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# Chicago SMA

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://chicagosma.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Summer 2024 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/summer-2024-newsletter/):  Unicoi Arts Studio Chicago, ILJoin ChicagoSMA and Unicoi Art Studio for a summer filled with color, creativity, and musical fun! Now through August 23, 2024, our collaborative camp offers a unique blend of art exploration and musical adventures. Click here to sign up!Fall Registration is Coming:Pulaski registration is OPEN NOW!We'll be sending emails as we open up registration for other schools!
- [Almost Summer 2024 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/almost-summer-2024-newsletter/): Newsletter: Summer's Almost Here! ☀️Stay in the Know Dates to Remember:Willard Rock Band Hootenanny - May 29th at 7pmPrivate Lessons Recitals - June 9th at 3pmRight at School Summer Camps - Enrolling now!Step into Summer: Check out the Summer page on our website for up-to-date summer learning opportunities! ☀️Feel free to contact info@chicagosma.com with any questions or concerns. Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. ChicagoSMA is excited to collaborate with Chicago Public Schools for RE·VER·BER·ATE , offering Master Classes in large ensemble (band or orchestra), vocal/choir, and guitar ensembles.RE·VER·BER·ATE is a FREE multidisciplinary CPS arts festival featuring 100+ schools, 250+ performances, and 35+ workshops for students led by professional artists! The festival takes place downtown Chicago from May 1st to May 4th, 2024! Register for workshops and pick performances to view here! Do You Know of a School That Needs After School Enrichment Programming or Music?We want to help every neighborhood, school, community organization, student and family find access to enrichment programming and music.  Help us!  Please feel free to fill out this form to let us know about a community that could benefit from ChicagoSMA:  https://chicagosma.com/whycsma/ Registration Links All our schools have opened registration and begun classes, but it's not too late to join! Click the button below to check availability for classes at your school and sign up. Click to Find Your School & Register! Private LessonsWhether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson!  Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Dan McLean Dan McLean is a professional musician and music instructor from Evanston. For the last 15 years, Dan has passionately shared his musical expertise with students of all ages, promoting a love for music that resonates beyond the classroom. He studied under the guidance of some of Chicago’s most accomplished guitarists, focusing on jazz improvisation and ensemble dynamics. Learn More About Dan
- [Spring Newsletter 2024](https://chicagosma.com/spring-newsletter-2024/): From an early age, Joey was entranced by music. He'd sit for hours listening to their tapes and CDs on the big–now ancient–stereo that lived in the basement. His mother had him taking piano lessons by second grade through Kindermusic. In high school, Joey attempted stardom with several original rock bands, but ultimately decided to go to music school upon graduation.
- [Winter 2024 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/winter-2024-newsletter/): Winter 2024 NewsletterStay in the Know Spring Sessions open soon! ChicagoSMA has the following after school registrations opening on February 5th for Alcott, Alcott Pre-K, Pulaski, LaSalle II, Nettelhorst, Waters, Skinner North, Hawthorne, Burr, and Ogden!Are you dreaming of warmer weather? ????️ Us too! Stay tuned to learn about summer learning opportunities–they'll be announced soon! ☀️Feel free to contact info@chicagosma.com with any questions or concerns. Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. Three Cheers for Pom Squad! Do You Know of a School That Needs After School Enrichments or Music?We want to help every neighborhood, school, community organization, student and family find access to music and other enrichment opportunities.  Help us!  Please feel free to fill out this form to let us know about a community that could benefit from ChicagoSMA:  https://chicagosma.com/whycsma/ Registration Links All our schools have opened registration and begun classes, but it's not too late to join! Click the button below to check availability for classes at your school and sign up. Click to Find Your School & Register! Private LessonsWhether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson!  Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Lindsay Fulton Lindsay Fulton or ‘Miss Lindsay,’ was born in Omaha, Nebraska but has called Chicago home for over fifteen years. As a child, she was asked to perform violin duets and to serve on a select strings group. Today, she enjoys performing at private holiday events as well as watching her current piano students’ progress.She attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL) where she studied abroad in French Linguistics at Le Centre Linguistique Appliqué of Besancon, France. Most recently, she received a Music Certification from the Music Together program of Chicago, which focuses on singing and dancing for pre-k grades. She continues to supplement her skills through various University courses from The University of Edinburgh, Commonwealth Education of Canada, and Berklee College of Music.While her focus is on piano and voice, she also enjoys playing the accordion, steel tongue drum, ukulele and harmonica. When she’s not teaching or playing an instrument, you can find her enjoying the company of family and friends or entertaining herself with improv classes, speaking French, studying botanical and eastern medicines, watercolor painting, doing small interior design projects, or throwing the ball at The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore with her husband Mike and Australian Shepherd Lucy. Learn More About Lindsay
- [October / November 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/october-november-2023-newsletter/): Autumn 2023 NewsletterStay in the Know Many of our programs are registering for Session 2. Stay up to date on your program through www.chicagosma.com. Feel free to contact info@chicagosma.com with any questions or concerns.Many of you will get an email about your student’s class demo.  And you might ask, "What is a demo?"A number of our programs have a parent/guardian demonstration in the last 15 minutes of the last class of the session.  Demos are a great way for parents/guardians to engage with their child and see what exceptional work has been done over the course of the session.  From piano and voice to pom squad and theater, demos are a fun way to see how your child’s confidence and performance skills have grown.   Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. Music Education in the NewsWe really loved this New York Times article, which prominently features some great opinions about how musical education (and other enrichments) should be viewed and executed. We also believe in the usefulness in trying (and sometimes failing) and love being able to cultivate the joy and connection children can have while using music as an expressive language. Nod your head if you love hip hop class! Do You Know of a School That Needs After School Enrichments or Music?We want to help every neighborhood, school, community organization, student and family find access to music and other enrichment opportunities.  Help us!  Please feel free to fill out this form to let us know about a community that could benefit from ChicagoSMA:  https://chicagosma.com/whycsma/ Registration Links All our schools have opened registration and begun classes, but it's not too late to join! Click the button below to check availability for classes at your school and sign up. Click to Find Your School & Register! Private LessonsWhether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson!  Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com  Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Jade Dashá Jade Dashá is a Cleveland born, Florida raised and Chicago-based soprano and music teacher studying under Dr. Viktoria Vizin. Jade began in 2023 as a Smith Young Artist with Cedar Rapids Opera singing Miss Jones in the world-premier of Charlie and the Wolf, which toured local schools. She has also had the pleasure of working with Opera Steamboat (CO) and Chicago Fringe Opera this year, and was a Studio Artist with Central City Opera (CO) this summer. Learn More About Jade
- [September 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/september-2023-newsletter/): Classes have begun! We hope you're having a great time in your new classes with ChicagoSMA. Reply to this email and let us know how your experience has been so far!
- [August 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/august-2023-newsletter/): Are You Ready for the First Day of School?
- [July 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/july-2023-newsletter/): We are excited to start a new series of ChicagoSMA Parent Guides that can be found on our website year round. Keep an eye out, because a new Parent Resources page will be coming soon!
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://chicagosma.com/faq/): Answer
- [Parent’s Guide to Group Classes Vs. Private Lessons](https://chicagosma.com/group-classes-vs-private-lessons/): Are you a parent looking to ignite your child’s passion for music? Look no further! At Chicago School of Musical Arts (ChicagoSMA), we offer two exciting options to explore the magical world of music: group classes and private lessons. Let’s dive in and discover which path is perfect for your budding musician.
- [June 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/june-2023-newsletter/): THANK YOU to all of our parents, students, teachers and administrators for your continued positive support and enthusiasm for all that ChicagoSMA does!
