Officers
John Hacker, President
Sam Handley, Vice-President
Lindsay Cummings, Secretary
Myron Silberstein, Treasurer
Executive Committee Directors
Greta Pope, Director of Workshops
Rebecca Wilson and Katherine Petersen, Co-Directors of Auditions
Rae-Myra Hilliard and Charles Taylor, Co-Directors of Membership
Lindsay Cummings, Director of Communications
Supporting Board Members
Typhanie Coller, Susan Dennis, A.J. Wester
Junior Board Members
Rachel Klippel
Brooke Schrager
John Hacker, President
Sam Handley, Vice-President
Lindsay Cummings, Secretary
Myron Silberstein, Treasurer
Executive Committee Directors
Greta Pope, Director of Workshops
Rebecca Wilson and Katherine Petersen, Co-Directors of Auditions
Rae-Myra Hilliard and Charles Taylor, Co-Directors of Membership
Lindsay Cummings, Director of Communications
Supporting Board Members
Typhanie Coller, Susan Dennis, A.J. Wester
Junior Board Members
Rachel Klippel
Brooke Schrager
John Hacker
Teaching Locations: Trinity International University (Deerfield), Judson University & Northwest Suburbs (Schaumburg area)
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High school, college and adult
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High school, college and adult
John Hacker, a graduate of the University of Illinois, is an Adjunct Professor of Voice at Trinity International University; maintains a private voice studio in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago; works as the artistic/musical director for Schaumburg on Stage, a musical theater production company for young performers; and serves in his church’s music ministry. His singing has brought him to the stages of Bowen Park Opera, Dupage Opera Theater, Light Opera Works and Drury Lane Oakbrook. Chorus engagements have included performances with both Chicago Opera Theater and Chicago’s Lyric Opera. He has directed choirs at Barrington and Crystal Lake Central High Schools. His teaching philosophy is everyone can sing and everyone can improve themselves as a singer musician.
Sam Handley
Teaching Locations: DePaul University
Musical specialties: Classical and opera
Age of student: College and adult
Musical specialties: Classical and opera
Age of student: College and adult
After a brief stint in mathematics at Vanderbilt University, Tennessee-born Sam Handley switched careers to pursue singing opera, concert, and recital. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, a Master of Music from UW-Madison and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Houston. On both the operatic and concert stage, the bass-baritone has earned praise for his "rich, burnished” voice and the “genuine emotional depth of his characterizations."
2019/2020 will hear several reprisals of Handley’s hallmark performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in honor of the composers 250th birthday, and he will make his company and Austrian debut with Tiroler Festspieler Erl singing Dulcamara in a much anticipated production of Donizetti’s Elisir d’amore. The 18/19 season included Don Alfonso (Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte) with the Rochester Philharmonic and multiple concert performances, including The Defiant Requiem setting of Verdi’s Requiem with Northen Illinois University.
Sam sings Wagner, contemporary opera, and Gilbert and Sullivan in opera houses across the U.S., Euorope and Asia. A fervent proponent of contemporary composers, Sam has sung in a number of world premieres, including Wlad Marhulet’s The Property with Lyric Unlimited, a community engagement, artistic and educational initiative of Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Sam’s operatic training includes apprentice programs of Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera’s Merola and Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center, where he performed more than a dozen roles, including Quince in Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tom in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera. On the symphonic stage, Sam's repertoire includes masterworks by Handel, Haydn, Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Mozart, and Vaughan Williams. He has been a guest artist with the Houston Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra with Leonard Slatkin and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival with James Conlon.
http://www.samhandleybassbaritone.com/
2019/2020 will hear several reprisals of Handley’s hallmark performances of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in honor of the composers 250th birthday, and he will make his company and Austrian debut with Tiroler Festspieler Erl singing Dulcamara in a much anticipated production of Donizetti’s Elisir d’amore. The 18/19 season included Don Alfonso (Mozart’s Cosi fan tutte) with the Rochester Philharmonic and multiple concert performances, including The Defiant Requiem setting of Verdi’s Requiem with Northen Illinois University.
Sam sings Wagner, contemporary opera, and Gilbert and Sullivan in opera houses across the U.S., Euorope and Asia. A fervent proponent of contemporary composers, Sam has sung in a number of world premieres, including Wlad Marhulet’s The Property with Lyric Unlimited, a community engagement, artistic and educational initiative of Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Sam’s operatic training includes apprentice programs of Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera’s Merola and Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center, where he performed more than a dozen roles, including Quince in Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Tom in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera. On the symphonic stage, Sam's repertoire includes masterworks by Handel, Haydn, Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Mozart, and Vaughan Williams. He has been a guest artist with the Houston Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra with Leonard Slatkin and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival with James Conlon.
http://www.samhandleybassbaritone.com/
myron silberstein
Teaching Location: Northside Chicago (accessible from Red and Brown lines). Currently virtual/online only
Teaching Specialties: Text/character interpretation; Harmony/theory; American/20th/21st century music
Age of student: High school through post-graduate
Teaching Specialties: Text/character interpretation; Harmony/theory; American/20th/21st century music
Age of student: High school through post-graduate
Myron Silberstein’s career as an accompanist and vocal coach spans nearly thirty years. He has been a staff accompanist and vocal coach at North Park University, Resident Music Director of Chicago Opera Vanguard, and Artistic Associate of Storycatchers Theatre. He is a staff accompanist for CS Music’s annual Vocal Competition.
