There’s nothing quite like the first time a child picks up an instrument and experiences that spark of curiosity, the joy of making sound, and the early confidence that swells with every note. At Merit School of Music, our world-class teaching artists are at the heart of those first magical musical moments, guiding beginners with the skill, support, and enthusiasm that set the stage for a lifelong love of music.
As we look towards the fall semester, we’re excited to highlight just a few of the outstanding faculty leading our beginning music classes. Whether your child is brand new to music or just starting out on a new instrument, these educators are ready to kick things off on a high note.
Voice, Merit – West Loop
We’re excited to have Katelyn Curtin join our team this year, taking on our Children’s Choir!
Katelyn Curtin is a Chicago-based voice teacher and performer with a BFA in Acting from Oklahoma City University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Vocal Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Musical Theater Voice at Rider University. Katelyn teaches voice at the Merit School of Music and has previously taught at The People’s Music School. As a performer, she has appeared with the Lyric Theater of Oklahoma and Children’s Theater of Madison, Rose Theatrics and she currently cantors at Old St. Patrick’s Church. Katelyn is also an avid director, recently helming The Little Mermaid Jr. and Aristocats Kids. Her teaching philosophy centers on fostering self-love through vocal expression.
Cello, Merit – South Shore
Nicole Gallucci joined the Merit team last year. She teaches at our new South Shore branch, where she has just finished teaching classes for the summer term. In the fall, she teaches beginners as well as returning students.
Nicole Gallucci, née Holman, grew up in Columbus, OH and is now a cello teacher, performer, and arts administrator. Nicole’s primary teachers include Stephen Balderston, Dr. Sarrah Kim, and Dr. Cole Tutino. She has been teaching since 2014, working with students of any age ranging from kindergarten to adults. Mrs. Gallucci performs with regional orchestras and freelances. She also works in the Patron Services department of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, working in sales and customer service. In her free time, Nicole likes to read, garden, and spend time with her husband and cat.
“Music education is incredibly important because this allows students to explore a new interest and a form of self-expression. In addition to learning how to play an instrument or sing, students learn creativity, responsibility, and self-sufficiency.”
The Thomas Family Early Childhood Program, Merit – West Loop
Miro Hernandez has been a beloved fixture of the Merit community for the past seven years. He teaches a wide variety of classes within our Early Childhood program, including Music Explorers (0-16 months), Movers & Groovers (2-3), and Jugamos Juntos (0-5).
Miro Hernandez is a Percussion Teaching Artist from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex in Texas. His love for music and learning, as well as his respect for his teachers, led him to pursuing a BA in Music Education and then working with various music programs teaching music with a focus on social-emotional learning.
Being a musician and lover of all cultures and genres, Miro has played percussion and drums with many groups ranging from a Balinese Gamelan ensemble to a Latin fusion band.
Violin, Merit – West Loop
Mona Mierxiati is new to the Merit community this year! She teaches the new 10-week Intro to Violin Mini Sessions this fall. These shorter sessions are a great option for trying out a new instrument, offering quick achievements to boost excitement and confidence.
Mona Mierxiati is an accomplished violinist and an educator. She has performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and New World Center. Mona is a member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the Illinois Philharmonic, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra. She is not only a successful performer, but also a dedicated and skilled teacher. Her students have earned top positions, including concertmaster in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Worcester Youth Symphony, and the Whitney Young Symphony Orchestra. Mona has studied pedagogy with world-renowned teachers Mimi Zweig and Louise Zeitlin, and is committed to helping her students achieve their full potential. She holds a Master’s degree in violin performance from Indiana University, where she studied under Grammy Award-winning violinist Simin Ganatra. Mona is currently being mentored by Almita Vamos.
“Music education brings kids joy and creativity, but it also teaches discipline, patience, logical thinking, and planning. These qualities help children succeed in all areas of life — not just music. In today’s world, those skills are more valuable than ever.”
Guitar, Merit – Near North
We are thrilled to welcome José Luis Posada to our faculty. He teaches the new 10-week Intro to Guitar Mini Sessions at Near North this fall.
José Luis Posada holds a master’s degree in early music performance practice, a master’s in music education with bilingual and ESL endorsements, and he is a fully certified music teacher in Illinois. He combines his teaching with other professional collaborations, including providing arrangements for the Colombian Symphony Orchestra on the project Carranga Sinfónica (“La Gallina Mellicera,” “Lero Lero Candelero”). He recorded and toured Colombia for five years with the band Velosa y Los Carrangueros as guitar player and co-arranger. Upon completion of his graduate studies in the US, he worked full-time for the Cicero Public Schools for 23 years, with 20 of those as the K-6th grade music teacher.
Piano, Merit – West Loop
Lígia Takei has been a wonderful member of our piano faculty here at Merit for several years. This fall, she teaches Beginning Piano classes, Continuing Piano classes, and private lessons.
Brazilian pianist Lígia Takei has been heard in recitals and with orchestras throughout the Americas. Ms. Takei is the winner of several competitions, including the Indiana University Concerto Competition, the Claudio Arrau International Piano Competition in Chile, and the Villa-Lobos International Piano Competition in Brazil. As a soloist, she has performed with Orquestra Sinfônica do Estado de São Paulo (Brazil), Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (Rio de Janeiro – Brazil), and Indiana University’s Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ms. Takei received her early musical training in São Paulo, Brazil, with Marcilda Clis. After initial studies at University of São Paulo, Brazil, with Gilberto Tinetti, she earned a Bachelors’s Degree in Piano Performance with honors from Chicago College of Performing Arts, Roosevelt University, as a scholarship student of Ludmila Lazar. She received her Master’s Degree at Indiana University, where she was a student of Menahem Pressler and Elizabeth Wright (harpsichord/fortepiano) and was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship.
Now based in Chicago, Ms. Takei spends her time performing, adjudicating, being a sous-chef to her husband, and teaching at Merit School of Music and Dominican University.
Trombone, Merit – West Loop
John Wambach teaches Beginning Brass at Merit - West Loop this fall. Brass instruments include trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and tuba!
John Wambach is a trombonist, composer, and educator in the Chicago area. As a private lesson teacher and teacher with several music institutions, he has a broad connection to Chicago’s student community. He primarily teaches low brass students and has had former students accepted to top collegiate jazz programs including The University of North Texas, Temple University, and Berklee College of Music. He has performed in a wide variety of venues, from the Jazz Showcase in Chicago to the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, DC. He has shared the stage with such legendary musicians as Steve Wilson, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Ted Nash.
We’re proud to introduce just a few of the exceptional teaching artists who help bring our beginner music programs to life. With many more talented faculty across our branches, this is only a glimpse of the passionate, dedicated team ready to inspire your child’s musical journey.
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