815.399.6874
4160 Newburg Rd. - Rockford, IL 61108
info_forestcitymusicstudio.com
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Proud to be recognized in the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide , for excellence in teaching and number of children reached.
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Our Mission
Our mission is to use our God-given gifts and passions to provide students and families quality music education with excellence, enhance human development, and create a life-long love of music.
Our Core Values
*Development: We believe musical opportunities contribute to the development of the whole person.
*Love of Music: We feel it is important to create people who appreciate music throughout their lives. Through engaging lesson time at
the studio, along with activities at home, we believe that we create musical people with a lifelong love of music.
.
*Relationships: We believe that relationships enrich our lives. In the studio, personal relationships will allow instructors to teach our
students as individuals, challenging them according to their learning style and personality.
*Family: We feel that parents are the first and most important teachers of children and that music can be used as a tool to strengthen
relationships within families.
*Education: Whether performed in public, for an audience, or in private, for your own enjoyment, we feel the sense of accomplishment
gained from learning to play an instrument or use your voice is most rewarding.
4160 Newburg Rd.
Rockford, IL 61108
(located on the south end of Colonial Village Mall, near Heartland Community Church)
FCMS is proud to offer private
Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Wind Instrument
lessons with excellence!
Making the Most of Lessons
The goal of Forest City Music Studio is to help students gain an understanding of the instrument or voice, how to play /use it correctly, and learn to read music. We believe an important benefit of music education is the enjoyment of creating music by playing a musical instrument or singing. Participating in individual lessons allows the student and teacher to develop a relationship over time. Through getting to know each student, we will be able help meet individual needs, abilities, and learning styles. We will celebrate with successes and encourage through difficult passages. The amount of time spent practicing throughout the week has a significant and direct effect on the progress of student learning and achievement.
Payment
Tuition is due at the first lesson of each month. The amount due will be $17 for each lesson during the month. For most months, the total will be $68, but others may be more or less depending on how many lessons will be held. For families with more than one student enrolled in piano lessons, we offer a Family Discount. There are two options for payment. The studio accepts VISA and MASTERCARD, so you can bring your card to the first lesson of each month. Or, a check can be made payable to Forest City Music Studio.
*There is a $25 fee for returned checks.*
Make-Up Lessons
If the studio is notified at least 24 hours in advance that the student will be absent, the lesson will not be charged. However, if less than 24 hours notice is given, the lesson must be made up within the same week (providing the teacher is available), or the lesson will be charged. If the teacher cancels the lesson, the student will not be charged.
Method Books
Families will be required to purchase the method books that will be used for lessons. For your convenience, the studio will buy the books and then sell them to you. When the student is finished with one level, the next set will be purchased. At the following lesson, you will receive an invoice for the amount due. This can be paid at the next lesson. You may pay with credit card or a check made payable to Forest City Music Studio.
Cancellation Policy
Out of courtesy for those on a waiting list to enroll, Forest City Music Studio requests one-month notice to discontinue lessons.
Gift Certificates
Forest City Music Studio has gift certificates available for private lessons and Kindermusik . They would make great birthday and holiday gifts for your favorite music student!
Melissa Dawson
Owner, Kindermusik Educator, Piano Instructor
I was born and raised in the Rockford area. I graduated from Belvidere High School, then attended Rock Valley College. I received my Bachelors Degree in Music Education from North Central College and earned my Masters Degree in Education from National-Louis University. I completed the training and earned my Kindermusik Educators License in 2004. In past years, Kindermusik International has named me as a Kindermusik Maestro, an award recognizing me as one of the top 5% of music educators worldwide for excellence in teaching and the number of families reached with the program. This year, I am proud to be a Conductor's Circle Maestro, recognizing our program in the top 1% of all programs worldwide!
Upon completion of my undergraduate work, I taught K-12 Vocal and General Music in a small town near Iowa City, Iowa. Following this experience, I decided to move back home, to Rockford. For three years, I taught K-5 General and Choral Music in Crystal Lake.
I felt called out of the public school system to provide a music education studio to the Rockford area. The studio setting allows me to teach smaller classes and individual lessons, where I can better address the needs and learning style of each student. It is my desire to share my love of music with children, families, and people of allages. I am convinced that music has a lasting impact on the development of life and enriches it beyond measure!