Mr. Silberstein has helped clients prepare successful auditions for numerous Young Artist and performance programs, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madison Opera’s Studio Artist Program, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar. Additionally, he has coached clients in preparation for mainstage and Artist-in-Residence roles at Pensacola Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music of Remembrance, and for roles at local and storefront opera companies.
While being thoroughly steeped in the standard operatic and song repertoire, Myron Silberstein is a specialist in overlooked and contemporary repertoire. He has participated in and coached numerous world premieres. He is also a composer with a wide catalog of vocal works.
Mr. Silberstein’s recording of works by Peter Mennin and Norman Lloyd was acclaimed by Mark Lehman of The American Record Guide as “an indispensable addition to the discography of American piano music.” This recording, and his debut recording of piano works by Franck, Bloch, and Giannini, received mention on Fanfare’s annual Want List.
Mr. Silberstein has helped clients prepare successful auditions for numerous Young Artist and performance programs, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madison Opera’s Studio Artist Program, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar. Additionally, he has coached clients in preparation for mainstage and Artist-in-Residence roles at Pensacola Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music of Remembrance, and for roles at local and storefront opera companies.
While being thoroughly steeped in the standard operatic and song repertoire, Myron Silberstein is a specialist in overlooked and contemporary repertoire. He has participated in and coached numerous world premieres. He is also a composer with a wide catalog of vocal works.
Mr. Silberstein’s recording of works by Peter Mennin and Norman Lloyd was acclaimed by Mark Lehman of The American Record Guide as “an indispensable addition to the discography of American piano music.” This recording, and his debut recording of piano works by Franck, Bloch, and Giannini, received mention on Fanfare’s annual Want List.
LINDSAY CUMMINGS
Teaching Locations: Jefferson/Portage Park and Online
Musical specialties: Musical theater and contemporary styles
Age of student: 13 to adult
Musical specialties: Musical theater and contemporary styles
Age of student: 13 to adult
Lindsay Cummings is a Chicago actor, singer, music director, and teaching artist. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and a Master of Musical Theatre and Opera Performance from Arizona State University. She’s worked in theatre and television throughout the country, but teaching young artists has always been her passion.
Currently Lindsay is an Instructor of Musical Theatre Voice and Piano at North Central College in Naperville, IL and the owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy in Jefferson Park. She cultivates a safe and welcoming work environment that allows students the freedom to explore their musical voice. This year she founded Downstage Arts, a non profit theatre organization designed to provide funding for students and teachers to create theatre and tell stories that matter to them.
Currently Lindsay is an Instructor of Musical Theatre Voice and Piano at North Central College in Naperville, IL and the owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy in Jefferson Park. She cultivates a safe and welcoming work environment that allows students the freedom to explore their musical voice. This year she founded Downstage Arts, a non profit theatre organization designed to provide funding for students and teachers to create theatre and tell stories that matter to them.
Typhanie coller
Teaching Locations: Columbia College
Musical specialties: Jazz, soul, gospel, and pop
Age of student: College and adult
Musical specialties: Jazz, soul, gospel, and pop
Age of student: College and adult
Soul-infused-jazz stylist, Typhanie Monique has been a force on the Chicago music scene for over twenty years. Typhanie’s daring rhythmic ideas and unique improvisatory delivery place her in an elite class of vocalists. Equally at home with R&B, pop and jazz, she confidently defies categorization. She is a story-teller, a phraseologist, delivering lyrics straight from the heart taking you on an emotional journey through grooves and moods. Spontaneous compositions are revealed in every performance.
She is a fierce bandleader, known from her days at the Elbo Room with SUMO, Peking Turtle and Jive Council, lending her talent to Tributosaurus (EWF, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles), leading her improv funk outfit, The Booty Movement Coalition, dropping House singles with Mr. Egg Germ and a prominent figure on the international jazz scene. Typhanie has graced jazz’s most distinguished venues in the U.S. and abroad from the Chicago’s Jazz Showcase and City Winery to Vogue’s International Design Festival in Moscow Russia. Typhanie has shared the stage and recorded with Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, The Manhattan Transfer, Mavis Staples, Joel Frahm, Ken Peplowski, Victor Goines, and Tony Monaco. Typhanie’s latest project and most ambitious to date, CALL IT MAGIC, released on Dot Time Records was produced by Grammy award winning producer, Jeff Levenson.