- [May 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/may-2023-newsletter/): We would like to CONGRATULATE the Willard Elementary Music Program for winning the Support Music Merit from the National Association of Music Merchants.   ChicagoSMA is a proud partner of Willard Elementary.   With the assistance of Mr. Arturo Fuerte and Right At School, ChicagoSMA provides the Rock Band Program at Willard, which now boasts 57 participating students (11 bands total).    
- [April 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/april-2023-newsletter/): There are many reasons why it's important for students to practice music through the summer. Here are just a few:
- [March 2023 Newsletter](https://chicagosma.com/march-2023-newsletter/): Have you heard about our Musical Adventures class for preschool age children?This is an opportune time for young children to start listening to music and discovering their world. Exposure to music at this age accelerates brain development and sparks social-emotional, motor, language development and more.Through music education we encourage confidence building and students finding their creative selves.
- [February 2023: Welcome to Our Newsletter!](https://chicagosma.com/february-2023-newsletter/): We’re excited to share a monthly newsletter to keep you updated on all things ChicagoSMA. In this newsletter, we’ll keep you up to date with registration, new classes and schools, and give the spotlight to one of our Artist-Teachers. Thank you for your continued support!Pom Squad!One of our newer classes, Pom Squad, focuses on dance and cheer techniques in the styles of jazz, pom, sideline cheerleading and hip hop. Pom Squad focuses on performance style choreography as well as leaps, turns, kicks, splits and jumps all while emphasizing teamwork, self confidence, body positivity and school spirit. Our expert cheer teachers keep the students moving and smiling all the way to their upcoming performances at elementary basketball games and school assemblies!Teacher Feature: Kenny SmithKenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith is a local blues legend. He’s a 2011 Grammy winner and current Grammy nominee for Best Children’s Album. Kenny teaches Drums with ChicagoSMA, and his daughter is also in our Voice Classes.Learn More About KennyRegistration UpdatesGet excited! Registration for spring classes is open! Look to see when your school is registering for the spring session.Bookmark the Registration Page
- [Q and A with John-Paul Pendowski](https://chicagosma.com/qa-with-john-paul-pendowski/): Q and A with John-Paul Pendowsk
- [Q and A with Claire Corriveau](https://chicagosma.com/q-and-a-with-claire-corriveau/): Q and A with Claire Corriveau

## Pages
- [Brendan Pinkett](https://chicagosma.com/brendan-pinkett/): Brendan Pinkett, a recent transplant from the greater Nashville, TN area, is a dancer, choreographer, and dance educator located in Chicago, IL. His introduction to dance began inside competitive dance studios and in 2015, began a pivotal mentorship with Travis cooper. Working alongside Travis there were many opportunities to travel the United States, deeply studying and building Pinkett’s foundation within movement, along with assisting and co-choreographing at several dance studios around the United States. Between 2016 - 2020, Pinkett assisted several choreographers such as Roshunda Brown, Cailin Manning, and became a Faculty Assistant for Bellamoxi Dance Convention. In 2016, Pinkett joined Found Youth and after graduating from Nashville school of the arts in 2020, he became a contracted company member with Found Movement Group, a professional dance company based in Nashville, TN under the direction of stacie flood-popp. Since moving to Chicago, Pinkett has been exploring the playground that the Chicago dance community. Dipping his toe into the house, tap, concert and commercial communities that are in and around Chicago’s dance climate. His artistry is rooted in his values of play, curiosity, and connection to self and other. As a teacher, he offers knowledge in a plethora of styles such as contemporary, hiphop, tap, contact improvisation, modern, and more. Currently Pinkett is teaching at local dance studios in the Chicago area, continuing to build his dance community, and is participating in a local performance at the Neo-Futurist Theatre.
