Music Teachers

Meet Our Music Instructors

Meet Our Music Instructors
Our music instructors are highly trained musicians who continue to work in their field. They are committed to teaching students and passing along their love of music.

	Leslie Beukelman Leslie graduated from Roosevelt University with honors, where she earned a Bachelor of Music. Leslie’s major focus of study was Jazz Studies/Jazz Voice Performance and Musical Theatre. Leslie has worked with theatre groups throughout the Chicagoland area, providing vocal instruction, acting instruction and musical direction. Leslie teaches voice, piano and trumpet. She has also worked with Dance & Music Academy as the Director of our after-school theatre program for Edgebrook School.
	Nathan Kawaller Nathan is a graduate of University of North Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. He has studied with world-renowned jazz bassists Lynn Seaton and Oscar winning composer Jeff Eckles. While in Texas, he performed in many jazz clubs with such accomplished groups as the B-Side Trio, The KIS Trio, and the Barbara Lowe trio. Nathan also loves being in the studio, having recorded/co-produced four albums under such labels as Klavier and North Paw and is currently collaborating on his fifth. Also an accomplished classical bassist, Nathan performed with the celebrated Dallas Wind Symphony at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center and the University of North Texas Wind Symphony. Nathan has had the opportunity to perform throughout the United States and abroad, traveling to London England, Mombasa Kenya, and Xalapa Mexico. Nathan is currently performing with several groups in the Chicagoland area. Although already a busy teacher and working Chicago musician, Nathan is currently traveling to Texas to record his fifth album with the Ross King Band. Nathan looks forward to joining the teaching staff at Dance & Music Academy and passing along his love of music to his students.

	Ben Scholz Ben is a graduate of University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He has been teaching all levels of piano and percussion since 2002. Since moving to Chicago, Ben has been involved with projects for artists such as Aaron Neville and Sheryl Crow, and has performed numerous times on the WGN network. Ben also teaches privately at several local area high schools.
	Krissie Odegard Geye Krissie graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with degrees in Vocal Performance, Public Relations and International Studies, was “Tapadictorian” at the American Tap Dance Institute, and is certified as a Grade III teacher through the Cecchetti Council of America (CCA). She has been on staff for Goliard Concerts in New York City, The Ethnic Dance Theatre in St. Paul, MN, and Barbi Lee Dance Arts Center in Minneapolis, MN as well as clinician at the ATDI “Spirit of Tap” Conference, faculty member for the New York City Public School system, and Director of Dance at Island Lake Summer Arts Camp. She has received the prestigious "Most Outstanding Choreography" award from Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance Competition, American Dance Awards, and Chicago Dance Connection. Her students have received scholarships from Hollywood Vibe Conventions, Chicago Dance Connection, Cathy Roe's Ultimate Dance, American Dance Awards, Talent On Parade, The Midwest Cecchetti Council, the Minnesota Ballet, and The Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. She is currently an active member of the Midwest Council of the CCA and the the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
	Rebecca Sullivan (coming soon)
	Leona Krompart (Substitute Instructor) Leona holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education with a voice major. She also has a Masters Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa. Leona performed as a Professional Chorus Member with the Chicago Symphony Chorus from 1970-2003. She has also understudied several roles and has sung in Milwaukee, Chicago, New York, London and Salzburg. Leona is a certified teacher, and has taught elementary and junior high school music programs in both Iowa and Illinois. She has taught private piano and voice lessons for over 40 years. Her upbeat personality and ability to motivate students makes her an asset to each of her students. Although Leona has officially retired from teaching, she is often with us as a substitute for our other talented instructors.