OUR FACULTY

A & A Music & Art Academy is proud of its credentialed, experienced teachers. Each professor works instructor in addition to teaching. They are committed to sharing their passion for painting and music and their knowledge with all students, regardless of age! Our academy is a family, and the tenured faculty members there help make everyone feel accepted and like they belong too.

Reach Out Today
August 27, 2025
Parents and adults often ask what are the benefits of music lessons for my child or is it too late for and adult to learn to play music? I’ve heard the apprehension in their voices that they fear their child won’t be successful, or it’s too expensive, or as an adult I always wanted to play and instrument, but at this stage is it even possible. I usually tell them that teaching beginners, adults or children, is our most rewarding experience. We get to start them off correctly and help them avoid bad habits, plus you’ll get good tips from the start and be able to progress at a faster pace. Learning music on your instrument of choice has more advantages than anyone realizes. For children it will aid in their intellectual and cognitive growth through teaching skills of perception, evaluation, analytics, creativity in expression. As they learn, students can digest, understand and apply what they have learned. They also gain the ability to perform their new skill with confidence and share what they have learned emotionally with their peers. All these concepts and more are carried out while having fun making music. Being able to play involves physical hand-eye coordination, improvement of gross motor skills, balance and will enhance long and short-term memory. What a fantastic way for adults and seniors to utilize and expand their brain function in this age of “use it or lose it.” I’m surprised more people aren’t looking for this great hobby to totally enjoy those golden years. There are studies that show that students that study music achieve higher levels in math, reading and language skills. Both adults and children learn to listen more attentively by being able to better understand the language of music and utilize that skill in their everyday studies. Playing an instrument can encourage children and adults to enjoy working with others in local bands and orchestras. For children, cooperation, collaboration, team building and sensitivity to social and cultural diversity come naturally. We encourage personal growth with music as well since practicing requires self-discipline, independence, self-knowledge, and ultimately self-esteem. All things we welcome in adults but are difficult to teach our children. Music instruction fosters it all in the easiest way possible – playing an instrument while having fun! At A & A Music & Art Academy we believe music and art are the essence of every person’s life. Whether preparing our children or adding a fun hobby as an adult, musical education is a lifelong, always exciting, process. We love to share our skills with everyone, and everyone young and old can learn and enjoy the journey. We encourage to you to give us a call or email your questions and get started on the most rewarding journey you will ever take with your children. Start using your piano. You and your children can have fun and learn together.
Iglika Milcheva-Godfrey — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Drawing and Painting Instructor
Angela McCutcheon — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Drawing and Painting Instructor
Chantale Shea — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Flute and Piano Instructor
Beth Kaplan — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Beth Kaplan gives piano, voice and guitar lessons at A & A Music Academy. She worked for 23 years as a teacher and music teacher in Bellwood School District 88 teaching ages 5 to 14.
Wanda Braden — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Piano, French Horn, & Voice Instructor
Tatiana Kuznetsov — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Piano & Voice Instructor
Natalia Diehl — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Piano Instructor
Heidi Kern — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Piano & Voice Instructor
Dean Turner — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Percussion, Drums
Dave Hultsch — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Drum Instructor
Craig Elliott — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Guitar Instructor
Austin Porter — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Piano Instructor
Anita Komorski — Hanover Park, IL — A & A Music & Art Academy
March 31, 2023
Founding Member, Piano, Organ, Keyboard Instructor, Administrator
By Aaron Taylor March 21, 2023
Violin - Viola - Band - Piano Instructor

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

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    My son has been going for piano lessons here for a while now and I have to say that I have seen how much he loved playing. I thank his teacher, Ms. Heidi for her dedication and patience as it has not been an easy start. She is very flexible with her time, to really make sure he is caught up with his lessons. She keeps us up to date about his progress, his strengths and weaknesses. I am really pleased! My other son also started guitar lessons with Mr. Craig and he is the same as Ms. Heidi. Both have formed good relationships with my kids that made them comfortable and so made them eager to learn and love to play. They both keep my boys on their toes, giving them gentle but firm reminders to always practice. All the staff are wonderful. You can sense that they want their students to excel!


    — JO ANNE I.

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  • Slide title

    I absolutely love taking piano lessons with Anita. She is an excellent piano instructor, very patient and knowledgeable. She is always ready with tips and tricks that I can use to get through some of the difficult areas in my lessons. Don has been doing a fabulous job of keeping my piano in tune for the last couple of years. They are both talented in the extreme, very friendly and caring people. I highly recommend A&A Music to anyone of any age group interested in taking music lessons.


    — LINDA T.

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  • Slide title

    My son has been going for piano lessons here for a while now and I have to say that I have seen how much he loved playing. I thank his teacher, Ms. Heidi for her dedication and patience as it has not been an easy start. She is very flexible with her time, to really make sure he is caught up with his lessons. She keeps us up to date about his progress, his strengths and weaknesses. I am really pleased! My other son also started guitar lessons with Mr. Craig and he is the same as Ms. Heidi. Both have formed good relationships with my kids that made them comfortable and so made them eager to learn and love to play. They both keep my boys on their toes, giving them gentle but firm reminders to always practice. All the staff are wonderful. You can sense that they want their students to excel!


    — JO ANNE I.

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  • Slide title

    I absolutely love taking piano lessons with Anita. She is an excellent piano instructor, very patient and knowledgeable. She is always ready with tips and tricks that I can use to get through some of the difficult areas in my lessons. Don has been doing a fabulous job of keeping my piano in tune for the last couple of years. They are both talented in the extreme, very friendly and caring people. I highly recommend A&A Music to anyone of any age group interested in taking music lessons.


    — LINDA T.

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In need of an experienced art or music instructor? Book one now by calling A & A Music & Art Academy at (630) 837-7484.