Ms. Monique has educated and mentored vocalists in the academic world at Northwestern University, DePaul University and Columbia College Chicago. August of 2020, she was appointed Practitioner in Residence and the Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Columbia College Chicago. Columbia College Chicago has one of the top Contemporary Commercial Music degree programs in the nation. She instructs and develops vocal technique and pedagogy courses, is director of the Recording and Performance Ensemble, and reached applied voice lessons focused in jazz, soul, gospel and pop genres.
She is a fierce bandleader, known from her days at the Elbo Room with SUMO, Peking Turtle and Jive Council, lending her talent to Tributosaurus (EWF, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles), leading her improv funk outfit, The Booty Movement Coalition, dropping House singles with Mr. Egg Germ and a prominent figure on the international jazz scene. Typhanie has graced jazz’s most distinguished venues in the U.S. and abroad from the Chicago’s Jazz Showcase and City Winery to Vogue’s International Design Festival in Moscow Russia. Typhanie has shared the stage and recorded with Joe Lovano, Chris Potter, The Manhattan Transfer, Mavis Staples, Joel Frahm, Ken Peplowski, Victor Goines, and Tony Monaco. Typhanie’s latest project and most ambitious to date, CALL IT MAGIC, released on Dot Time Records was produced by Grammy award winning producer, Jeff Levenson.
Ms. Monique has educated and mentored vocalists in the academic world at Northwestern University, DePaul University and Columbia College Chicago. August of 2020, she was appointed Practitioner in Residence and the Coordinator of Vocal Studies at Columbia College Chicago. Columbia College Chicago has one of the top Contemporary Commercial Music degree programs in the nation. She instructs and develops vocal technique and pedagogy courses, is director of the Recording and Performance Ensemble, and reached applied voice lessons focused in jazz, soul, gospel and pop genres.
Susan dennis
Teaching Locations: Elmhurst University and Harper College
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High School and College
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High School and College
Susan Dennis- soprano, is an active soloist equally at home with Broadway and Classical repertoire. Susan is a member of CCNATS, and enjoys preparing students for College auditions, Vocal competitions and Adjudicating aspiring singers. She is also a member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals and enjoys performing in the area.She has been a soloist with New Millennium Orchestra, Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago, Navy Pier Pops Orchestra, Harper College Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Festival Orchestra, Sanfilippo Foundation Christmas Concert series, Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra, Festival Arts of Antioch, Opening Night Broadway Troupe to name a few.
Operatic roles include Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Adele in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and understudy for Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Musical Theatre roles include Heidi Schiller in FOLLIES, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Rosebud in Mystery of Edwin Drood, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Irina in Lost in the Stars.
Lawrence Johnson, writing in the Chicago Tribune, noted that “Dennis was delightful from the get go, her high-soprano singing and charming
stage presence is hard to resist.”
Dennis was the Music/Artistic director of Elgin OPERA Training/Performing Ensemble and performed in Love and Fairy Tales, A Taste of Italy, and L’Elisir d’Amore, Summer Music Festival’s 2009 Comedy Tonight, the 2010 Baroque and Beyond and Broadway/Patriotic Night, 2011 Ole! La Fuerza la Music! and Opera Fools, 2012 April in Austria and 2013 Savoir Flaire where she sang “Lakme in Act II of the Opera LAKME.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Music in Vocal performance from Northwestern University. Susan Dennis is a Professor of Voice at Elmhurst University where she teaches Vocal Techniques, Diction & Applied Private lessons, and Harper College where she teaches Class Voice, Applied Private lessons & Bringing the Song to Life.
Operatic roles include Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Adele in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and understudy for Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Musical Theatre roles include Heidi Schiller in FOLLIES, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Rosebud in Mystery of Edwin Drood, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Irina in Lost in the Stars.
Lawrence Johnson, writing in the Chicago Tribune, noted that “Dennis was delightful from the get go, her high-soprano singing and charming
stage presence is hard to resist.”
Dennis was the Music/Artistic director of Elgin OPERA Training/Performing Ensemble and performed in Love and Fairy Tales, A Taste of Italy, and L’Elisir d’Amore, Summer Music Festival’s 2009 Comedy Tonight, the 2010 Baroque and Beyond and Broadway/Patriotic Night, 2011 Ole! La Fuerza la Music! and Opera Fools, 2012 April in Austria and 2013 Savoir Flaire where she sang “Lakme in Act II of the Opera LAKME.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Music in Vocal performance from Northwestern University. Susan Dennis is a Professor of Voice at Elmhurst University where she teaches Vocal Techniques, Diction & Applied Private lessons, and Harper College where she teaches Class Voice, Applied Private lessons & Bringing the Song to Life.
