Suzuki Piano

Department Head

Off

Education

(BM) Eastman School of Music
(MM) Juilliard School
(DM) Eastman School of Music

dbaer@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Chicago - Gratz Center

http://danielbaerpiano.com

Lake Forest

Name

Dr. Daniel Baer

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Photo

img_0492.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

MTNA Young Artist Competition Coordinator Illinois
Suzuki Association of America MTNA

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

A few of my favorite things…

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

"My interests outside of music include: reading, coffee, tea, soccer, running, cooking, and being outdoors."

"I love music from the early 20th century: Karol Szymanowski, Lili Boulanger, Carlos Chavez, Paul Hindemith, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, Bela Bartok, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, and Arnold Schoenberg to name just a few! I also love to read fiction and essays about music."

"I love the piano because each pianist brings a unique personality to the instrument. You can tell who the pianist is based on the nuances of their tone and phrasing. I also love the depth, range, and variety of piano literature. There are always new composers and music to study, explore, and perform."

Weight

GUID

116

Media ID

430

Willing to Teach at

Chicago - Gratz Center

Mary Drews

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:44 +0000

Mary Drews ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Suzuki Teacher Training with Doris Koppelman and Yasuko Joichi
“Souvenirs” CD, Matthew Coley, marimba and Mary Drews, piano
2022 Steinway Top Teacher Award

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki and Traditional)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

My core teaching philosophy is to give my students the knowledge and confidence needed to make thoughtful, intelligent practice and performance decisions for themselves as a basis for enjoying music for the rest of their lives.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Piano Group Class

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Post Graduate Studies, University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music
MM in Piano Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
BM in Piano Performance, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

mdrews@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Fri, 08/31/2001 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Mary Drews

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Drews, Mary final-optimized.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA)
North Shore Music Teachers Association (NSMTA)
Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA)

Program Area

Group Classes

Three Questions Answer

Memorable moment:
Attending Vladimir Horowitz’s final concert at the Musikhalle in Hamburg, Germany on June 21, 1987.

Weight

GUID

136

Media ID

Willing to Teach at

Evanston East

Aubrey Faith-Slaker

ntakagi — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:04:45 +0000

Aubrey Faith-Slaker ntakagi Fri, 10/06/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Suzuki Piano Teacher Trainer

National Certified Teacher of Music

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Suzuki Philosophy, as well as music as a means of healing.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Program

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

MM in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy with studies in Music Therapy, Southern Methodist University
BM in Piano Performance, University of Illinois
BM in Piano Pedagogy, University of Illinois

AFaithSlaker@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

http://www.aubreyfaithslaker.com

Name

Aubrey Faith-Slaker

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

aubreyfaithslakerphoto.jpg

Photo

Photo Credit

Jennifer Misewisz

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Suzuki Association of the Americas

Music Teachers National Association

Publicity Vice President for Chicago Teacher Association

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

What do you love about Chicago:
I love how walkable a city Chicago is.

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Long walks, good food (I try to make a new recipe every Monday)

A few of my favorite things:
Tuning the world out for a little bit with a good book are some of my favorite pasttimes!

Weight

GUID

138

Media ID

442

Willing to Teach at

Chicago - Gratz Center

Dr. Yumy Lee Kim

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:49 +0000

Dr. Yumy Lee Kim ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

CAMTA 2019; Member of the Year

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki & traditional)

Available For

Online

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

My goal as a teacher is to develop in students an intuitive as well as analytical understanding for music that enables them to play the piano not only with a musical personality but also with joy. Based on the Suzuki triangle, the partnership with parent and student to establish a loving, nurturing environment, is key to develop talent. I believe that becoming eventually an independent and self-motivated learner will help students to succeed not only on their instrument but in any other area in their lives.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

DMA, Northwestern University
BM, MM Musikhochschule Lubeck, Germany

ykim@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Dr. Yumy Lee Kim

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

A few of my favorite things…

Most memorable musical moment?

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Teaching has become such a passion that I love to take any kind of teacher training (traditional and Suuki-related) or to teach at institutes/music camps in my free time. Reflecting on my own teaching, or to meet new students and fellow teachers who share the love for music is just so inspiring.

When I really want to rest and need a break, I watch Korean dramas!

Most memorable musical moment:
One time, I was supposed to play ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ with orchestra in Hungary at the Vigado Hall. Unfortunately, my flight (I lived in Germany at that time) was delayed, and I was panicking to miss my one-and-only orchestra rehearsal before the concert. Luckily I made it to the rehearsal with just 15 min. delay, but I must have unconsciously tried to make up for the time – the conductor told me, he never heard the repeated notes section in the Rhapsody so fast!

Weight

GUID

160

Media ID

459

Willing to Teach at

Lake Forest

Jay Kolin

ntakagi — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 19:04:50 +0000

Jay Kolin ntakagi Sun, 10/08/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

I was fortunate to have studied with many great piano teachers: Leena Crothers, Sara Kohane, Darryl Rosenberg, Vladimir Leyetchkiss, Allison Barr, David Delucia, Patricia Neznek, Kathy Supove, Caroline Fraser, Rebecca Rafaelli, Melvin Chen. Thank you all for your wisdom and guidance!

Academic Title

Suzuki Piano faculty

Available For

Online

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Sense of humor required.

Department Head

Off

Education

MS, Boston University
BA, Hampshire College

jkolin@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Evanston East

Name

Jay Kolin

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

screenshot_202011160234532.png

Photo

Program Area

Group Classes

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

What does music mean to you?

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
I am the proud owner of 2 rescue dogs: Max, half poodle and half shih-tzu, and Fozzy, lhasa apso. Studying piano was the most difficult yet most rewarding path I chose to take.

Weight

GUID

164

Media ID

462

Willing to Teach at

Evanston East

Dr. Jeong Min Lee

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 08:01:15 +0000

Dr. Jeong Min Lee ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 03:01

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Haesun Paik, Haewon Song, Alan Chow, Parry Karp, Dr. Todd Welbourne Dr. Marcia Bosits, Dr. Jessica Johnson, and Dr. Susanne Baker

Awards and achievements:
Kato Perlman Scholarship Award
William Harrison Barnes Scholarship Award
Winner, UW-Madison Beethoven Sonata Competition
Winner, UW-Madison Piano Concerto Competition
Doctoral project focused on developing performing strategies for small-handed pianists

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I believe that helping students to learn through their own discoveries in a positive environment will lead to becoming a self-motivated learner.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

D.M.A. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, The University of Wisconsin-Madison
A.D., Oberlin Conservatory of Music
M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, Northwestern University
B.M. M.M. in Piano Performance, Seoul National University

jlee@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sun, 09/01/2019 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Name

Dr. Jeong Min Lee

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Dr. Jeong Min Lee.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Dr. Jeong Min Lee has performed extensively as a pianist and chamber musician. She has a passionate commitment to enriching the arts in her local community-at-large, presenting numerous concerts each year at many Chicagoland venues and churches.

Currently, Dr. Lee is the faculty of DePaul University and the Music Institute of Chicago, and it has been her delight to serve the community in these music schools.

Professional Affiliations:
Suzuki Association of America (SAA)
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA )

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
I love learning from others and growing together: Parenting and Teaching.

Favorite quote:
Because I have a choice, I choose love. - Deepak Chopra

Favorite practice tip:
Let's practice mindfully slower! :)

Favorite composer or piece to play:
J.S. Bach and his transcriptions by other composers

Favorite musical moment:
I love the musical moment that I am able to deliver and share what I have discovered and have valued through music.

Weight

Dr. Cheryl Lim

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 06:44:13 +0000

Dr. Cheryl Lim ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 01:44

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Dean Jack Pernecky at Northwestern University and Dean Michael Wilder at Wheaton College

Awards and achievements:
First place in the Korean Cultural Center piano competition
First place in Chicago Musical College Scholarship Competition
Selected as one of six demonstrating teachers at the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy in 1990

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise:
Everyone can learn the piano!

I specialize in the Suzuki method.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education
Group Lessons

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Music in Piano Pedagogy and Performance (coursework completed) (1990-1992) Northwestern University-
M.M., Piano Performance (1983-1985)
B.A. Piano (1973-1977), Seoul National University

clim@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sat, 09/01/2018 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Name

Dr. Cheryl Lim

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

CherylLim.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) – Joined 1986
Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) – Joined 1988
Piano Guild – Joined 1995
Studied the Taubman Piano Technique (1992-1994)
Three-week seminar at Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Russia (1997)
Frequent competition adjudicator for MTNA, Guild, and the Society of American Musicians

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
I enjoy watching movies, especially romantic comedies.

Favorite quote:
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13

Favorite practice tip:
Feeling the music is the most important! With mindfulness and concentration

Favorite composer or piece to play:
I enjoy and love many composers but if I had to choose -- Chopin. Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 is a particular favorite.

Favorite musical moments:
Playing Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49 while volunteering at a hospital Playing

Beethoven's Tempest (Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31) at the National Conference on Piano Pedagogy

Playing Schubert's Piano Sonata in G major, D. 894, Op. 78 in Saint Petersburg on the same piano Liszt once played Accompanying Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23 for my student at Wheaton College

Weight

Kate (Kaoru) Nir

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:04:28 +0000

Kate (Kaoru) Nir ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 19:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Vocal studies with Muneaki Taguchi, Lorian Stein Schwaber, Barbara Ann Martin

Significant teachers and mentors:
A few of Kate's most influential teachers and mentors include those with whom she studied during her time at the Musashino Academia Musicae in Japan, and a few others as well. Those that she studied with include: William Browning, Lorian Stein Schwaber, and Sanae Somada. Others include: Diana Galindo, Yasuko Joichi, Karl Johnson, and Robert Walker.

