. Most beginner lessons emphasize immersion in playing, making music and having fun while still being challenged. As students advance, lessons will turn to mastering broader musical concepts that will improve their musicianship. Intermediate and advanced lessons can cover a broad range of topics, from learning to improvise with scalesand modes, improving technique, finger-style, reading music, understanding and applying music theory to the guitar and exploring more challenging styles of music. Erik has earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Classical Guitar from Bradley and Illinois State University and is currently a Doctoral student at the University of Illinois in the Jazz Program. He also has served as an adjunct faculty member at Lincoln Christian College teaching classical guitar and guitar ensemble and has also served on the faculty at Heartland Community College and Lincoln College. He gigs frequently in a variety of jazz groups, in classical duos, and as a soloist. Erik’s personal website can be found .

Rhonda Steidinger Guitar/Piano Lessons Rhonda Steidinger attended Illinois Wesleyan University and has studied guitar under the instruction of Marita Brake, Studio Manager at the “Music Shoppe”. She has taught out of her private studio, “Strings and Keys” for 15 years where she has taught guitar and piano to individuals ranging in age from 4 to 68. She was an elementary teacher at Pontiac Christian School for 7 years and music instructor for 2 years. As a music instructor she taught recorder and guitar, facilitated music appreciation lessons, and organized spring and fall musical programs for ages Kindergarten through 8th grade. Additionally, Rhonda has been the guitar leader for her church worship team for 15 years. Rhonda’s flexible schedule allows time for home-schooled students to attend early afternoon and week day lessons. Her developed teaching experience will enhance your interest and appreciation for music through a guided learning process in a positive and fun environment.

Scott Terrell Guitar Lessons Scott Terrell rejoined The Music Shoppe Inc. teaching staff in 2008 after returning from extensive touring with his bands As the Crow Flies, The Abacinators, and The Dexrays.  Scott has over a decade of professional teaching experience with both electric and acoustic guitar, specializing in many styles. Scott began his teaching career with The Music Shoppe Inc. in the summer of 1999 at the age of seventeen.  In 2001, he left The Music Shoppe Inc. to pursue another market and to expand his client base for music performance.  He returned in the spring of 2008 and has become a very popular instructor in just the short amount of time since his return.  Scott teaches students of all ages and all styles, with an emphasis on good technique but still trying to keep it fun.  Much of Scott’s teaching methods are techniques that he has developed himself whether it be an approach to understanding a music theory concept, or a basic exercise that is fun to play as wellas technically beneficial.

Dan Troyer Banjo, Dobro, Mandolin Lessons Dan Troyer, a Bloomington/Normal native, began taking lessons in violin, piano and guitar at the Music Shoppe at a young age.  He discovered bluegrass music later in life and attended East Tennessee State University where he earned a Bachelor’s  Degree in Bluegrass, Country and Old-Time Music Performance.  He toured the United States for two years playing banjo with the Sons of Bluegrass, and has shared the stage and recorded with Bluegrass legends such as Del McCoury, J.D. Crowe, Bobby Osborne, Adam Steffey, Hunter Berry and Michael Cleveland.  He specializes in bluegrass banjo, mandolin and dobro, and loves to share his passion and knowledge of the music with people of all ages!

Piano Teachers

Travis Wesley Hoover Piano Lessons Travis was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois and began studying piano at age 10.  After graduating from high school, he attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, also working at his first professional gigs while a student.  After the completion of his Bachelors degree in 2003, Travis became a teaching assistant at Eastern Illinois University and finished his Masters degree there in 2005. One of Travis’ most important musical associations was with the legendary, St. Louis based jazz saxophonist, Willie Akins from 2004 to 2005.  During this time as Akins’ regular pianist, Travis performed several nights a week with world-class musicians at some of the Midwest’s finest jazz venues. Since Moving back to Illinois, Travis has worked with numerous jazz and contemporary artists including Leslie Beukelman, Toby Curtright, Chip McNeil, Matt Hughes, Frieda Lee, Darden Purcell, Shawn Purcell, Margaret Murphy, Ron Jones, Ben Wheeler, TimBrickner, Jeff Magby, Cory Flanigan, Andy Crawford, Tom Marko, Jay Sawyer, Frank Parker and the acclaimed University of Illinois Concert Jazz Band.  Travis has also recorded several albums with his trio, the latest of which is entitled Natural Diversion.  This album has received several reviews including one by jazz author, journalist and historian, Scott Yanow.  It is also available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and most major online retailers.  In addition to holding Bachelors and Masters degrees in music, Travis has recently completed all required coursework toward the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of Illinois.  Here, Travis’ research has focused on specific areas of jazz piano performance, the history of American music and piano pedagogy.  Travis also completed a Teaching Assistantship at the University of Illinois where he taught applied jazz piano, class jazz piano, and traditional piano courses for music majors.  Travis is currently an instructor atHeartland Community College and most recently at the Music Shoppe in Normal, IL. You can visit Travis’s personal website .