- [Tessa Olson](https://chicagosma.com/tessa-olson/): Tessa Olson is an independent choreographer, dancer, teacher, videographer, visual artist, and musician. Based in Chicago, they teach dance with Chicago School of Musical Arts and served as an apprentice in Red Clay Dance Company’s Making the Artivist program. They graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in May 2025 with a BFA in Dance. Passionate about community action, Tessa co-founded the makesmewanna art collective, a registered student organization on the UIUC campus. They have additional training from Bates Dance Festival, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and DanceWorks Chicago. They served as the dance documentation intern at Bates Dance Festival and are now the Video Producer and Editor at American Dance Festival. Tessa is an avid choreographer and premiered their sixth collegiate work in October Dance 2024 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Most recently, they returned to their alma mater, York High School, as a guest choreographer, and performed an original solo in Common Ground at The Rooted Space.
- [Taraja Echols](https://chicagosma.com/taraja-echols/): Taraja Mumbeja is a dynamic and emerging artist based in Chicago, holding a BA in Dance with a minor in Hip-Hop Studies from Columbia College Chicago. She is making her mark as a community organizer, dancer, model, teacher, and entrepreneur. Her primary style is rooted in House dance, shaped by her training with BraveSoul Movement, Kuumba Lynx, and Hiplet. She recently organized and hosted an all-women’s dance battle created to uplift and provide a safe space for women and femmes within the street dance community. Taraja continues to build inclusive platforms, developing events and initiatives that center empowerment, artistry, and community.
- [Sam Laidman](https://chicagosma.com/sam-laidman/): Hello My name is Samuel Laidman. I have a decade-long history of working in sound, composition, and post production for short and feature films, mini-series, and art installations. As well as playing and performing in various rock, punk, and metal acts over the years.
- [Wanxue Zhang](https://chicagosma.com/wanxue-zhang/): Wanxue Zhang is a classically trained soprano and pianist with an active performance career spanning Illinois, Connecticut, and Xi’an, China. She has sung with ensembles including CONCORA, the Yale Camerata, the Yale Repertory Chorus, and the Chancel Choir at South Church in New Britain, and now performs with NaperVoice and the Schola Cantorum at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. She also serves as piano accompanist for the Pro Musica Youth Chorus. Zhang earned her Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance from the Hartt School, University of Hartford, and earlier received Master of Music and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education from the Xi’an Conservatory of Music.
- [Ashley Wilson](https://chicagosma.com/ashley-wilson/): Ashley is a multi-hyphenate theatre artist based in Chicago. A California native, Ashley has been in love with the theatre for as long as she can remember. She has performed all across the San Francisco Bay Area at Tabard Theatre, Hillbarn Theatre, San Jose Playhouse, and more. Ashley is a graduate of Roosevelt University Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she received her BFA in Musical Theatre and a minor in Educational Studies. Ashley has been working with children for 10 years, teaching all aspects of theatre including singing, acting, dance, and theatre tech. She also entertains with a party princess company in the northern Chicago suburbs. When she isn’t teaching, Ashley can be found reading or painting by Lake Michigan, or at any Disney park.
- [Hawthorne Scholastic Academy](https://chicagosma.com/hawthorne-scholastic-academy/): Join us for Before & After School Enrichment Programs  
REGISTRATION OPENS July 15th AT 8 AM!  
SESSION 1 8/31/26 - 12/4/26 ALL PROGRAMS TAKE PLACE AFTER SCHOOL AT HAWTHORNE 
Classes run from 3:45-4:45 pm
Tuition-based classes (need-based scholarships available)
Space is limited; sign up today! ChicagoSMA|Enrichment Programming Weekly Class Schedule
- [St. Viator Elementary](https://chicagosma.com/st-viator-elementary/): ChicagoSMA|Enrichment and St. Viator have teamed up again to offer exciting after-school group classes led by local expert artist-teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a new skill or continue learning!
- [Ali Overing](https://chicagosma.com/ali-overing/): Ali is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and educator with over a decade of experience in music performance and teaching. They hold both a BA in music and a BEd in primary/junior education. Their educational background helps them create a supportive and engaging environment for students of all ages. Ali spent years performing and collaborating in diverse musical projects in their home city of Montreal, including their alt-rock project The Leanover, and the math-rock group Fer Sher.