Rae-myra hilliard
Teaching Locations: St. Frances University, Solorio & Evanston Township High Schools, Music Institute of Chicago
Musical specialties: Musical Theater, Worship/Gospel, R&B, Classical
Age of student: High School through adult
Musical specialties: Musical Theater, Worship/Gospel, R&B, Classical
Age of student: High School through adult
Unapologetically, Rae-Myra
I love the Lord!
I love to sing!
I love to teach and…
I love, love, love to learn!
I cannot boast of the same level of accolades my fellow colleagues, newly elected to the Board of CCNATS have earned but what I do, I do with my whole heart. Hence my logo tagline: Sharing My Art, Giving My Heart. It is my love for learning that has fueled my quest of researching and performing works by composers of color, specifically Black-American composers, for nearly 30 years. Upon earning my Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently moving to Chicago, there were a number of people who played an important part early in my journey and stoked my desire to stay in learning mode. The two most influential were/are the late Dr. Edna Williams and Dr. Darryl Taylor who through the late William Warfield led me to study with Dr. Williams for a few years. Fast forward nearly 20 years and my research continues and has opened doors for me to share my lecture entitled: “Queens of Composition: Excellence in the Songs of Black-American Women”. I have always included songs and/or arias on all of my recitals composed by Black-Americans. Most CD: Lifescapes: One Woman’s Journey features music written by Black-American composers solely. Anticipated future recording projects will reflect my continued studies and research.
As newly-elected co-director of membership, I am excited to expand the reach of CCNATS in bringing in new voice teachers and choral directors as well as reaching out to the current membership to keep them engaged. I, by nature, am an introvert so this will be a challenge that will help me grow in my networking skills. I am excited about the workshops planned for this season both at our local level and at the national level. I must extend a shout-out to Rebecca Schorsch, past president and my voice teacher, and Sam Handley for recommending me to this position and I will strive to live beyond the expectations!! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
I love the Lord!
I love to sing!
I love to teach and…
I love, love, love to learn!
I cannot boast of the same level of accolades my fellow colleagues, newly elected to the Board of CCNATS have earned but what I do, I do with my whole heart. Hence my logo tagline: Sharing My Art, Giving My Heart. It is my love for learning that has fueled my quest of researching and performing works by composers of color, specifically Black-American composers, for nearly 30 years. Upon earning my Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently moving to Chicago, there were a number of people who played an important part early in my journey and stoked my desire to stay in learning mode. The two most influential were/are the late Dr. Edna Williams and Dr. Darryl Taylor who through the late William Warfield led me to study with Dr. Williams for a few years. Fast forward nearly 20 years and my research continues and has opened doors for me to share my lecture entitled: “Queens of Composition: Excellence in the Songs of Black-American Women”. I have always included songs and/or arias on all of my recitals composed by Black-Americans. Most CD: Lifescapes: One Woman’s Journey features music written by Black-American composers solely. Anticipated future recording projects will reflect my continued studies and research.
As newly-elected co-director of membership, I am excited to expand the reach of CCNATS in bringing in new voice teachers and choral directors as well as reaching out to the current membership to keep them engaged. I, by nature, am an introvert so this will be a challenge that will help me grow in my networking skills. I am excited about the workshops planned for this season both at our local level and at the national level. I must extend a shout-out to Rebecca Schorsch, past president and my voice teacher, and Sam Handley for recommending me to this position and I will strive to live beyond the expectations!! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Katherine PetersEn
Teaching Locations: Northeastern Illinois University
Musical specialties: Classical, opera, Russian Art Song, Lyric Diction
Age of student: Upper level high school, college and adult
Musical specialties: Classical, opera, Russian Art Song, Lyric Diction
Age of student: Upper level high school, college and adult
Katherine Petersen is Assistant Professor and Head of Voice at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago where she teaches Pedagogy, Song Literature, Diction for Singers, and Studio Voice. She holds a DMA in Voice Performance from Ohio State University and a MM in Pedagogy and Performance from Westminster Choir College. During her time at OSU, Katherine was head of the Swank Voice Lab for Research and Pedagogy and taught several courses including Voice Pedagogy and Advanced Measurement Techniques for Voice. She was a participant in the 2018 Voice Pedagogy Summit II at the University of Southern California and the 2017 NATS Intern Program in Toronto; she was co-host of the International Voice Pedagogy Summit I at Ohio State University in 2015, as well as co-host of the NATS Summer Intern Program in 2014. She has presented research for the Hawaii International Conference for Arts and Humanities (2019), the Chicago Chapter of NATS (2018), the International Congress of Voice Teachers (2017), and the Pan American Vocology Association (2017) and the Central Region NATS (2020).