Scott Montgomery Piano Lessons Scott Montgomery is Director of Music Ministries and Organist for Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in Champaign, Illinois.  Scott received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, in organ performance, studying with Dr Dana Robinson. Scott has been a prize winner in several competitions including first-prize in the American Guild of Organists’ Region V Competition in Evansville, Indiana (1997), second-prize in the Arthur Poister National Organ Competition in Syracuse, New York (2002), and was also the first recipient of the M. Louise Miller Scholarship (2002) sponsored by the Greater Bridgeport Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  In 2006 he was winner of both the Lilian Murtagh Memorial Award (first-prize) and the Audience Prize of the American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artist Competition in Organ Playing (NYACOP), the first person to win both prizes in the history of the competition.Scott has given numerous concerts and master classes around the country including performances at the 1998 National AGO Convention in Denver, the 2006 National Convention in Chicago, and two performances at the 2008 National Convention in St Paul-Minneapolis.  Scott has also been a featured performer and presenter at the Tallahassee Church Music Conference in Tallahassee, Florida; the National Pastoral Musician Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana; and for the 2009 Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) in Wheaton, Illinois.  His performances have been broadcast on American Public Media’s series, Pipedreams.  His debut recording, Water and Light, was released in 2008 by the Pro Organo label.  His second CD, Inspirations From England, was released in 2009 by the Regent Record label.

Robert Nakea Piano Lessons Robert Nakea is originally from Hawaii. He started learning piano at age six, and by age 15 made his solo debut with the Honolulu Symphony. He is a two-time laureate of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition (1988 and 1994), and was the winner of the Joseph Fisch International Piano Competition in 1986.  He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing in such venues as the Bergen International Music Festival in Norway, the Eisteddfod Festival of Wales, and Operafestival di Roma.  An active concert pianist, Mr. Nakea enjoys teaching young musicians of all skill levels, instilling in them a love for music and for the instrument.

Afrim Shabani Piano Lessons Faculty member at Illinois State University and Heartland Community College, member of the American Composers Forum.

Sarah Strand Piano Lessons Sarah has a Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from Illinois State University where she graduated with departmental honors. Along with teaching piano for 30  years, Sarah has also taught high school choirs and music appreciation classes.  Sarah comes from a very musical family and herself has enjoyed playing piano since the age of 5.  Sarah’s specialty is teaching children of all ages and being able to share the world of music with them.

Woodwind Teachers

Sally Hoffman Flute Lessons Sally Hoffmann is a private flute teacher of students in Bloomington Normal and the Central Illinois area. She is from  Pontiac, IL and has a Bachelor of Music Education, Illinois State University, 1978.  She studied with Max Schoenfeld  and has 30+ years of teaching experience.  She has extensive performance experience in bands, orchestras and chamber  music.  She also has music-directed and conducted in numerous theatres througout the region.  She is also a composer  and arranger. Flute teaching is specialized in beginner, intermediate and advanced intermediate levels. Instruction places emphasis on music reading, flute performance, and music theory.  Sally works with students of all ages including adults. The lesson plans are tailored to meet individual levels of talent and desire.  Recitals are held frequently.  Flutists are prepared for auditions and competitions such IMEA and band/chair placements. Extensive preparation for solo and ensemble contest –Sally accompanies her own students on piano as needed.

