Stevie Fernandez - Voice, PIano, guitar - individual and group lessons
Stevie Fernandez is a passionate and versatile musician with deep roots in Chicago's vibrant DIY music scene. With experience performing and collaborating in genres ranging from rock and punk to musical theatre, Stevie brings a wealth of creativity and energy to their teaching. They have honed their instructional skills at renowned institutions like School of Rock Oak Park and Music House, Inc., where they inspired students of all ages to explore their musical potential. Stevie’s eclectic interests and commitment to fostering creativity make them an excellent guide for students looking to find their unique voice and style.
Kehsin xu - voice and piano - individual lessons
Kehsin Xu is a singer-songwriter and a producer based in Chicago specializing in a wide range of contemporary styles such as Jazz, R&B, Pop and Funk, with some of her influences being Wayne Shorter and James Brown. Winning a singing competition at the age of 10 is what drove Kiki to pursue music as a profession. Kiki is a recent graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies. She credits her expansion of her musical journey to industry professionals such as Cheryl Wilson, amongst others. Thanks to her vigorous training and numerous stage experiences both with lead and background vocals, she auditioned landed a brief role as a background vocalist in the TV show Empire in early 2020. This was an early accomplishment for her growing career. Nowadays Kiki can be found playing in a variety of different ensembles around the city or spending time with loved ones. With her sheer dedication, passion, faith and love for music, along with her upbeat and fun-loving personality, studying with Kiki is an opportunity you should not miss.
“Learning how to sing is also about learning how to share your emotions and your stories to your audiences.” -Kehsin Xu
“Learning how to sing is also about learning how to share your emotions and your stories to your audiences.” -Kehsin Xu
Yasmeen abushawish - Voice, Piano & Guitar - Indivudual and Group Lessons
Yasmeen Abushawish is a singer-songwriter, pianist, and guitarist originally from the
Chicagoland area. She recently graduated from The School for Music Vocations in
Creston, Iowa, where she had the opportunity to work with and open for Grammy-
nominated musicians. She was also one of five members of the vocal jazz ensemble,
Audio Radiance, where she toured alongside her colleagues all around the midwest.
She is currently working towards her degree in Music Education and recently
became a member of the Middle East Music Ensemble at University of Chicago. She
has also been studying the Maqam—the traditional music theory of the Middle East. As
a primarily classically trained musician, Yasmeen brings many classical techniques and
fundamentals into her teaching style. She has also become well rounded in classical,
jazz, pop, musical theatre, and Arabic music genres over the years.
With nearly three years of teaching experience, Yasmeen is passionate about
helping students explore and develop their musical abilities while sharing the joy and
transformative power of music.
Chicagoland area. She recently graduated from The School for Music Vocations in
Creston, Iowa, where she had the opportunity to work with and open for Grammy-
nominated musicians. She was also one of five members of the vocal jazz ensemble,
Audio Radiance, where she toured alongside her colleagues all around the midwest.
She is currently working towards her degree in Music Education and recently
became a member of the Middle East Music Ensemble at University of Chicago. She
has also been studying the Maqam—the traditional music theory of the Middle East. As
a primarily classically trained musician, Yasmeen brings many classical techniques and
fundamentals into her teaching style. She has also become well rounded in classical,
jazz, pop, musical theatre, and Arabic music genres over the years.
With nearly three years of teaching experience, Yasmeen is passionate about
helping students explore and develop their musical abilities while sharing the joy and
transformative power of music.
Eric Cavallo - Guitar, Piano & Percussion
Eric James Cavallo is a fun and enthusiastic guitar teacher who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for music to his students. With a background in music studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a recording degree from the SAE Institute of Technology, Eric combines academic knowledge with practical skills to provide comprehensive and engaging lessons.
Fluent in both French and Spanish, Eric can connect with a diverse range of students, making learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He credits some of his early musical inspiration to the game "Rock Band," which helped to spark his love for music and set him on the path to becoming a versatile musician and dedicated teacher.
Now teaching at Pilsen Music and throughout the Chicagoland area, Eric is committed to helping his students explore their musical interests and achieve their goals. His lessons are tailored to each student's unique needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and fun learning experience.
Join Eric at Pilsen Music and discover the joy of playing guitar, piano, and more with a teacher who is as passionate about teaching as he is about music.