Katherine Petersen is an engaging soprano specializing in the performance of 21st Century repertoire for voice/saxophone and Russian Art Song. Her recent collaborations with Decho Saxophone Ensemble (https://www.dechoensemble.com/new-page) include performances at the International Saxophone Symposium (2020) and an ensemble residency at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. Her doctoral dissertation “Russian Repertoire: Developmental Perspectives” investigates the paucity of Russian Song Repertoire in the American voice studio and recital hall.
Based in Chicago, Katherine performs regularly with Folks Operetta, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Chicago Opera Theater, and Transgressive Theatre-Opera. Recent roles include Bessie Throckmorton in Merrie England, Brigitta in Iolanta, Contessa in Marriage of Figaro, Counsel to the Plaintiff/Trial by Jury, Lady of the Lake/Masque at Kenilworth, and Sylva Varescu in Csardas Princess. Previous regional performances include appearances with Opera Columbus, Bay View Music Festival, and the Russian Opera Workshop. Highlights of previous roles include Musetta in La bohème, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Francesca in Rachmaninoff’s Francesca di Rimini, and Micaëla in Carmen. Concert repertoire highlights include soprano soloist in Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Barber’s Knoxville: Summer 1915, Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas brasileiras No.5, and Handel’s Messiah.
Katherine Petersen is an engaging soprano specializing in the performance of 21st Century repertoire for voice/saxophone and Russian Art Song. Her recent collaborations with Decho Saxophone Ensemble (https://www.dechoensemble.com/new-page) include performances at the International Saxophone Symposium (2020) and an ensemble residency at the Lionel Hampton School of Music at the University of Idaho. Her doctoral dissertation “Russian Repertoire: Developmental Perspectives” investigates the paucity of Russian Song Repertoire in the American voice studio and recital hall.
Based in Chicago, Katherine performs regularly with Folks Operetta, the Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company, Chicago Opera Theater, and Transgressive Theatre-Opera. Recent roles include Bessie Throckmorton in Merrie England, Brigitta in Iolanta, Contessa in Marriage of Figaro, Counsel to the Plaintiff/Trial by Jury, Lady of the Lake/Masque at Kenilworth, and Sylva Varescu in Csardas Princess. Previous regional performances include appearances with Opera Columbus, Bay View Music Festival, and the Russian Opera Workshop. Highlights of previous roles include Musetta in La bohème, Valencienne in The Merry Widow, Francesca in Rachmaninoff’s Francesca di Rimini, and Micaëla in Carmen. Concert repertoire highlights include soprano soloist in Dona Nobis Pacem by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Barber’s Knoxville: Summer 1915, Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas brasileiras No.5, and Handel’s Messiah.
Greta pope
Teaching Locations: gretapope.com and PrivateMusicStudio.net
Musical specialties: Jazz, musical theater and classical
Age of student: Junior/senior high school, college and adult
Musical specialties: Jazz, musical theater and classical
Age of student: Junior/senior high school, college and adult
Greta Pope is an award winning, internationally acclaimed entertainer. She has delighted audiences throughout Europe, the Far East, South America and the Caribbean, as well as the United States and Canada. Ms. Pope has been touted one of the great voices of our time, as she performs with ease all styles from Jazz to Opera, and from Rhythm and Blues to Broadway. Greta’s performance credentials include singing in several languages. She has shared the stage with such well-known performers as Wynonna Judd, Dick Van Dyke, Stanley Clarke, Ramsey Lewis, Rich Little, Penn & Teller, Boy George and many others. Greta’s voice is featured on commercials and voice-overs, including those for McDonald’s, Whirlpool, Allstate, Lexus, Este Lauder and others.
Greta Pope is the daughter-in-law of legendary Duke Ellington vocalist Kay Davis. Through this relationship, Greta has developed an engaging one-woman show entitled Duke Ellington…The Man…The Music…The Legend! Greta and her topnotch musicians also perform several other original one-woman shows. They are entitled “Paris Noir…American Jazz in Paris,” “Greta Pope Sings The American Songbook,” “Greta Pope Live!” and “An Evening with the Music of Cole Porter.” Greta has a new show entitled Motown…Pride of the Motor City! This exciting self-contained show has the audience dancing in their seats as Greta and the guys perform all of the hits from the Motown Era.
Greta Pope holds a Bachelor of Music Degree, a Master of Music Degree and has studied at Indiana University with the brilliant Metropolitan Opera soprano Eileen Farrell. Greta Pope is a Ph.D. in Business Administration and is the author of self-help book Music, Money & You; Managing the Business, now available at leading booksellers nationwide. Music, Money & You has been chosen as the selected text for several school programs. Dr. Pope is a consultant to the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools where she has served as musical director and vocal coach at Fenwick High School for music theater productions including The Wiz and Legally Blond: The Musical. Dr. Pope is also a consultant and contractor to the Chicago Public Schools and for six years, was an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), where she lectured on the topics of Professional Development for Musicians/Vocalists and Music Theory. She also taught a class in Vocal Technique and a Keyboard Skills class in addition to teaching Private Voice Lessons at ChiArts.
