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.
	Hunter Geye Hunter graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with degrees in Vocal Performance and Theatre Performance. He also performed as a soloist with the La Crosse Chamber Choir and the La Crosse Choral Union. He has studied exclusively with Dr. Terence Kelly and has been featured in many of his performances throughout the Coulee Region in Wisconsin. More recently, Hunter has been a member and featured soloist with the Chicago Chamber Choir. He has been seen on stage as Herod in "Jesus Christ Superstar", Eddie in "Rocky Horror Picture Show", Audrey II (the Plant) in "Little Shop of Horrors", and Roger in "Grease". Hunter is excited to pass along his extensive musical knowledge 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.
	Stephanie Aaron Stephanie Aaron graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Theatre Performance. She has perfomed in numerous plays and musicals, including appearances as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Philia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and as a principal in Ain't Misbehavin'. She has established herself as a jazz singer in Chicago with long engagements at clubs and hotels such as Jilly's on Rush, the Drake Hotel, Stetson's Chophouse, and Andy's Jazz Club. She teaches piano and voice and enjoys encouraging her students to explore and create music.