Alex Clay Flute Lessons Alex Clay is a Graduate Assistant at Illinois State University, where she studies with Dr. Kimberly Risinger. She is currently earning her Master’s degree in Flute Performance. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Alex began studying piano at the age of seven and flute at the age of ten. She went on to attend the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, where she studied with Dr. Andrée Martin and received her Bachelor of Flute Performance degree. Alex has received numerous awards including two Honorable Mentions in the Georgia Music Teachers National Association Young Artist Solo Competition, Third Place in the Georgia Philharmonic Concerto Competition, and was selected as a performer for the Florida Flute Association Masterclass Competition. She recently was a winner of the Illinois State University Band Concerto Competition. As an active teacher, Alex has taught students from ages seven to eighteen. She taught private lessons at the Columbus Schoolof Music and Dance, as well as privately out of her home. She was also a music theory tutor and a student ambassador for school recruitment events at Columbus State University. Following completing her Master’s degree, Alex plans to pursue a Doctorate in Flute Performance and perform in regional orchestras, while maintaining a large private studio.

Bill Toovey Clarinet Lessons Bill Toovey, clarinet, holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Music Education from Illinois State University.  During his 30-plus years in music education, Bill taught instrumental music in both Colorado and Illinois.  He continues to be an active performer and conductor with community-based ensembles. The lesson curriculum emphasizes the essentials of proper performance technique and theory fundamentals.  Bill designs lessons for students of all ages and ability/interest levels.

Beth Hildenbrand Clarinet Lessons Beth Hildenbrand is an up-and-coming clarinetist and music educator. She grew up in Fairbury, Illinois. She graduated with academic honors from Illinois State University in 2014 with degrees in Music Education and Music Performance. In May 2016, she will graduate with a Master of Music Performance degree, also from Illinois State University. Throughout her seven years at ISU, Beth consistently placed among the top in the clarinet studio and performed extensively as the principal clarinetist, as an E-flat clarinetist, and as a bass clarinetist in ISU’s most prestigious ensembles. She has given numerous solo performances and recitals and has performed in master classes and private lessons for renowned clarinet pedagogues. She completed six years of private clarinet study with Professor of Clarinet, Dr. David Gresham, and nearly one year of study with Adjunct Professor, Dr. Anne Dervin. Along with her life as a performing musician, Beth is a highlydedicated music educator. She is licensed to teach K-12 music courses in the state of Illinois and was a teaching assistant during her master’s degree. For the past eleven years, Beth has maintained a small but dedicated studio of clarinetists and saxophonists. She is an avid clarinet pedagogue, and she regularly teaches clarinet master classes, sectionals, and has adjudicated clarinet auditions for music camps, honor bands, and contests. She completed extensive research within several realms of clarinet pedagogy during her graduate studies. Beth teaches clarinet and bass clarinet to students of all ages and all levels ranging from beginner through advanced college undergraduate. She has taught students who have placed highly within their respective schools’ music programs, students who were selected to perform in honor bands, and students who pursued collegiate degrees in music. Beth is excited to share her passion for music-making with clarinet students!

Brett Thole Saxophone Lessons Brett Thole started his collegiate saxophone career in 2009 at Illinois State University. Being a member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, he attended and competed in the 2010 conference in Athens, Ga. Brett also has competed with several ISU saxophone quartets in the MTNA chamber competition. Brett was the winner of the 2013 Concerto Competition at Illinois State University.  He has performed on master classes with many notable saxophonists including: Taimur Sullivan, Joseph Lulloff, Kenneth Tse, and the H2 Saxophone Quartet. His inspirational teachers include Adrianne Honnold and Dr. Paul Nolen.

Brass Teachers

David Hoffman Trumpet, Brass and Jazz Piano Lessons Dave spent twenty years on the road with Ray Charles.  He is unbelievable, having been soloist for Ray on trumpet/flugelhorn and he also served as Mr. Charles’ composer and arranger.  His touring roster includes the biggest names in show business.  He teaches trumpet, jazz piano and improvisation at Knox College and The Music Shoppe.

Donny de la Rosa Trumpet Lessons Donny de la Rosa is currently pursuing a Doctorate of the Musical Arts in Performance and Literature at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Originally from Harlingen, Tx, Donny started musical success at his early years being awarded Outstanding Soloist at the State of Texas Solo and Ensemble contest (awarded by Dr. Wiff Rudd, Baylor University). Donny holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Texas State University and a Masters in Music Performance from Eastern Illinois University. As a classical trumpet performer, Donny has advanced to the Semi-finals at the National Trumpet Competition twice as well as being a winner of Eastern Illinois University’s Concerto Competition. As an ensemble performer Donny has constantly held the principal position in both band and orchestra ensembles and most recently was awarded the A.A Harding Award at University of Illinois for being principal of the Wind Ensemble since matriculation into the institution.