- [Roycemore](https://chicagosma.com/roycemore/): ChicagoSMA|Enrichment and Roycemore School have teamed up to offer to offer after school group classes led by local expert artist-teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a new skill or continue learning!  Come Join us!
- [Sarah Sterling](https://chicagosma.com/sarah-sterling/): Sarah Sterling is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from the Boston area. She graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis with a double major in Dance and Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology and a minor in Spanish. During her time in college, she supplemented her training by attending the Bodytraffic Summer Program, the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive, the Bates Dance Festival, and the David Dorfman Dance Intensive. Upon graduation, she was accepted into the Visceral Dance Chicago trainee program where she trained and performed under the direction of Nick Pupillo and Cait Cucchiara. During this program, she performed works by Nick Pupillo, Braeden Barnes, Mónica Cervantes, and Mike Tyus. She has danced professionally with Niko8 under the direction of Sean Roschman, 773 Dance Project under the direction of Tyler Thomspon and Pauline Mosley, and Alluvion Dance Chicago under the direction of Johnny Huntoon. She has performed in several music videos under the direction of Isaiah Silvia-Chandley. She has also performed in several festivals around the city, including Simantikos’s “Choreo Kick Off,” and Alluvion’s “Emergence,” which she has also choreographed for twice. She recently began judging dance competitions and teaching convention master classes for Elite Performance Challenge. Sarah has been a teacher and choreographer in the Boston area for over six years and has now been teaching in the Chicago area for two years.
- [Sandy Perez](https://chicagosma.com/sandy-perez/): Sandy is multigenre movement artist from Chicagoland who began her professional dance career in Nashville in 2022. Sandy focuses on telling the stories of her communities through the themes of her work and choices of expression. She worked as a company member with DancEast Collective, Found Movement Group, and Southern Black Arts. She has presented work at Kindling Arts Festival, the Animata Arts Residency showcase, and Oz Arts’ Brave New Works Lab with Arelys Hernandez. In Chicago, she has had the privilege of working under Chih-Jou Cheng, Philip Wood and Dani Oblitas. She is currently focusing most of her training in street styles this season while working as a work study at Rhythmhood, having taken top 16 in her first local house battle this summer.
- [Tina Diaz](https://chicagosma.com/tina-diaz/): Tina Diaz (she/her) is a dancer, choreographer, and youth instructor based in Chicago, IL. Her passion for teaching began in 2017 while volunteering abroad for an outreach organization called Juntos. With Juntos, Tina performed and taught in various underserved communities within Guatemala. Since then, she’s taught for organizations like The Boys & Girls Club of Chicago, The Irving Park YMCA, Gigi Tonye’ Arts & Fitness, En Las Tablas Performing Arts, Music House, Nexus Performing Arts, and People’s Center for Contemporary and Cultural Arts. She strongly believes that teaching is an opportunity for her to inspire, motivate, and guide her students towards a brighter future.
- [Kai-Chun Chang](https://chicagosma.com/kai-chun-chang/): Kai-Chun Chang, born in Taipei Taiwan, graduated from Taipei National University of the Arts, Roosevelt University and DePaul University. He holds 3 rd Trumpet position of West Michigan Symphony Orchestra and 2 nd Trumpet position of Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. He is also an Associate Member of Civic Orchestra of Chicago, Regular Member of Wheaton Municipal Band. Besides professional orchestral musician, he is also a piano teacher, music educator and music lover.
- [Sydney Schenker](https://chicagosma.com/sydney-schenker/): Sydney is a dynamic teaching artist, performer, and choreographer from Maplewood, New Jersey, dedicated to inspiring young artists and igniting their passion for the performing arts. With a deep commitment to nurturing creativity, she aims to foster an environment where students not only develop their artistic skills but also build essential communication and emotional regulation abilities. Sydney loves to create a safe, supportive space where children have the freedom to explore, grow, and express themselves through performing arts, all while having fun!