Dr. Pope is currently the founder and CEO of the PrivateMusicStudio.net, a comprehensive online Music School teaching Private Voice Lessons/Coaching, Music Theory and Music Business. Jazz and More!…with Greta Pope is a weekly radio show that features vocal music of many genres and languages. The show also features interviews with fascinating people from around the globe Dr. Pope is The Music Business Expert. She is a Motivational Speaker and travels the country with her Music, Money & You Motivational Tour, presenting Master Classes, Lectures and Workshops on the topics of “Breaking into the Music Business” and “It’s Your Life; Being All You Can Be!” Dr. Pope is featured regularly as a speaker at the Annual Self Employment in the Arts Conference (SEA) and the Annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Conference (CEO). Dr. Greta Pope, The Music Business Expert also consults with musicians and singers on a private basis, in the areas of “Brand” development, promotional material development, tour booking/management, merchandise management, recording and networking. Greta Pope is a current/past member of several not-for-profit Boards, including the Ronald McDonald House,
Greta Pope is the daughter-in-law of legendary Duke Ellington vocalist Kay Davis. Through this relationship, Greta has developed an engaging one-woman show entitled Duke Ellington…The Man…The Music…The Legend! Greta and her topnotch musicians also perform several other original one-woman shows. They are entitled “Paris Noir…American Jazz in Paris,” “Greta Pope Sings The American Songbook,” “Greta Pope Live!” and “An Evening with the Music of Cole Porter.” Greta has a new show entitled Motown…Pride of the Motor City! This exciting self-contained show has the audience dancing in their seats as Greta and the guys perform all of the hits from the Motown Era.
Greta Pope holds a Bachelor of Music Degree, a Master of Music Degree and has studied at Indiana University with the brilliant Metropolitan Opera soprano Eileen Farrell. Greta Pope is a Ph.D. in Business Administration and is the author of self-help book Music, Money & You; Managing the Business, now available at leading booksellers nationwide. Music, Money & You has been chosen as the selected text for several school programs. Dr. Pope is a consultant to the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools where she has served as musical director and vocal coach at Fenwick High School for music theater productions including The Wiz and Legally Blond: The Musical. Dr. Pope is also a consultant and contractor to the Chicago Public Schools and for six years, was an adjunct faculty member at The Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts), where she lectured on the topics of Professional Development for Musicians/Vocalists and Music Theory. She also taught a class in Vocal Technique and a Keyboard Skills class in addition to teaching Private Voice Lessons at ChiArts.
Dr. Pope is currently the founder and CEO of the PrivateMusicStudio.net, a comprehensive online Music School teaching Private Voice Lessons/Coaching, Music Theory and Music Business. Jazz and More!…with Greta Pope is a weekly radio show that features vocal music of many genres and languages. The show also features interviews with fascinating people from around the globe Dr. Pope is The Music Business Expert. She is a Motivational Speaker and travels the country with her Music, Money & You Motivational Tour, presenting Master Classes, Lectures and Workshops on the topics of “Breaking into the Music Business” and “It’s Your Life; Being All You Can Be!” Dr. Pope is featured regularly as a speaker at the Annual Self Employment in the Arts Conference (SEA) and the Annual Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization Conference (CEO). Dr. Greta Pope, The Music Business Expert also consults with musicians and singers on a private basis, in the areas of “Brand” development, promotional material development, tour booking/management, merchandise management, recording and networking. Greta Pope is a current/past member of several not-for-profit Boards, including the Ronald McDonald House,
CHARLES TAYLOR
Teaching Location: Merit School of Music and online
Music Specialties: Jazz, contemporary, world music, and classical
Age of student: Youth through adult
Music Specialties: Jazz, contemporary, world music, and classical
Age of student: Youth through adult
Charles Taylor is a native Chicagoan who has been active both as a performer and educator, Concert Producer and Recording Studio owner. A graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music, Charles has toured and produced nationally; in various genres from World Music and Jazz, to Opera and Sacred Concerts. Charles is currently a member of the Voice Faculty and a conductor for The Merit School and debuted as the Conductor of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra Youth Vocal Ensemble at Millennium Park in a tribute Concert for the late Nelson Mandela. He is currently working on a Pilot for a Children's Music Education show and a Recording of original Children's Music entitled "It's About Me”.
A.J. Wester
Teaching Locations: Northern Illinois University
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: College and high school
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: College and high school
Ms. Wester currently serves on the music faculty Northern Illinois University as voice faculty and as the Stage Director of their opera program. She served on the musical theatre voice faculty of the ChiArts High School as well as a voice teacher with Music of the Baroque’s Strong Voices program and Lyric Opera’s High School residency program. She served as the Stage Director for the Opera Music Theatre Ensemble which was part of the Reneé Fleming Solo Voice Initiative program between the Merit School of Music and Lyric Opera of Chicago for ten years. Ms. Wester was the Stage Director/Vocal Coach for Chicago Opera Theater’s ‘Chicago Opera Theater for Teens’ – a paid apprenticeship program sponsored by the City of Chicago with Chicago Opera Theater. She won a ‘Make a Wave’ award in 2017 from 3Arts for her work as a teaching artist.