Michael Archer Trombone Lessons Michael graduated from Bradley University in 2014 with degrees in Music Business and Trombone Performance. Originally from Peoria, Illinois, he has performed throughout the Midwest in various capacities for many years. Among other things, he regularly plays for professional Broadway tours that come through the Central Illinois area, including Mary Poppins, White Christmas, and Wicked.  Michael specializes in performing with symphony orchestras, pit orchestras, concert bands, jazz big bands, and chamber music ensembles.

Dan Edie Tuba Lessons Dan Edie graduated Cum laude with a Bachelors of Music Education from Illinois State University in 2008. While as a student of ISU, he performed with the Big Red Marching Machine, Symphonic Band, Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Orchestra, and several small ensembles. From 2008 to 2011, he was the director of bands for the Panhandle School District #2 in Raymond, Illinois. While there he was in charge of all aspects of the 5th-12th grade program, teaching several individual and small group lessons, as well as directing both the Junior High and High School ensembles. He is currently pursuing a second Bachelors degree from Illinois State.

Orchestral String Teachers

Paul Huppert Violin/Viola/Electric Violin Lessons Paul Huppert began violin studies at the age of seven. Moving rapidly through the Suzuki method, his performing experience both as a recitalist and soloist with orchestra began at the age of nine. While a student at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, he received the Emil Hermann award in violin, and appeared as guest Concertmaster, and soloist with the Cincinnati Ballet Orchestra. Paul was also appointed Associate Concertmaster of the West Virginia Symphony. During this time, he was also a substitute section violinist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Since then, Paul Huppert has served in titled positions with numerous orchestras and music festivals across the country. currently, he serves as Concertmaster with both the St. Louis Civic, and St. Louis Chamber orchestras, Principal Second Violin with the Illinois Symphony, and Associate Concertmaster with the Bach at the Seminary Series in St. Louis MO. Paul Huppertkeeps an active teaching schedule in both Missouri and Illinois. His expertise encompasses classical performance, as well as comprehensive technical guidance. Also taught are Irish, Klezmer, Texas Swing, as well as gospel, rock, and blues. Paul is available for group (ensemble) coaching as well as orchestral playing technique. Paul’s teaching blog can be found here: . Paul Huppert’s teaching and performance videos can be found on YouTube as well as Vimeo. His personal websites: & Paul also instructs the Twin City String Collective. More information can be found .

Christine Bock Viola/Violin Lessons Chris Bock has performed with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra since 1981, and is entering her 12th season as principal viola.  Chris has a Bachelor of Performance Degree from Illinois State University and a Masters of Performance Degree from Northwestern University and has partially completed her doctorate at the University of Illinois. She has taught at various Universities for the past 30 years and was teaching at Millikin University for the past 18 years. She now enjoys teaching at The Music Shoppe studios and has about 40 students. Over the years, Chris has held principal positions in numerous orchestras such as Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Millikin-Decatur Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Missouri Symphony Society, and South Bend Symphony. Along with her accomplishments as an orchestral musician Chris has had a long career as a chamber player and as a soloist with orchestra and in recital on both the violin and viola. Chris Bock can be heard on CDsJourneys featuring works of the composer Baksa with the Heim Duo on the MSR Classics label, Celtic Rose by Marita Brake and The Book of Laments by Christopher Pond. Chris Bock has grown up in the classical world, jammed briefly in a rock band in her past, but now runs wild in the Celtic neighborhoods! She is the newest member of The Shanties. As the fiddler in this new Irish rock band, Chris has fallen in love with Irish music and playing a star role – the Violin!

Amanda Mendez Cello Lessons Amanda Mendez grew up in the Pullman neighborhood on Chicago’s south side. She started playing cello at the age of fourteen and quickly decided to pursue it as a career. She attained her Bachelor of Music in cello performance at Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where she studied with Dr. Nina Gordon. During her time there she was the recipient of the Louis A. Bury Music Scholarship, the Amateur Music Club Scholarship, and the Todd M. French/Stringworks Talent Award.  She also worked with the Illinois Chamber Music Festival and Cello Camps as a counselor, coach, and event coordinator. She was named on the Dean’s List each semester and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Amanda later attended Illinois State University where she attained her Master of Music in cello performance under the guidance of Dr. Adriana LaRosa Ransom. During her time there she held a position as graduate assistant and as assistant principle of the Illinois State SymphonyOrchestra. Amanda has also studied cello and chamber music abroad at La Schola Cantorum Conservatory in Paris, France with Madame Eugenie Fabre and has participated multiple times as a chamber musician in the International Chamber Music Festival in Kyustendil, Bulgaria. Currently, she is an instructor at the Music Shoppe and with the String Preparatory Department at Illinois Wesleyan University. She lives in Bloomington, Illinois.

