Private Lessons Instructor

Jesse Langen is a guitarist who specializes in new music. He works with living composers regularly and premieres dozens of pieces every season. He has taught at The Academy since 2002.

Chair • Music • Director of Community Engagement

Originally from the Islands of The Bahamas, Dr. Ty Chiko has been an international performance artist, visual artist, entrepreneur, and disability advocate for over two decades. He has received national recognition from the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas, along with the Bahamas Independence Committee for his contributions to the arts, and is listed as one of the country's Top 40 Under 40.

Private Lessons Instructor

Callandra (Cal) Youngleson is a South African jazz vocalist, composer, and educator who, after earning her Master’s in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas.

Drum Set Instructor

Jonah Lazarus is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator from Oak Park, IL who, inspired by his Jewish family’s artistic roots and studies in African and Brazilian music, now focuses on teaching, composing, performing, and recording with his family band, Family Junket in Chicago.

Classical Vocal Workshop Director, Classical Voice Instructor

Alyssa Bennett has enjoyed a varied performing career in Chicago and also internationally as featured soprano soloist and United States cultural emissary.