- [Jessie Wexler](https://chicagosma.com/jessie-wexler/): Since starting guitar in the 3rd grade, Jessie has dedicated his passions to music, and became a multi-instrumentalist with 20 years of music experience. His musical journey has brought him everywhere from studio recording, performing on stage, writing and producing for dozens of artists, and teaching students of all levels. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jessie performed in hundreds of concerts before receiving his bachelor’s degree in music composition from The University Of The Arts. As a teacher, Jessie’s main goal is to create an environment that allows his students to firmly recognize and achieve their goals.
- [Socrates Hwang](https://chicagosma.com/socrates-hwang/): Socrates Hwang is a percussionist in the Chicago area. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor's at DePaul University studying Percussion Performance and Psychology. He hopes to obtain his PhD in Music Cognition and continue to teach music to young artists!
- [School Day Services](https://chicagosma.com/school-day-services/): Flexible, mission-aligned support—right when you need it.
- [Kevin Wheatle](https://chicagosma.com/kevin-wheatle/): Praised for his powerful and emotive voice, Kevin Wheatle has maintained a productive schedule, focusing primarily on the works of Mozart such as Count Almaviva from Le nozze di Figaro. Recent performances include the title role in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi (DePaul Opera Theater) , Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin (Opera Aeterna, 2024) along with performances of Manon Lescaut (Navy Captain: Opera Festival of Chicago, 2024), Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Leporello: Opera Aeterna, 2024), Rossini’s L’italiana in Algeri (Taddeo: Concert Opera of Greater Chicago, 2024), Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro (Count Almaviva: Chicago Summer Opera, 2023 | Florida Opera Prima, 2023 | Figaro: Florida Opera Prima, 2023), Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte (Guglielmo: Florida Opera Prima, 2023), and Puccini’s La Boheme, performing the role of Schaunard with FL’Opera & Zarzuela (2023).
- [Alexis Turner](https://chicagosma.com/alexis-turner/): Alexis Turner is currently a full-time undergraduate student at DePaul University double majoring in criminology and psychology as well as obtaining a trauma psychology certification. She also has been accepted and inducted into the criminology honor society.
- [Maria Bernal](https://chicagosma.com/maria-bernal/): Maria Bernal is a violinist from Colombia with a deep passion for both performance and music education. Throughout her career, she has performed in renowned venues across the globe and collaborated with distinguished musicians and conductors. Maria began her musical journey in Colombia, where she quickly developed a love for the violin.
- [Alexis Medina](https://chicagosma.com/alexis-medina/): Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Alexis has always been interested in the arts. Alexis grew up as a first generation Mexican American but surely grew his love for culture and music from across Latin America. He has been playing guitar for 10+ years and has his degree in Jazz Studies which he studied with Zvonimir Tot in the University of Illinois Chicago.
- [Andre Baptista](https://chicagosma.com/andre-baptista/): Andre Baptista is a Brazilian-born musician and instructor, who moved to Chicago to attend Columbia College of Chicago in 2017. Since then, he has been working as a live-musician as well as a session-musician and instructor. His love for music comes from his family and his upbringing in Brazil, which made him pursue his musical studies in guitars and piano. Being the older sibling & cousin of his family, his love for teaching and working with the children's musicianship became a fulfilling part of his musical endeavors since he began teaching with ChicagoSMA!
- [Siv Street](https://chicagosma.com/siv-street/): Siv Street (they/them) is a local theater artist and professional stage manager. They have been teaching various theatre classes since Fall 2023 and is excited for a new semester! Originally from the Ohio area, Siv got their degree in writing and theatre from the University of Mount Union and considers themselves a ‘jack of all trades’.
- [Django Wilson](https://chicagosma.com/django-wilson/): Django is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago, where he studied composition under Sebastian Huydts and Ilya Levinson as well as Percussion under Jarrett Hicks.