Fluent in both French and Spanish, Eric can connect with a diverse range of students, making learning accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He credits some of his early musical inspiration to the game "Rock Band," which helped to spark his love for music and set him on the path to becoming a versatile musician and dedicated teacher.
Now teaching at Pilsen Music and throughout the Chicagoland area, Eric is committed to helping his students explore their musical interests and achieve their goals. His lessons are tailored to each student's unique needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and fun learning experience.
Join Eric at Pilsen Music and discover the joy of playing guitar, piano, and more with a teacher who is as passionate about teaching as he is about music.
Owen Garcia - Piano & Percussion
Owen Garcia is a piano, drums and percussion instructor who specializes in Jazz, Pop/Rock, Latin, Classical, and World Music. Fluent in both Espanol and English, Owen is a graduate of Elmhurst University with degrees in music performance and production. He has been playing percussion and piano for the majority of his life and is dedicated to passing along his knowledge and love for music to students young and old alike.
Katie Mahnke - Voice, Piano, Clarinet, Saxophone
Katie Mahnke is a woodwind player and vocalist from Sioux City, Iowa. They are currently a junior at VanderCook College of Music as a music education major. Katie has always had a love for music and began singing at an early age. This love for music grew when they began playing the clarinet and saxophone in middle school, and have continued to do so for 10+ years. While in high school, Katie began studying the piano and has since fallen in love with the instrument. Katie is a multi-instrumentalist who can play more than 19 different instruments. Their most notable musical achievement is performing in a choir at New York City's Carnegie Hall. Katie strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for their students, where they can express themselves through music.
Madelyn Merrell - VOICE & PIANO - Individual Lessons And Group Classes
Madelyn Merrell is a singer, pianist, and educator that strives to make music lessons responsive to students’ needs and interests. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree in voice from Jacobs School of Music, with minors in Conducting and General Music Education. Madelyn has performed with Indiana University’s Singing Hoosiers, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. Besides her classical training, she has experience with musical theatre, contemporary music, and jazz. She is dedicated to sharing the joy of music with students of all ages and backgrounds!
Angelo Nottoli - Guitar AND Piano - Group And Individual Lessons
Angelo Nottoli is a Chicago-based composer, guitarist, pianist, audio engineer, and music educator. He received his Master's of Music in Music Composition for Film from the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program in Seattle, Washington. Musical styles Angelo teaches range from Classical, Avante-Garde, Electronic/Ambient, Jazz, Punk/Rock, Soul/R&B, and Hip-hop.
Throughout Angelo's musical career, he has collaborated with many filmmakers across the globe to write and record original film scores to bring their artistic visions to life. Furthermore, he has collaborated with many live orchestras, such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago's Composer Orchestra, and Seattle Philharmonic, for many pieces he has written on multiple film projects and concert compositions.
Angelo's goal is to bring students' creativity to the forefront. He teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, where we will develop skills to push their musical boundaries beyond what they thought was possible.
Throughout Angelo's musical career, he has collaborated with many filmmakers across the globe to write and record original film scores to bring their artistic visions to life. Furthermore, he has collaborated with many live orchestras, such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago's Composer Orchestra, and Seattle Philharmonic, for many pieces he has written on multiple film projects and concert compositions.
Angelo's goal is to bring students' creativity to the forefront. He teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced players, where we will develop skills to push their musical boundaries beyond what they thought was possible.
Will Gingrich - Piano, Guitar, Bass & Drums
Will Gingrich is a seasoned drummer and percussionist with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. With extensive experience in both drum set and classical percussion, Will has honed his skills under the guidance of renowned instructors like Ernie Adams and Jordan Kamps. He brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching, having directed music programs at School of Rock Arlington Heights, where he guided students of all ages and abilities, including those with disabilities. Will’s teaching style is dynamic and adaptable, focusing on the individual needs of each student, whether they're just starting out or looking to advance their skills. His professional experience includes performances with the Taylor Street Organ Trio and Xtreme Cover Bands, giving him real-world insight that he shares with his students. Will is dedicated to fostering a love for music in his students and helping them reach their full potential, whether through private lessons in drums, guitar, or bass, or leading band rehearsals and performances. His passion for music and education makes him a valuable mentor for anyone looking to develop their musical abilities.