Awards and achievements:
Directed a children's choir in Tokyo and Park districts in Chicago Western Suburbs
Kate directed summer productions of musical theater at Judlicka Performing Art Center

Recordings:
Kate has made recordings and directed productions of pop, gospel, and 20th Century Music for various artists in Chicago area as a keyboardist, vocalist, and an arranger.

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Ms. Nir's area of expertise is centered around the Suzuki Method.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education
Group Lessons

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

BM, Piano Performance and Music Education, Musashino Academia Musicae, Tokyo, Japan (studied with
Sanae Somada, Mizuko Hiekata, Robert Edwards, William Browning, Donald Walker

She also studied Suzuki piano pedagogy with Diana Galindo

knir@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Fri, 09/01/2000 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Kate (Kaoru) Nir

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Kate Nir pic copy.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member, CAMTA (Chicago Music Teachers Association)
Member, MTNA (Music Teachers National Association)
Member, NSMTA (Northshore Music Teachers Association)
Member, SAA (Suzuki Association of American),
Artistic Director, The Society of American Musicians (SAM), Chicago, Illinois
Choir Director, Trinity Community Church, Berwyn, Illinois

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

Favorite quote:
"Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.” "Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life.” "I will be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside box when there's evidence of any thinking going on inside it." all by Terry Pratchett

Favorite composer or piece to play:
There are too many pieces and composers to list...then, just a few of them. WTK by J.S.Bach, Concertino for Marimba by Paul Creston, New York State of Mind by Billy Joel, Clarinet Concerto, K622, A major, 2nd movement by W.A.Mozart, Sonata for Flute and Piano by Francis Poulenc, Hymn of Promise by Natalie Sleeth

Weight

George Radosavljevic

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:04:56 +0000

George Radosavljevic ntakagi Mon, 10/02/2023 - 14:04

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

In my teaching I focus on:
Quality of musicianship, i.e. realizing the score with accuracy and integrity
Development of effective technique
Theorical understanding of formal structure and harmonic language
Interpretive understanding of stylistic and historical perspective
Communication of the expressive content inherent in the score
Enjoyment and appreciation of music in general and especially the piano and its repertoire

I apply these concepts to all of my students, adjusting to each student in the most effective way based on their age and level of playing. My goal is to make piano study rewarding and enjoyable for all students.

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education
Suzuki Group Classes
Musicianship I, II, III, IV

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

MM DePaul University

gradosavljevic@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

George Radosavljevic

Personal Website / Link

http://geopiano.com

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

george_radosavljevic.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Board Member - North Shore Music Teachers Association
Board Member - Liszt Society of America Chicago Chapter
Board Member - RendezvousArts Chamber Music Lecture Recitals- DePaul University,
Art Institute of Chicago

Member of ISMTA, NSMTA, CAMTA, NWSMTA, WSMTA

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

Most memorable musical moment?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

Interests/hobbies outside of music:
Golf, skiing, Art Museums and cooking

Most memorable musical moment:
My first live performance on WFMT Radio included my favorite piano work- Liszt Sonata in B minor

What do you love about playing your instrument:
Playing the piano seems to me the perfect combination of physical movement, as in dance or sports, with intellectual and emotional communication.

Weight

GUID

187

Media ID

477

Willing to Teach at

Arlene Stokman

ntakagi — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 19:18:04 +0000

Arlene Stokman ntakagi Mon, 10/09/2023 - 14:18

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
While she was attending the Conservatory of Music at the University of Santo Tomas, she had three instructors that played a key role in her time/experience there: Bernardino Custodio, Ben Tupas, and Abraham Stokman.

Awards and achievements:
Over the years, Mrs. Stokman accumulated various awards and accomplished many things in the music world. Some of her awards/honors include: the North side Symphony of Chicago concerto competition, the Young Artist competition of the Manila Symphony, and the first Rudolph Ganz award for piano (Chicago). Arlene was also the recipient of the first Rector's Award for Academic Excellence.

Academic Title

Piano Faculty (Suzuki)

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Suzuki Education

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Master's Degree, Roosevelt University with honors
Bachelor's Degree in Music, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines (studied in the Conservatory of Music there, graduating cum laude)

Astokman2@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sat, 09/01/1984 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Arlene Stokman

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

ArleneStokman_0.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Arlene formerly taught piano at the University of Illinois Circle Campus, the Epiphany School, and the North Shore School. She was also affiliated with Sherwood Conservatory of Music (Chicago), and did a duo-piano recording with Abraham Stokman for CRI Records and Centaur. In addition, she has completed books one through three of Suzuki Training, and is a member of the Suzuki Association of Americas.

Work experience:
Taught at the University of Illinois Chicago, the Merit School of Music, and the Suzuki Orff School of Music.

Program Area