- [Phoebe Hu](https://chicagosma.com/phoebe-hu/): Phoebe holds a master's degree in music performance from DePaul University. She enjoys a career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and teacher. She performs with many orchestras in the United States. Phoebe also teaches private lessons, instrumental sectional, schools and after schools programs around Chicago area.
- [Marina Sommers](https://chicagosma.com/marina-sommers/): Marina Sommers is a piano teacher who aims to provide a fun and enriching musical experience while helping children develop a foundation in piano playing.
- [Russell Pinzino](https://chicagosma.com/russell-pinzino/): Russell Pinzino received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Northwestern University in 2019, where he studied with Kurt Hansen. He grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and began studying piano at the age of 5. Now a member of Chicago choirs such as Music of the Baroque and Stare at the Sun, he teaches voice and piano lessons to students of all ages around Chicago. Regardless of the instrument, his lessons place a strong emphasis on developing essential musicianship skills, as well as exploring a wide variety of styles. When not performing or teaching, Russell loves to exercise, dance, and cuddle with his dog and cat.
- [Destiny Davis](https://chicagosma.com/destiny-davis/): Education: American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood
- [Isaiah Walker](https://chicagosma.com/isaiah-walker/): Baritone Isaiah Walker was introduced to music at a young age, taking piano and cello lessons at age eight. His passion for opera developed later. In college, he studied classical voice with bass-baritone, and renowned composer Damien Geter. He holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance and a minor in Piano Performance from PSU ’23. He is currently studying with W. Stephen Smith, author of The Naked Voice and professor of voice and opera at the Bienen School of Music of Northwestern University.
- [Ayana Mollie Cheston](https://chicagosma.com/ayana-mollie-cheston/): A Cleveland, Ohio native, Ayana Cheston is a vocalist, songwriter, and visual artist currently based in Chicago, Illinois. She has loved music from an early age and grew up playing violin, acting, singing, and dancing in school musicals, and singing in church and school choirs.
- [Privacy Policy for Chicago School of Musical Arts](https://chicagosma.com/privacy-policy/): Chicago School of Musical Arts ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, parents, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.
- [Alcott PreK](https://chicagosma.com/alcott-prek/): ChicagoSMA|Enrichment and Alcott Elementary School have teamed up again to offer after school group classes led by local expert artist-teachers. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to a new skill or continue learning! Come Join us!
- [Parent Resources](https://chicagosma.com/parent-resources/): Which one is best for your child? Read the article linked below if you're trying to determine the best option for your child when it comes to their musical education.
- [Paige Kizer](https://chicagosma.com/paige-kizer/): Paige Kizer is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago, where she received a Bachelor of Music degree. While growing up in Dubuque, Iowa, Paige got her start in music by beginning on the saxophone in elementary school and later venturing into musical theater. It was not until high school that she discovered her love of songwriting. This newfound interest inspired her to pursue music further. Paige has been releasing original music under her name, Paige Kizer, since 2019, and plays her original music live with her band Paige and the Kizers.
- [Careers](https://chicagosma.com/careers/): CSMA is hiring experienced, part time artist-teachers for group classes and private lessons. We pride ourselves in hiring the best teachers around, and vet potential hires as such.
- [Group Classes](https://chicagosma.com/registration/): We are adding new schools all the time. If you are a school administrator, PTO president, or simply a parent requesting music in your child's school, click the button below and send us an email inquiry!Does your student need some additional attention for their lessons? Is your school not on this list? Maybe you just want to keep lessons happening year-round? If this sounds like you, then your child could thrive in our private lessons!
- [Summer Programs](https://chicagosma.com/summer-programs/): First Week: June 8th - June 12, 2026 (5 days)
- [Elementary Programs](https://chicagosma.com/elementary-programs/): ChicagoSMA provides quality, convenient, and customizable aftercare programs for children in schools and communities across the country. Children learn through creativity and music, and that's why we are happy to bring our enrichment and music programming to schools near you.
