Des Plaines Music Academy Instructors
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Mick Archer Classically trained (American Conservatory, University of Illinois, B. A., Masters Program in Music Liturgy/St. Joseph College), Archer has established a career that encompasses Blues, Jazz, Rock, Celtic, Liturgical, Country and Folk/Americana music as pianist, singer, guitarist, songwriter and band leader. He has performed in many styles and genres throughout metropolitan Chicago, across the US, in Japan, Holland, Germany, Ireland, England, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and Norway. Currently Mick has recorded 4 albums and leads THE BLUES 88’s. As an opening act, he’s worked with Ray Charles, Jay Leno, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Styx, Ted Nugent and The Dells, and as a sideman with The Drifters, The Platters, Tito Puente, Sugar Blue, Bill Acosta, Milt Trenier and Red Holt. On top of that Mick has also had a distinguished career as a teacher at The Old Town School of Folk Music, The City Colleges Of Chicago, Park Ridge Park District, Family Piano/Waukegan, and for many years in his own studio in The Fine Arts Building in Chicago’s South Loop. |
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Alexis is a songwriter and a composer of her own music who has been performing since the age of eight. She’s been playing piano for 8yrs. Alexis is classically and contemporarily trained Soprano 1 vocalist. Throughout many years, she has gained extensive knowledge in key music components, such as vocal and breathing techniques, harmony, pitch, scales, arpeggios, posture, chord structure, sight-reading, and theory. Alexis has dedicated her life to this craft, because she finds enjoyment and passion in music. There is never a dull moment when you are doing what you love.
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Christine Warta studied with a former member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago for over 10 years. She has been a part of several productions at varies venues, including University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Venetian Hotel & Resort in Las Vegas, Sinfonietta Bel Canto Voice Competition, and Northwestern University. Her teaching philosophy focuses on utilizing proper knowledge and technique towards their instruments, so they can play their instrument effectively in performances, lessons, and other musical opportunities. Ms. Warta provides a positive learning environment and hopes to have every student leave each class inspired. |