You can contact Melissa via email: melissa_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Michael Allen
Guitar, Piano, & Voice Instructor
My name is Michael Allen, and it is my privilege to tell you a little of my musical background and experience. I grew up in a musically oriented family, taking piano when I was younger, but I moved away from it. When I was 18 I began taking guitar lessons, and I instantly fell in love. I spend a majority of my time looking at guitar from different perspectives; having studied and learned songs across all genres from rock and roll, blues, jazz, funk, Celtic, classical, and more.
Music is my greatest obsession, and the worlds greatest romance. Learning the intricacies of how music works and why it sounds the way it does is the most consuming exploration there is, and I am so very excited to bring others along on this amazing journey with me. I am currently continuing my study of music at Rock Valley College with my focus being jazz guitar. However, knowing and embracing the belief that you are never done learning, especially about music, I am also continuing my classical training and my more eclectic training.
In the words of Thomas Carlyle, Music is well said to be the speech of angels. Let me guide you in the education of their language, a language I long to share with the world.
You can contact Michael via email: michael_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Amy Fritz
Piano Instructor
Music has always been very important part of my life. I grew up surrounded by music. I began taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old and continued with those through college. After graduating from Jefferson High School, I initially planned on majoring in Music Education in college. However, I switched my focus to Elementary Education but I never lost my passion for music. I graduated from Rockford College and am currently an elementary school teacher in the Rockford School District and am able to pull my musical background into my classroom on a daily basis.
You can contact Amy via email: amy_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Kris Fritz
Piano and Voice Instructor
I was born and raised here in Rockford. I attended Rock Valley College and received by Bachelors degree in music with certification as a music specialist K-12 from Beloit College. I also received my Masters degree in vocal performance from UW Madison. As a certified Yamaha instructor I taught music fundamentals to 3-7 year olds at the Yamaha Music School from 1989-1994 and 1998-1999. I have also taught music classes at the Hallstrom Homeschool workshop, taught privately in my home, subbed music classes in the public schools, served as an accompanist, and my husband and I remain very active in the music ministry at our church. I am married and have four grown children and four grandchildren. We are a very musical family.
All children are musical and respond to it naturally. What a privilege it is to be able to teach and impart the gift of music to them and watch them grow and develop throughout their lives. Many of the disciplines learned at an early age through music will last a lifetime. I'm excited to be a part of what's going on here at FCMS and I look forward to meeting and working with your child.
You can contact Kris via email: kris_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Lindsay Draper
Voice and Piano Instructor
I was born and raised right here in Rockford. I grew up singing along with Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, and some of my fondest childhood memories are singing old showtunes while my grandmother played piano. It is this joy and musical spiritedness which have always inspired me to create and share music with others.
I started piano lessons at a young age and continued all the way through college. I was very involved in the Auburn High School CAPA program, where I was involved in band, orchestra and jazz band, playing all varieties of clarinet and saxophone, as well as choir and several musicals (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wiz, Oliver, and The Secret Garden). For three years I studied voice and piano at Rock Valley College. I then transferred to and graduated from North Park University in Chicago with my Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance and emphasis in Piano. My next step is a Masters degree in performance and pedagogy (the art and science of teaching). Music is a part of daily life for me, and I continue to search for new ways to learn and grow. I love teaching and performing and I am so excited to be a part of the FCMS family and cant wait to welcome you and yours to our community!
You can contact Lindsay via email: lindsay_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Delle Peterson
Cello, Violin, & Piano Instructor
I have been teaching music since I was in high school. When I was young I never dreamed the musical education my parents gave me would play such an important role in my life. At age 5 I began piano lessons with my mother who was a marvelous pianist and vocal soloist. It wasnt until high school when I realized that music might become my career. Now I have my Bachelors of Music Degree in Music Education and Illinois State Teachers Certificate from Western Illinois University. My primary teachers include Dr. Charlotte Williams Muir, Michael Pecherek, and Dr. Moises Molina, but I have also worked with Dr. Adriana de la Rosa, Dr. Nina Gordon, Tony Arnone, Dr. William Cernota, and Dr. Thomas Landshoot.