- [Early Childhood Education Programs](https://chicagosma.com/early-childhood-education-programs/): ChicagoSMA believes that children learn through creativity and music. We are happy to provide quality, convenient, and customizable musical arts programs for children in schools and communities across the country, including early childhood education.
- [Sasha Brusin](https://chicagosma.com/sasha-brusin/): Originally from Novi Sad, Serbia, Sasha Brusin’s musical education and performance experience spans Europe and the United States. He is comfortable and proficient on guitar, electric bass, and ukulele in many styles of music, including Jazz, Rock, Funk, R&B, Blues, Latin, Brazilian, to European ethnic blends, adding decades of experience in performing, instructing, recording, and audio production.
- [Perez Elementary](https://chicagosma.com/perez-elementary/): Sign-up directly through Perez Elementary  
- [Lindsay Fulton](https://chicagosma.com/lindsay-fulton/): Lindsay Fulton or ‘Miss Lindsay,’ was born in Omaha, Nebraska but has called Chicago home for over fifteen years. As a child, she was asked to perform violin duets and to serve on a select strings group. Today, she enjoys performing at private holiday events as well as watching her current piano students’ progress.
- [Jade Dashá](https://chicagosma.com/jade-dasha/): Jade Dashá is a Cleveland born, Florida raised and Chicago based soprano and music teacher studying under Dr. Viktoria Vizin. Jade always loved music class in school and took interest in choir after moving to FL in 5th grade. Her mom wasn't so sure this would be a good fit for Jade, seeing as no one in the family could sing. Thankfully for Jade, it ended up being the beginning of a lifetime passion, and a tool for self exploration and growth.
- [Blaine Elementary](https://chicagosma.com/blaine/): Our partner, Chicago School of Musical Arts (ChicagoSMA), is offering after-school group classes led by local artist-teachers. Classes include: Theater (1st-3rd), Storybook Theater (PreK-K), Musical Adventures: Little Pianists (PreK-K), Ukulele and Guitar: Strum & Sing (1st-5th), Pom Squad (2nd-4th) and Jr. Pom Squad (PreK-1st). This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your child to music, movement, and the arts, or to continue learning!
- [Blog](https://chicagosma.com/chicago-sma-blog/): Latest Blog Posts
- [Lina Mar Yamin](https://chicagosma.com/lina-mar-yamin/): Lina is an accomplished violinist living in Chicago. She has studied with Janet Sung (DePaul), Kevin Lawrence (UNCSA) and Edgar Aponte (El Sistema). Before coming to Chicago, she was for more than fifteen years a part of “El Sistema” – a social program focused on providing free music education to children and young students- in Caracas, Venezuela. There, Lina had the opportunity to grow up as a musician by taking lessons, teaching kids, and playing in the first violin section of the Youth Orchestra of Caracas.
- [Donny Walker](https://chicagosma.com/donny-walker/): Donny has performed and produced over 55 records/soundtracks/EPKS, custom created an 1000+ fully mixed and mastered song catalogue spanning 23+ genres. He’s scored and produced total soundtracks for 12 feature films, 30+ short films, three theatre shows, one musical, and one museum exhibit called ‘Art is Instrumental’ with the DuPage Children’s Museum. He and his team represented original music for the nation of America in iMapp 2019’s worldwide winners round with creative genius George Berlin.
- [Dan McLean](https://chicagosma.com/dan-mclean/): Dan McLean is a professional musician and music instructor from Evanston. For the last 15 years, Dan has passionately shared his musical expertise with students of all ages, promoting a love for music that resonates beyond the classroom. As a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, Dan earned his bachelor’s degree in guitar performance in 2011. He studied under the guidance of some of Chicago’s most accomplished guitarists, while focusing on jazz improvisation and ensemble dynamics.