IVONA KESIC - PIANO
Ivona Kesic is an accomplished pianist with a passion for piano pedagogy. Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ivona came to Chicago in 2022 to start her master's program at Northeastern Illinois University to continue her dream of being a piano teacher. She studied piano with Prof. Jasna Djurovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina). She went to Commune di Barletta (Italy) for the young musicians international competition where she won a silver medal. She continued performing in festivals, regional and international competitions, solo recitals and recording. She was also a student of Prof. Nevena Popovic (a student of V. Ashkenazi and A. Ciccolini) who influenced her to continue her passion by going to bachelor's studies program in Banja Luka (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Ivona now studies with Dr. Susan Tang at NEIU in Chicago, where she's a current graduate student.
Teaching Philosophy
"I think that music is a universal language that we all understand, and as a music teacher, my philosophy is to make difference in my students’ lives by encouraging their creativity and sense for music, cultivating their talent, and discovering the beautiful sides of piano playing. My role is to facilitate learning by providing a positive and supportive environment, based on mutual respect, and responsibility, where students will feel safe, comfortable, and valued. There are many different methods and method books for teaching students how to play piano, and I like to combine them all because every method has some good components that will suit every student as an individual with their own learning needs, different backgrounds, interest, and developmental stages. I work with my students on self confidence, self control, and stage presence. It empowers me as a piano educator to see the accomplishments of my students and their happiness after every class."
Gabriela Kupryjanczuk - piano
Gabriela Kupryjanczuk is a pianist dedicated to advancing music education in students of all ages. She is earning her Master of Arts in Applied Music Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University, where she has received extensive training in performance, composition, and pedagogy. Gabriela is passionate about nurturing creativity and poetic expression in her piano students. This is accomplished by transforming a student's sensitivity to the world into colored technique on the piano. She has performed as a pianist for notable groups, including the Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and at events such as the Chicago Jazz Festival. Gabriela believes the piano is a tool for instilling self-mastery, and takes pride in watching her students flourish not just as musicians, but as confident and self-assured individuals, capable of achieving greatness in all areas of their lives.
Gerardo Martínez Hernández - VIOLIN
Gerardo was born in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico, and moved to Chicago at the age of 14, where he began playing violin. He attended Merit School of Music during high school years as well as concertmaster appointment in the Chicago Public Schools' All-City Orchestra in 2005-2006. During college years he held leadership positions as concertmaster at St. Xavier University Orchestra; principal 2nd with Classical Symphony, and Lake Shore Symphony where he currently plays.
Currently pursuing an M.A. in applied music pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University, Gerardo believes the learning violin as well as other musical instruments allows students to acquire useful skills that are transferable and useful in any other fields. Most students that have had music training acquire discipline and skills that create successful individuals in different areas.
Additionally, Gerardo also co-directs a guitar mandolin ensemble in Chicago called Cuerdas Clásicas that has had the opportunity to perform at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, National Museum of Mexican Art, Orchestra Hall featured with the Chicago Sinfonietta for their “Day of Dead” Concert in 2017.
Anokyewaa Oppong - Violin and Viola
Anokyewaa Oppong Wadie is an experienced violinist of almost 12 years. She began her journey in violin studies after being inspired by Grammy award-winning jazz and classical violinist Regina Carter; about one year later she began her lesson in classical violin. Although Anokyewaa comes from a musical family, especially pianist, Anokyewaa was the first violinist in her family, and was taught classical violin at the age of nines specifically the Suzuki method. As the years would go by Anokyewaa grew a deep passion for the violin and began taking lessons from some of the best violinists in the Midwest and in the Chicago area. Her teachers spanned from Julia Sizer of University of Chicago Symphony to Lucinda Ali Landing of Chicago Sinfonietta and Suzanne Rickman of Illinois Philharmonic. After all this experience Anokyewaa decided to take violin studies as her major at Northeastern Illinois University where she is currently a senior of violin performance violin/viola teacher, performer, and pedagogue Dr. Jaime Gorgojo. As the daughter of first generation immigrants from Jamaica and Ghana, Anokyewaa has always felt the importance to work hard, have goals, and most of all achieve milestones in her career. Therefore, this teaching opportunity with the Community Music Program at NEIU is great for her, and she looks forward to seeing her growth as a teacher and violinist.
Teaching Approach
"As someone who comes from a background of educators, I have seen firsthand my whole life of teaching with care, consistency, review, and an upbeat non-judgmental environment. Teaching has always been one of my passions, and I cannot wait to continue my journey with the Community Music Program here at NEIU!"
Sara richert - piano
Sara Richert began piano lessons at age seven and has enjoyed making music ever since. She has a special interest in connecting with others through music which led her to pursue music as a career. She earned an A.F.A in Music, studying piano with Dr. Steven Havens at College of DuPage. In 2022, she started in the music therapy program at Western Illinois University. She also studied piano with Dr. Natalie Landowski. Sara soon realized that her heart was in private teaching and so she is now pursuing a B.A. in Music as a double primary in voice and piano at Northeastern Illinois University.
Teaching Approach
Sara values progress over perfection and facilitates her teachings with empathy, persistence, and creative problem solving.