As a classical singer, Ms. Wester was a Studio Artist with Utah Opera. She has also appeared as a featured soloist in the Welcome Yule Christmas concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Dabeeb in the North American Premiere of Marriages between Zones 3, 4 and 5 by Phillip Glass as well as productions with Chicago Opera Theater, Court Theater, Porchlight Theater, DePaul Opera Theater, Intermezzo Opera in Hartford, CT, American Opera Group, Elgin Opera and multiple productions with Light Opera Works in Evanston, IL. She has sung with the Grant Park Chorus for 12 seasons.
Ms. Wester is also an active stage director. Along with her directing work at NIU, she directed Once Upon a Mattress for Merit School of Music, Ragtime, Oklahoma, and Urinetown for After School Matters. She has led many productions for the St. Petersburg Opera including their 2013 production of Tosca, their 2010 season opener of A Little Night Music,
La Traviata and the Fall 2009 production of Into the Woods to rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike. Ms. Wester also has led productions at the Bay View Music Festival (The Magic Flute), Intimate Opera (La Traviata and Cosí
fan Tutte) and Opera Company Brooklyn (Roméo et Juliette), The Savoyaires (Evanston, IL) (The Zoo, Eyes and No Eyes and Trial by Jury and Patience). Ms. Wester has been an Assistant Director for Chicago Opera Theater, Utah Opera,
Indianapolis Opera and San Diego Opera. Ms. Wester holds a B.M. from Roosevelt University and an M.M from DePaul
University.
As a classical singer, Ms. Wester was a Studio Artist with Utah Opera. She has also appeared as a featured soloist in the Welcome Yule Christmas concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Dabeeb in the North American Premiere of Marriages between Zones 3, 4 and 5 by Phillip Glass as well as productions with Chicago Opera Theater, Court Theater, Porchlight Theater, DePaul Opera Theater, Intermezzo Opera in Hartford, CT, American Opera Group, Elgin Opera and multiple productions with Light Opera Works in Evanston, IL. She has sung with the Grant Park Chorus for 12 seasons.
Ms. Wester is also an active stage director. Along with her directing work at NIU, she directed Once Upon a Mattress for Merit School of Music, Ragtime, Oklahoma, and Urinetown for After School Matters. She has led many productions for the St. Petersburg Opera including their 2013 production of Tosca, their 2010 season opener of A Little Night Music,
La Traviata and the Fall 2009 production of Into the Woods to rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike. Ms. Wester also has led productions at the Bay View Music Festival (The Magic Flute), Intimate Opera (La Traviata and Cosí
fan Tutte) and Opera Company Brooklyn (Roméo et Juliette), The Savoyaires (Evanston, IL) (The Zoo, Eyes and No Eyes and Trial by Jury and Patience). Ms. Wester has been an Assistant Director for Chicago Opera Theater, Utah Opera,
Indianapolis Opera and San Diego Opera. Ms. Wester holds a B.M. from Roosevelt University and an M.M from DePaul
University.
Rebecca Wilson
Teaching Locations: North Central College
Musical specialties: Musical theater, classical
Age of student: College and Adult
Musical specialties: Musical theater, classical
Age of student: College and Adult
Rebecca Wilson is a singer and teaching artist based in the western suburbs of Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance (with a minor in Theater) from Ashland University, both a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and an Artist Diploma in Opera from Roosevelt University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance and Literature (with a cognate in Arts Management) from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Rebecca has worked extensively in classical music and musical theater, while dabbling in film performance and production.
Currently, Rebecca is an Instructor of Musical Theater Voice at North Central College. Rebecca has performed with Madison Symphony, Chicago Opera Theater, Union Avenue Opera, Opera Dolce, Allerton Barn Music Festival, Wheaton Symphony, University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Chicago College of Performing Arts Orchestra, Baroque Artists of Champaign, Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Quest Theatre Ensemble, Tri-Arts, Inc. and Ohio Showboat Drama. Also, Rebecca received awards from the Gerda Lissner Foundation, Lois Alba Aria Competition, and Bel Canto Foundation.
Rebecca aims to teach the whole student, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. She strives to create a partnership with each student that enters the studio. By creating a supportive space, students feel more comfortable exploring their voices in a safe and encouraging environment. Rebecca is a proud member of the National Association Teachers of Singing and has a Level III Certification in Somatic Voicework™️ - The LoVetri Method. She is honored to serve as the Board President of Downstage Arts, a nonprofit based in Chicago, dedicated to creating “access to the performing arts and arts education for all people.”
Currently, Rebecca is an Instructor of Musical Theater Voice at North Central College. Rebecca has performed with Madison Symphony, Chicago Opera Theater, Union Avenue Opera, Opera Dolce, Allerton Barn Music Festival, Wheaton Symphony, University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Chicago College of Performing Arts Orchestra, Baroque Artists of Champaign, Ashland Symphony Orchestra, Quest Theatre Ensemble, Tri-Arts, Inc. and Ohio Showboat Drama. Also, Rebecca received awards from the Gerda Lissner Foundation, Lois Alba Aria Competition, and Bel Canto Foundation.
Rebecca aims to teach the whole student, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. She strives to create a partnership with each student that enters the studio. By creating a supportive space, students feel more comfortable exploring their voices in a safe and encouraging environment. Rebecca is a proud member of the National Association Teachers of Singing and has a Level III Certification in Somatic Voicework™️ - The LoVetri Method. She is honored to serve as the Board President of Downstage Arts, a nonprofit based in Chicago, dedicated to creating “access to the performing arts and arts education for all people.”
Rachel klippel
Teaching Locations: Chicago CCPA
Musical specialties: Musical theater, classical, pop
Age of student: College and High school
Musical specialties: Musical theater, classical, pop
Age of student: College and High school
Rachel Klippel has spent the last ten years building her voice studio practice and musical theatre resume throughout the Chicagoland area. After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education, Rachel started teaching at the high school level in District 214 first at Elk Grove High School and then Rolling Meadows High School. She will be starting her 10th year in the district this coming fall.
Rachel has been very active in the musical theatre scene throughout Chicago having performed at Drury Lane Oakbrook (Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard, Beaches), Porchlight Music Theatre (A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, Sweeney Todd), Court Theatre (James Joyce’s The Dead), Theatre at the Center (Miracle on 34th Street), Timeline Theatre Company (Juno), BoHo Theatre (A Little Night Music), Theo Ubique (The Light in the Piazza, Masterclass), Light Opera Works (Hello Dolly, Iolanthe, Yeomen of the Guard) as well as singing with the Grant Park Chorus. Her regional credits include Sunday in the Park with George and The Game’s Afoot, both at Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County, Wisconsin.
Rachel is proud to be a part of the CCNATS Board as a Junior member this year.
Rachel has been very active in the musical theatre scene throughout Chicago having performed at Drury Lane Oakbrook (Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard, Beaches), Porchlight Music Theatre (A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, Sweeney Todd), Court Theatre (James Joyce’s The Dead), Theatre at the Center (Miracle on 34th Street), Timeline Theatre Company (Juno), BoHo Theatre (A Little Night Music), Theo Ubique (The Light in the Piazza, Masterclass), Light Opera Works (Hello Dolly, Iolanthe, Yeomen of the Guard) as well as singing with the Grant Park Chorus. Her regional credits include Sunday in the Park with George and The Game’s Afoot, both at Peninsula Players Theatre in Door County, Wisconsin.
Rachel is proud to be a part of the CCNATS Board as a Junior member this year.
Brooke Schrager
Teaching Locations: Metro Chicago and Suburbs
Musical specialties: Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz
Age of student: Youth through Adult
Musical specialties: Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz
Age of student: Youth through Adult
Brooke Schrager holds a degree in Music Education with a certificate in Vocal Performance from Elmhurst College (now University) in Elmhurst, Illinois. At Elmhurst, she studied all styles of music, including but not limited to classical, musical theater, & jazz, under the direction of Jen Mather, Susan Moninger, Gayle Bisesi, Jeff Deutsch and Mark Streder. She is a proud member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), a Junior Board Member of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), and a Certified Online Music Teacher through Teach Music Online.
Brooke began her teaching career in 2010 at Suburban Music in Wheaton, Illinois, where she taught private piano, voice, and voice acting lessons. In 2014, she began her position in the public school setting, teaching 7th & 8th grade Chorus & General Music at Keller Junior High School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In January of 2015, her love of teaching in the private setting led her to start Lessons By Brooke & Company, and the rest is history! Brooke currently manages the studio, which consists of over 15 instructors and 225+ students, while continuing to teach her own piano and
voice students of various ages and ability levels.
Brooke began her teaching career in 2010 at Suburban Music in Wheaton, Illinois, where she taught private piano, voice, and voice acting lessons. In 2014, she began her position in the public school setting, teaching 7th & 8th grade Chorus & General Music at Keller Junior High School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. In January of 2015, her love of teaching in the private setting led her to start Lessons By Brooke & Company, and the rest is history! Brooke currently manages the studio, which consists of over 15 instructors and 225+ students, while continuing to teach her own piano and
voice students of various ages and ability levels.