Wiebe Ophorst Bass Lessons Wiebe Ophorst is local bassist and music education major at ISU. Experienced in many instruments, he is a musician with an expansive and flexible view of learning methods as well as effective practice methods for students looking to quickly gain proficiency and musicality on the upright or electric bass. Individuals with no experience or intermediate bassists will discover the secrets of written notation or chord changes. Being a member of many various amateur and professional ensembles, Wiebe Ophorst knows how to comprehensively prepare any bassist to go into rehearsals or auditions with confidence.

Molly Madden Harp Lessons Raised in a musical home, Molly Madden was just two years old when she first laid her fingers on a harp. She received Bachelor’s degrees in both Harp Performance and Music Education and a Master’s degree in Harp Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also received extensive training and practice in harp pedagogy. Molly completed her student teaching in Champaign-Urbana for grades K-8, teaching band, music technology, and general music. In addition to private teaching, Molly is an active performer, serving as principal harpist for the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Heartland Festival Orchestras. She also frequently performs with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, The Champaign-Urbana Theater Company, The Chorale (Champaign-Urbana), Illinois State University Wind Symphony, and chamber ensembles in Central Illinois. You can learn more by visiting her website:

Drum & Percussion Teachers

Jeff Young Percussion and Drum Set Lessons Whatever your drumming needs are, Jeff Young can help you! Jeff has a very wide range of expertise on anything from drum set to concert or world percussion. Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters degree in Music Performance from Illinois State University. He has also served on the faculty at Heartland Community College since 2007. Jeff’s teaching experience includes private lessons, traditional classroom teaching, and marching drum line instruction. Jeff also serves regularly as a judge at IMEA-sponsored events for grades 5-12. Jeff began his drumming life with a practice pad and a set of bells from The Music Shoppe. He also took private lessons at The Music Shoppe in junior high and high school. Currently a member of The Music Shoppe sales staff (since 2006), Jeff helps today’s beginners get started in their musical lives. Jeff plays drum set for two local bands: Marc Boon & theUnknown Legends, and Jack Dupp & the Empty Bottles. Jeff also performs on guitar, piano, and lead vocals in the band Blackwater FOE. Whether it be a rock band or an orchestra, Jeff is comfortable performing in any musical situation: however, Jeff’s dream job is to play in a pit orchestra for a Broadway musical.

Derek Spring Drum Set Lessons Derek is a professional working drummer living in Bloomington, IL. He majored in Music Composition at Columbia College in Chicago, IL, and has over 30 years of teaching, performance and recording experience. Lesson plans are personalized so that the students will achieve their goals in a productive and encouraging environment. Drum lessons are available from beginner to advanced. Derek is currently performing with Green Shoe Studio country music recording artist Aileeah Colgan, as well as the Happy Farm Records rockabilly band The Hillbilly Jones. Derek is also a performing member of the New Hope Church Methodist Worship Band, along with fill in work for local rock/pop cover band Heroso.

Voice Teachers

Denise LaGrassa Vocal Lessons Veteran Chicago artist, Denise LaGrassa, has received performance praise from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Reader.  Her latest CD “April Dreams”, received high marks from the national publication “All About Jazz”.  LaGrassa offers private and group lessons for children and adults.  She provides her students with a unique opportunity to learn how to sing, perform and compose.  She develops her student’s individual sound and style in a comfortable atmosphere while shaping and creating music. Through a series of interactive exercises, students experience new levels of understanding of rhythm, poetry, melody and vocal phrasing. Denise’s personal website can be found .

Sound & Home Recording

Tony Williams Home Recording Instruction Tony Williams is a graduate of Illinois State University, and has a certification in audio engineering from The Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, OH.  He has been a musician for over twenty-eight years, performing a variety of styles across much of the U.S., including the legendary CBGB in New York.  Tony operated a professional recording studio for five years, producing nearly every imaginable style of music in addition to commercial work.  He has either engineered or performed in recording sessions in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and New York.  He has been with The Music Shoppe since 2002 as a salesperson and guitar repair technician.