Edge Music Academy Team

Judy B.

Area Director

Judy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from DePaul University School
of Music, with an emphasis on trumpet performance. Judy studied trumpet with Ross Beacraft of the Chicago Brass Quintet and attended clinics by Vince Dimartino and jazz composer Doug
Beach. She has been both a band director and private instructor at the elementary, middle
school and high school levels. She has taught private lessons trumpet, horn, trombone, flute,
clarinet, alto/tenor saxophone, guitar and piano. Judy regularly performs with brass ensembles,
church groups, jazz combos and ethnic groups throughout the Midwest region. Judy is thrilled
to join the EMA team!

Faith B.

Violin, Woodwinds and Piano Instructor

Faith is a recent graduate from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. Faith has a well-rounded experience in all aspects of music, both vocal and instrumental. Some ensembles she was involved in were University Wind Ensemble, Chamber Strings, Chamber Singers, Jazz Ensemble, and Opera Workshop. In addition to studying violin, she studied voice, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe as well. She currently teaches 4-5th grade general music, choir, beginning band, and directs the 4th and 5th grade musicals at Ludwig Elementary School. Her main instruments are oboe and violin.
She currently plays violin in the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and works as a marching band instructor for the Evergreen Park Community High School Marching Band. She is a passionate musician and enjoys getting to teach students about all aspects of music.

Melissa W.

Drums/Percussion and Piano Instructor

Melissa teaches percussion, the Waubonsee Steel Band, and music lecture courses at Waubonsee Community College, as well as K–8 general music at the Prairie School of DuPage.

She holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance and Composition from the University of Washington, a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance and Instrumental Education from Northern Illinois University, and an Associate in Fine Arts in Music from College of DuPage.

Melissa’s accolades include the Research, Engagement and Academic Diversity Grant for her web series Percussion Works by Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+, the 2022 Maude Nicholson Dean’s Award, and first place in the 2019 Jack Stone Award for New Music. Her compositions have been performed by groups including Platypus Ensemble, Seattle Modern Orchestra, and University of Washington ensembles. She has also performed with PASIC 2024’s New Music Research session, Inverted Space, Pioneer Drum and Bugle Corps, and The Esoterics.

Maggie M, MT-BC

Adaptive and Early Childhood Music Instructor

Maggie is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with over ten years of experience. Maggie received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Arizona State University in 2010. As a Board Certified Music Therapist, Maggie is trained to utilize guitar, ukulele, piano, voice and percussion instruments in clinical practice.

Maggie has worked in a variety of clinical settings, using music to address a wide range of music and therapy goals. She has worked with children, adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities and adults with substance abuse and mental health conditions, neurological conditions (physical and cognitive), sensory (visual) impairments and medical conditions.

Maggie is thrilled to incorporate her music therapy training and experience in the instruction and music programming she provides at Edge Music Academy.

Katherine H. MT-BC

Adaptive lessons, voice, guitar, piano.

Katherine is a passionate and dedicated musician specializing in voice, piano, and guitar.
Holding a Bachelor’s in Music with an emphasis in Music Education and Vocal Performance
from Saint Xavier University, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to each
lesson. While studying under Dr. Jan Bickel, she honed her skills as a performer and educator,
developing a deep understanding of various musical styles and techniques.
As a seasoned performer and vocalist, Katherine has captivated audiences with her powerful
voice and musicianship. She has performed in many musicals and operas throughout her school
years and sang with the all-women’s choir, Nothing But Treble, for a few years after graduation.
Fluent in voice, guitar, and piano, she is committed to fostering a love of music in students of all
ages and skill levels. She is currently working towards becoming a Board-Certified Music
Therapist, MT-BC, and has 6 years of experience working with individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities extensively. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes
creativity, self-expression, and technical proficiency, ensuring that each student reaches their full
potential and fosters their own connection with music.
While guiding students through their musical studies, Katherine creates a supportive and
inspiring environment where music can flourish. She is excited to share her passion for music
and help students embark on their own musical journeys.

Jaclyn G. MT-BC

Music Therapy, Voice, Guitar and Piano

Jaclyn earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy with a concentration in voice from Berklee College of Music. Jaclyn’s undergraduate studies focused on using voice, guitar, piano, and percussion in a therapeutic way.

Jaclyn has prior clinical experience providing music therapy at Boston Children’s Hospital, supporting patients and families in hospice care, and has previously taught adapted music lessons for children and adults with disabilities.

Jaclyn is passionate about creating a learning environment tailored to each student, and is excited to collaborate with students at Edge Music Academy!

Ryan H.

Voice, Piano, Drums, Guitar

Ryan is a songwriter and composer who started his musical life as a drummer at age 2, he picked up the guitar and bass by the time he was 10, then added piano when he was 14. At Romeoville High School he was the drummer for the top Jazz Band all four years, sang in the top choirs, and played percussion in concert bands. He graduated Augustana College with a degree in Theatre and a minor in Music, where he was also in the Augustana Choir and jazz combos for two years. He grew up playing in bands at music schools and he is excited to share with students the joy music brings to life.

Frank N.

Guitar and Piano Instructor

Frank Novak is a professional guitarist and lifelong Naperville resident, specializing in jazz, classical, rock, and pop styles. He puts an emphasis on spreading happiness and creativity through music, and believes that one of the greatest joys in music is sharing it with others.

Frank graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in jazz guitar performance, studying with esteemed individuals such as Bobby Broom, Fareed Haque, and An Tran. He began playing piano six years ago to further his overall musicality and broaden his horizons. Frank currently performs across the Chicagoland area with groups spanning from large jazz ensembles to accompanying singers to playing solo.

Luke W.

Luke is a guitarist and composer from Alsip, Illinois and has had a passion for music and learning his entire life. He graduated from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Guitar Performance studying under Professor Doctor Shawn Salmon. During his time there, he studied things like jazz theory, performing & improvisation and compositional skills, earning the Martha Morris Musicianship Award. At Saint Xavier, he performed in many ensembles including multiple jazz bands, classical combos, contemporary music, and also choir. Luke formed a rock band that features original music and performs in the local area. He is very passionate about tapping into the creativity and joy that music offers, whether listening, studying or playing. Music is the most universal language of all, and with that, there shall never be a miscommunication.

Timothy K.

Voice, Piano, band instruments, Violin.

Timothy has recently performed in Operas such as Puccini’s Tosca, Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro,
and Bizet’s Carmen. He has also been the soloist in Fauré’s Requiem and Handel’s Messiah. He
received his Bachelors in Music Education with a minor in Organ from Bowling Green State
University and Master’s in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University. He has performed
around the world and is a former Apprentice Artist from Sarasota Opera and Madison Opera. He
has experience teaching Classical music, Musical theater, Pop music, and American Folk music.
Timothy plays piano for church as well as jam-out sessions with friends. He loves to sit down
and play piano with his nieces, creating new songs and teaching them how to play along. In his
free time he plays ragtime because of the creativity allowed in improvisation and adding himself
to the music. He believes that great music is not created by the skilled musician, but the
passionate musician.

Lydia M.

Music Therapist MT-BC, Voice, Guitar, Piano, Cello.

Lydia is a Music Therapist, a Music Teacher, and a multi-instrumentalist based in
Chicago, engaging with all ages using a variety of instruments and modalities. Receiving a
Bachelor’s of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Iowa, Lydia went on to train at the
Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. There she developed her skills in
bringing music to children and adolescents, maximizing their engagement in ways that
encouraged self-expression and overall improvement in psychosocial well-being.
From there she migrated to the Windy City to work with older adults in skilled nursing
care and assisted living, using music to address goals in a variety of domains and improve
quality of life. Teaching cello, guitar, vocals, and piano, she continues to provide opportunities
for musical engagement to students of all ages. Using her unique knowledge as a Board-Certified
Music Therapist, Lydia provides a safe space to learn and grow, adapting to each individual’s
needs in her lessons. She is honored to join the EMA team, and can’t wait to see what the latest
generation of musicians will accomplish!

Kaitlin L.

Violin and Piano

Kaitlin has loved the fine arts—especially music—ever since she was very young. She’s currently a violinist in the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’s Symphony orchestra under Maestro Allen Tinkham, and has previously served as Principal player for the Philharmonic, and Concert orchestras, as well as the Illinois All-State orchestra. She has performed in notable venues such as Orchestra hall at Symphony Center, the Grand Theatre of Cordoba, Harris theatre, along with music events such as the Granada festival in Spain, and Lollapalooza in Chicago. She also plays in musical pit and her church ensemble.

Her teaching philosophy focuses on proper technique, musicality, and love for the art.

Outside of music, Kaitlin enjoys painting, reading, and watching DC and history movies.

Beth L. MT-BC

Music Therapy, guitar, voice, piano.

Beth is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with over twelve years of experience.  Beth received her Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from Illinois State University in 2012 and a Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2018. As a Board Certified Music Therapist, Beth is trained to utilize guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice. 

Beth has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special education, and hospice. Beth uses her experience as a Music Therapist to work on a wide range of music and therapy goals including social, emotional, behavioral, sensory needs, and academic needs. 

Beth is really excited to use her music therapy training and experience to help students learn new instruments and techniques at Edge Music Academy! 

Beth Thompson

Marketing and Communications, Events and Community Engagement

Beth Thompson has played instruments and sung in choirs throughout her life and knows the powerful strength of music in building a solid foundation for life. She built lifelong friendships through marching and jazz bands and firmly believes that the skills she built through music set her up for success in every area of her life. A Naperville North, High School, alum, Beth is excited to bring her skills as a marketer and communicator to the EMA team and promote the importance of music for young people in her hometown of Naperville, IL.