Our philosophy is that students learn best with positive reinforcement, encouragement and in having opportunities to celebrate success!
We emphasize a healthy focus on each student achieving their own personal best We model a spirit of encouragement, foster camaraderie and celebrate the unique gifts and talents each student has been given. We work with the students and parents to be the best team in helping achieve the result YOU are looking for.
We offer instructors with real-world professional experience and a passion for teaching as well as coaches consisting of trained advanced students from surrounding schools. Teachers who love to simply teach
In addition to individual or group instruction, we offer opportunities to perform in a supportive atmosphere. Each academy supports the development of instrumental ensembles in the area of instruction the students are pursuing.
Why we're different
We realize that every student is unique and strive to match each student with the ideal teacher for the best fit. We do more than just plug students into openings on a roster.
Every student has different interest levels, different goals and different aspirations. Each student has a unique personality and learning style.
Our teachers subscribe to the philosophy that matching a student with the teacher that meets the student where they are, where they want to go and how they want to get there produces the best possible result.
Early Childhood Music
Children require specialized instruction to match their age and developmental level.
We offer Mom and Me groups for infants and toddlers hosted by professionals in early childhood and music education.
Help your child discover their inner Mozart today!
Tips for Tots
•Wait until around six months, at the earliest, before introducing your child to a music class.
•Enroll in short programs since your child's nap time is likely to move around several times and you'll need to reschedule if you're looking to commit to music long-term.
•Ask to take a free class as a trial before committing to a series. Be wary of any teacher that will not allow you check out the teacher's style, the class location or your child's response to the program.
•Look for classes that allow the children to roam freely and safely. Be wary of any music class at this age which expects children to sit for long periods.
•Look for a teacher that emphasizes parent participation in the program.
Class Offerings
Mommy and Me
Ages 6-12 mo.
Ages 12-18 mo.
Ages 18-36 mo.
Tot Time Music
3 & 4 year olds
4 & 5 year olds
Contact Us
The Music Project
Teachers Located Near You!
Meet our Staff
Please scroll through the pages to your right to see bios and pictures of some of our staff.
Why we're different: We realize that every student is unique and strive to match each student with the ideal teacher for the best fit. We do more than just plug students into openings on a roster.
Every student has different interest levels,
different goals and different aspirations. Each student has a unique personality and learning style.
Annie Sloka, Director
Annie developed her love of music at a young age starting with piano lessons, church and school choral groups and later band and orchestra. She studied music at Northern Illinois University as a piano and music education major and has served in staff positions in Music and Worship Arts Ministries for over 25 years. Annie also has many years of experience as a backup vocalist and keyboardist for R&B and Rock groups.
Currently, Annie is the Director of Music Ministries at FPCD where she coordinates music activities from contemporary to traditional and everything in between. She is currently working on original compositions and recording and enjoys freelance voice over work.
Annie's specialty is in teaching piano,voice, brass instruments, working with students at all levels including those with special needs and leading unique ensembles and groups. Additionally, one of her passions includes working with early childhood students.
Annie resides in Naperville with her husband, Ed, and their two children.
Ed Sloka, Instrumental Specialist
Ed is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a B.A. in Music Education and an impressive professional performance and teaching career. Ed has taught as a band director in the Wheeling School District, performed in many Chicagoland bands and is accomplished as a teacher of all woodwind, brass and rhythm section instrumentation.
In his collegiate experience, Ed toured with the NIU Jazz Ensemble in Europe and was the lead trumpet player in this group as well as the lead player in the Disneyland All American College Marching Band. He also served for over 15 years in the Christ Church of Oak Brook Brass Choir and has recorded as a studio musician.
His passions include writing, recording, performing and teaching music of all genres. He is accomplished as a trumpet player and percussionist and also enjoys performing with the praise and worship team on guitar, bass guitar and vocals.
Ed resides in Naperville with his wife, Annie, and their two children.
Caron Buinis - Music Theatre/Acting Coach
Caron is a Chicago based professional singer and actress. Originally from New York, she hails from a musical family, inheriting her love of music from her father, a professional violinist. After receiving her B.A. in Theatre Arts from Penn State University, Caron went on to receive her MFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she taught acting for two years. Upon graduation, she moved back to New York City, where she began her acting and singing career, performing in cabaret clubs and in several original Off-Off Broadway productions. Several years later Caron moved here to Chicago where continued performing in both cabaret and theatre. Favorite theatrical roles include: Nettie in The Subject Was Roses at the Illinois Theatre Centre, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Vera Charles in Mame and Victoria Grant in Victor/Victoria, all at the Stage Right Dinner Theatre, Bella in Lost inYonkers with the Oak Park Village Players, Fraulein Kost in Cabaret at Pheasant Run Theatre. She is a vocalist for the big horn band Brass From The Past, and also a vocalist for Acts of Kindness Cabaret, currently performing in the Chicagoland area. During the summer Caron can be found teaching an acting workshop for the Northwest Ballet Company in Schaumburg, and she also coaches privately in both acting and audition techniques.
Donna Peterson - Infant and Toddler Music Specialist
Donna is a graudate of Northeastern Illinois University where she studied Early Childhood Education. Donna has worked with infants and toddlers for over 15 years as a consultant, teacher, trainer and administrator throughout the Chicagoland suburbs.
A natural 'kid magnet', Donna is respected and sought out as a leader in the music and movement curriculum setting. Additionally, she is the Director of Childcare at the First Presbyterian Church of DuPage and assists with the children's music programs including Children's choir and implementation of early childhood music for children ages 0-5.
Donna lives with her husband, Tom, and their two daughters in Plainfield.
Joe Velasquez, Music Theatre/Acting Coach
Joe developed his passion for music theatre and acting at a young age. His first performance was at the age of 10, and he has starred in over 35 productions including: CATS (Rum Tum Tugger), West Side Story (Action), Peter Pan (Captain Hook/Slightly Soiled), Clapsticks (Reggie Thurmond), The Music Man (Marcellus) and many more. His dream to be able to play the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz.
Currently, Joe is studying Theatre and Musical Theatre at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
Joe's specialty is in teaching singing, dancing, and acting. He loves working with young performers and treats them with respect.
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