OUR INSTRUCTORS
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Stephanie Pfundt Voice, Piano Born and raised on a small island in Alaska, Stephanie Pfundt was most recently a Elizabeth Connell Quater-finalist, a 2022 Washington District Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition Winner, and the 2022 Ted Stevens Young Alaskan Artist. A consummate chamber musician, the 23-24 season has seen her touring with her collaborative partner, pianist Reid Wolch, all over the US and placing 2nd together in the 2023 Northwest NATS Artist Awards. A District (2018) and Encouragement Award (2021) winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she currently resides in Boston and has been seen in the roles of Fiordiligi from Così fan tutte, and Ma Zegner in Missy Mazzoli's Proving Up with Boston University Opera Institute. Other previous roles include Königin der Nacht in Die Zauberflöte, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro, and 2nd Handmaid in Dido and Aeneas. An accomplished pianist, she composed and premiered her first song cycle, Ocean Airs, in 2020. Teaching Experience and Philosophy: With over ten years and 10,000 hours of teaching experience, Stephanie is dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of every student she has the opportunity to work with. Her teaching philosophy involves a great deal of creativity, encouraging each student to find their individual path towards lifelong musicianship and vocal technique. She looks forward to continuing this innovative process with her students at North Shore Music
Dave Berger Guitar, Bass, Piano Online Specialist David's degree is from the University of Chicago; he has taught privately for years, as well as at the American Conservatory of Music. As a guitarist, David is fluent in a wide range of styles, including R&B, blues, jazz, gospel, rock, and classical. He performs in both solo and group settings in venues ranging from theaters and concert halls to hotels, clubs and private functions. Dave is available for online lessons on Mondays and Saturdays
Alec Feldges Guitar, Electric Guitar A winner of the 2016 MU Emerging Artist Competition, Alec has performed all over the world including the U.S., Canada and Europe. He gave his international debut in 2015 as a guest artist at the Zobel Gitarrenschule in Bad Nauheim Germany. His performance at the Benton Club in St. Joseph Missouri was acclaimed to be “a highlight of the concert season, a resounding success,” (President, Missouri Music Hall of Fame). Alec received his Bachelor in Music from the University of Missouri where he attended as an Evans Scholar and studied under Anthony Glise. He completed his Masters in Guitar Performance at McGill University in Montreal QC, with world reknowed guitarist Jerome Ducharme. Alec has attended and performed in master classes from David Rusell, Jason Vieaux, Jorge Morel, David Leisner and Martha Masters. A dedicated teacher, Alec has accumulated 10 years of experience as a school teacher and private guitar instructor. Alec is devoted to bringing inspiration to all his students, sharing his knowledge and love of music. He is accepting students of all ages and skill level. Alec has lessons times available on Thursday and Monday
Juli Wood Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute Juli Wood is a professional jazz saxophonist and singer with 37 years of experience performing in the USA, Finland, Sweden, Spain and Japan. Since 1990 Juli has given private lessons on saxophone, clarinet and flute.In 2013 Juli was on stage with the Goodman theater production of the Jungle Book Juli has five CD’s out to date; “ Movin’ and Groovin’ Juli Wood quintet featuring Mel Rhyne “, “ Blues for Earma Jean featuring Earma Thompson “ , “ 5 4 3 2 1 Juli Wood Quintet “ , “ Synkkä Metsä/ Dark Forest “, “ Suomen Salossa “ Juli is available for in-person lessons on Wednesday and Monday
Anastasia Royal Piano, Voice Anastasia Royal, received her early training from Lili Simon, a pupil of Bela Bartok and then studied with Julian Levitan, chair of the Music Department at Depaul University. She received a 4-year piano scholarship to Depaul University. She has been teaching piano for over 30 years and is passionate about bringing the joy of music to the next generation—all ages welcome, at whatever level and whatever amount of talent! She also enjoys helping students learn to compose their own music and has mentored many students. Her unique, individualized approach makes learning fun. Anastasia offers in-person lessons on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Currently there is a wait list for new potential new students.
Gabrielle McCarthy Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass, Ukulele Gabrielle McCarthy received her Bachelor's in Classical Guitar Performance at Northwestern University. She gained new insights for technique and pedagogy under instruction with Anne Waller as well as the master classes she attended of master players such as Oscar Ghiglia, Anton Baranov, Hopkinson Smith, and Jason Vieaux. Gabrielle discovered her passion for the instrument expanded in the solo material as well as the ensemble repertoire. She played more extensively in quartets and duos and has continued to pursue her passion to play in groups since finishing her undergrad. She currently plays weddings and in bands around the Chicagoland area. Gabrielle is currently finishing her Master's degree in Guitar Pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University. She enjoys passing along her passion for music by teaching guitar, electric guitar, bass, and ukulele. Gabrielle offers lessons on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Alejandro Urzagaste Guitar, Bass, Band Camp Alejandro Urzagaste is a midwestern native of South American descent whose musical interest piqued at an early age by popular music on the radio. He released "Urban Intervals," in January 2012 and "Subject to Change" in 2018, his first with the quartet Flow featuring Bill Carrothers on piano. Flow's latest release "This From That" is available featuring original compositions from Bill Carrothers and Alejandro. Urzagaste is a three time performer at the Chicago Jazz Festival with the Taku Akiyama Quintet 2003, Marco Polo 2010 and Flow in 2018 and has performed alongside Von Freeman, Jodie Christian, Bill Carrothers, Ron Blake, Rodney Whitaker, Kobie Watkins, Bobby Broom, Maurice Brown, Marquis Hill, Dan Trudell, Deana Martin, the Deep Blue Organ Trio, Pat Mallinger, Eric Schnieder and Juli Wood.
Danny Faith Drums, Band Camp Danny Faith has worked as a professional musician and teacher for forty eight years. He has performed in a wide variety of musical styles and continues with the same passion for performing as when he started, Danny has a deep interest in many forms of percussion instruments of various world cultures. His studies include Indian, African, Latin, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Brazilian, and Indonesian drumming styles, as well Western Drum Set. As a teacher his passion is equal to his passion for performing. He has taught individuals, groups, and music educators. He really enjoys sharing his accumulated knowledge with others, and deeply believes giving back to others all the great experience he has received in his journey. Danny is currently performing with The Chicago Gahu Club, a performance group that performs the music oF West Africa, The Chicago Balinese Gamelan, a performance group of the music of Bali, and The Steve Duke Trio, a jazz performance group. Danny is available on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday