Our team is made up of dedicated musicians and educators who bring a wide range of experience, expertise, and teaching styles to every lesson. Each instructor is carefully selected through a rigorous audition and interview process to ensure they meet EMA’s high standards. We are passionate about helping every student build confidence, develop lasting skills, and discover a lifelong love of music.
Jason Thompson
Founder and Artistic Director
Jason Thompson is the Founder and Artistic Director of Edge Music Academy. His passion for music led him to study with many of the Chicagoland area’s finest musicians and to perform across a wide range of genres and musical settings.
Jason earned his Bachelor of Music with an emphasis in Jazz from Saint Xavier University, where he studied guitar with Dr. Shawn Salmon. Following graduation, he continued his jazz guitar studies with John Moulder, renowned guitarist and longtime professor at Northwestern University. Jason also studied piano privately with several college professors, including Patricia Lee, principal pianist for the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and Elgin Symphony Orchestra, who has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
As a performer, Jason has appeared in a wide range of musical settings, including rock bands, jazz combos, big bands, choirs, and guitar ensembles. He has also performed as a soloist in both jazz and classical guitar settings and was featured with the University of Chicago’s acclaimed Motet Choir at the historic Rockefeller Memorial Chapel and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts.
Through his own musical journey, Jason has seen how music education develops far more than artistic ability. It builds confidence, discipline, creativity, communication skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Throughout his career, he has taught students ranging from age four into their eighties and helped hundreds of musicians work toward their individual goals.
Through Edge Music Academy, Jason is proud to share his love of music with the community while creating an environment where students receive an exceptional education, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will remain with them for life.
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!
Frank N.
Guitar and Piano Instructor
Frank N. 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.
Angel G.
Drums, Piano and Bass
Angel G. is a Venezuelan-born multi-instrumentalist who started his musical journey at age 12 with pop, rock, and folk performances at his local music academy. After moving to the United States in 2023, he continued his studies at the College of DuPage. Mentored by Grammy-nominated percussionist Professor Ben Wahlund, jazz ensemble director Dr. Matt Shevitz, and studying directly with acclaimed trumpeter Victor Garcia, Angel cultivated a profound understanding of jazz and music theory, which led him to specialize in jazz, latin, funk, fusion, and contemporary music.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Jazz Studies at North Central College, Angel’s goal is to compose original music and create his own signature style of Venezuelan jazz. Beyond his ambitions as a player and writer, Angel is dedicated to education. He plans to eventually earn a master’s degree in Jazz or Music Education to teach and direct college-level ensembles.
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.
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.
Basil D.
Piano
Basil D. is a jazz pianist, composer, and music educator whose musical
interests span up to jazz, Latin music, gospel, funk, fusion, and Middle Eastern
music. He’s currently studying Jazz under esteemed musicians Chris White and
Juan Pastor at North Central College.
Basil has also appeared in a numerous amount of ensembles under many different
instruments, such as Latin ensembles as a pianist, bass guitarist, and even
percussionist, jazz combos as a pianist and saxophonist, big bands as a pianist,
bassist and saxophonist, pop groups as a pianist, symphony groups as a
clarinetist/bass clarinetist, orchestras as an upright bassist, vocal jazz ensembles
as a tenor voice, and more.
As an educator, Basil believes that music is a tool of expression, and being able to
enjoy and express your voice through music is the best way to improve. Basil
enjoys helping students develop technique while reinforcing confidence, creativity,
musical independence, and a true love and understanding for music.
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.
Horacio H.
Guitar and Piano
During his studies at U of I Champaign-Urbana his musical interests have expanded from hip-hop/rock to classical, jazz, and Latin styles that make him comfortable in various styles of music. Horacio took lessons with Dr. Guido Sanchez Portuguese for classical, Dr. Larry Gray and Dr. Beto Rodriguez for jazz guitar. Including master courses in classical/flamenco/jazz in Spain with Jorge Cardoso, Bill Frisell, Ricardo Galan and Anabel Montesinos. He was involved in the classical guitar ensemble, jazz guitar ensemble, and latin American ensemble and received additional master courses with guest artists Adam Del Monte and Miguel Espinoza for flamenco/latin styles. Along with the guitar proficiency he took piano courses/lessons for 2 years at the university with a doctoral piano student at U of I Dr. Ti Zhang for classical/jazz. His variety of instruction and styles of music let him comfortably teach various levels and styles for guitar and also teach piano students from beginners to intermediate with teaching experience for both. This allows him to focus entirely on giving quality level instruction and to accommodate everyone’s musical identity.
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!
Austin H.
Austin started playing French horn from age 12 in middle school band. He started taking drum set lessons in 8th grade and some guitar lessons as a HS senior. Austin graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Ball State University in 2017. One of Austin’s most memorable musical experiences was when he got to work with elementary school students during the Muncie Symphony Orchestra’s Instrument Petting Zoos. He enjoys performing regularly as a gigging musician, playing in several projects near both Fort Collins, CO and Bloomington, IN. Austin has taught at both a public school setting and a private music lessons studio. Austin has had the honor to instruct students that have earned their State Solo and Ensemble Gold Ratings. During the past school year, Austin taught private music lessons for guitar, ukulele, French horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, drums/percussion, and piano.
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.
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.
Joseph Q.
Voice and Piano
Joseph is a dedicated music educator, vocalist, and choral director with extensive
experience teaching students of diverse ages and skill levels. He provides engaging instruction in
voice and piano, helping students develop strong musical foundations, technical proficiency,
creativity, and confidence.
Passionate about nurturing each student’s unique talents, His first degree was in Music Education
and had his Masters in Vocal Performance at the Northern Illinois University. Joseph has toured
Europe and engaged in many choir competitions and shows with the Harmonious Ghana. A
notable choir competition was the World Choir Games in South Africa and the Orthodox Music
Competition in Poland.
He also sings with the Cor Cantiamo, a choir based in the DeKalb County. Joseph creates a
supportive and inspiring learning environment that encourages artistic growth, performance
excellence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. His background in choral leadership, music
education, and performance enables him to connect effectively with students while fostering both
musical and personal development.
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!
Kate G.
Guitar, Violin and Voice
Kate is a musician from New Lenox, Illinois and is a recent graduate from Lewis University with a degree in English. At Lewis, she played violin in the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, the university’s Jazz Band, and received private instruction from Dr. Jennifer Leckie. Along with playing violin since she was 10, she has taken private guitar lessons with Jason Thompson for 8 years and private voice lessons with Corey McNulty for 5 years. Kate has been involved in school choir as well as singing at church services. She also enjoys playing music at local Open Mic Nights. Outside of school and work, Kate likes to read, watch movies at the theater, and is an avid concert-goer.
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.
Want to join the EMA team?
Email admin@edgemusicacademy.com to apply today!