SAMuel Barsi - Guitar, Drum Set
"I want to inspire my students to love music and discover their best selves. The reason I started teaching music was because I had a teacher that almost cost me my love of music. Now music is such a huge part of my life, I would be missing out on so much!" - Sam Barsi, Founder, Pilsen Music Studio
Samuel Barsi, raised in a musical family, initially pursued piano at age 6 but lost interest due to perceived inadequacy and poor teaching practices. His passion for music revived when he embraced his family's musical fervor, joining the school band as a brass player and learning the drums in his spare time. For Sam's drumming career, transitioning to a pop/rock band in grade 8 marked the beginning of Sam's performing experience. Sam spent high school playing with his rock band in his home town and around the surrounding area. Sam was also active in the school band earning awards at solo and ensemble contest, marching band contests, and more. Word of musical excellence circulated the hallways of his high school and then teaching friends to play drums revealed Sam's passion for teaching. Since, Sam has become a college-educated, seasoned professional teacher and drummer. With extensive experience and collaborations with notable musicians, Sam employs a three-pillared teaching approach. Prospective students are invited to schedule a trial lesson to experience his effective and personalized methodology.
Sam also manages https://samslessons.com.
Samuel Barsi, raised in a musical family, initially pursued piano at age 6 but lost interest due to perceived inadequacy and poor teaching practices. His passion for music revived when he embraced his family's musical fervor, joining the school band as a brass player and learning the drums in his spare time. For Sam's drumming career, transitioning to a pop/rock band in grade 8 marked the beginning of Sam's performing experience. Sam spent high school playing with his rock band in his home town and around the surrounding area. Sam was also active in the school band earning awards at solo and ensemble contest, marching band contests, and more. Word of musical excellence circulated the hallways of his high school and then teaching friends to play drums revealed Sam's passion for teaching. Since, Sam has become a college-educated, seasoned professional teacher and drummer. With extensive experience and collaborations with notable musicians, Sam employs a three-pillared teaching approach. Prospective students are invited to schedule a trial lesson to experience his effective and personalized methodology.
Sam also manages https://samslessons.com.
Location and hours
Pilsen Music is the go-to spot for music lessons and classes in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. We offer personalized piano, guitar, and voice lessons, along with group piano labs, rock band classes, and fun, engaging music classes for little ones.
Whether you're aiming to learn piano, pick up guitar, or strengthen your singing voice, our team of friendly, talented instructors is here to help. And to make it even easier to get started, we offer trial lessons—experience a class before committing!
We are conveniently located by Casa Del Pueblo, Pilsen Public Library, La Michoacana Premium, and more right in the heart of Pilsen. If you live in McKinley Park, West Loop, University Village, Near West Side, Little Italy, Tri Taylor, Little Village, China Town, or Bronzeville, we are just a short trip away.
Our Address
1870 S Blue Island Ave
Second Floor
Chicago, IL 60608
(872)-218-8696
[email protected]
Hours (by appointment only)
10 AM - 9 PM Sunday
10 AM - 9 PM Monday
10 AM - 9 PM Tuesday
10 AM - 9 PM Wednesday
10 AM - 9 PM Thursday
10 AM - 9 PM Friday
10 AM - 9 PM Saturday
Whether you're aiming to learn piano, pick up guitar, or strengthen your singing voice, our team of friendly, talented instructors is here to help. And to make it even easier to get started, we offer trial lessons—experience a class before committing!
We are conveniently located by Casa Del Pueblo, Pilsen Public Library, La Michoacana Premium, and more right in the heart of Pilsen. If you live in McKinley Park, West Loop, University Village, Near West Side, Little Italy, Tri Taylor, Little Village, China Town, or Bronzeville, we are just a short trip away.
Our Address
1870 S Blue Island Ave
Second Floor
Chicago, IL 60608
(872)-218-8696
[email protected]
Hours (by appointment only)
10 AM - 9 PM Sunday
10 AM - 9 PM Monday
10 AM - 9 PM Tuesday
10 AM - 9 PM Wednesday
10 AM - 9 PM Thursday
10 AM - 9 PM Friday
10 AM - 9 PM Saturday
Pilsen Music Studio
Copyright 2016