My teaching experience includes private teaching both piano and strings, chamber music coaching and being string faculty at the Quincy Summer Music Festival in Quincy, IL & French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts in Hancock, New York. I have coached soloists and chamber ensembles in preparation for IMEA and IHSA contest as well as adjudicating strings for IMEA District Festivals.
My playing experience includes being a cellist with orchestras in Illinois and Iowa. In 2008 I toured in Germany performing The Magic Flute with the Lausitzer Opernsommer. Currently, I am a member of the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra in LaSalle, Illinois.
I look forward to sharing my love of music with people of all ages. Forest City Music Studio has given me the opportunity to share my gifts and the gift of music with the Rockford area. Take advantage of this opportunity, and I look forward to meeting you in the studio.
You can contact Delle via email: delle_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Rani Russell
I teach First Grade at St. Peters Catholic School. I have been teaching for twelve years. My favorite day of the week is Monday because I get to go to school and see my students. I have been nominated twice for a Golden Apple Award.
I vividly remember the day of my first piano lesson. I was a second grade student at Louisa May Alcott School in Chicago. My instructor was Mrs. Basil and I will never forget her. Every Wednesday afternoon, I went to my school's auditorium and got to sit at a grand piano. I felt excited as I listened to and watched Mrs. Basil teach me the names of the keys and how to read music. I considered these lessons a grand privilege. Still inspired from the piano lesson, I would race home and practice on a cardboard keyboard because we didnt have a piano.
One day, I returned home from school to find the most beautiful baby grand piano sitting in our living room. The memory of sitting on the piano bench and playing my first notes at that piano will stay with me forever. Years later, when I began teaching children how to play the piano, my parents told me that the salesman who sold them that piano promised them this: "The greatest gift you can give your children is the gift of music."
I continued receiving private piano instruction for eight years. I took lessons again while I was a student at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa.. I accompanied students who were taking voice lessons. I have played at weddings and other church-related events.
I have four children of my own. While I was a stay at home mom, I taught each of them, including Andy, my now 6 foot tall football playing heavy metal loving son, how to play the piano. Soon, my friends asked me to teach their children. Word got around and I continued to give lessons from my home and provided annual recitals at St. Peter's Fellowship Hall until I returned to the classroom full-time eight years ago.
That piano salesman was right. Being able to sit at my piano and play, and having the opportunity to share that talent with children, continues to be one of my life's greatest gifts. I am privileged to be working at Forest City Music Studio, and I look forward to helping you instill in your children a lifelong love of music.
You can contact Rani via email: rani_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Naomi Schock
Piano & Voice Instructor
My name is Naomi Schock, and my favorite pastime is singing. I have been singing my entire life. I took formal voice lessons at Rock Valley College and at Western Illinois University. I recently graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Choral Music Education. I enjoy singing a variety of music including jazz standards, pop arrangements, folk songs, and certainly music from classic vocal literature.
My piano experience began in first grade, and I continued to take piano lessons thru high school. I also studied piano as a secondary instrument in college at both Rock Valley and Western Illinois University. In addition to teaching private lessons in voice and piano, I currently teach Kindergarten thru Second Grade general music at Prairie Hill School in South Beloit.
I have a special love for singing in choirs and making music along with other people. The community aspect of music is a powerful one. Music is central to so many cultures. Music allows us to connect with one another in a unique way. I want to bring this joy to everyone I have the opportunity to teach and encourage them to be the very best musicians they can be.
You can contact Naomi via e-mail: naomi_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Sharon Smith
I graduated from Wheaton College Conservatory of music. After graduating I worked at a private christian school teaching music to K - 8th graders for 4 Years. During which time we made a lot of beautiful music! Then we started a family. I have been teaching for over 25 years privately and in the public school system. My family moved to Winnebago four years ago. Since moving here I have been teaching privately as well as subbing in Winnebago and Pecatonica for the music teachers. Last year I had fun Accompanying the Jr. high and High school choirs in Pecatonica. My greatest desire is to impart the love of music to my students. It is a joy and privilege to cultivate that passionate love in your children. Thank you and looking forward to meeting you.
You can contact Sharon via email: sharon_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Jeremy Toledo
Guitar, Bass, & Piano Instructor
I have lived in Rockford all of my life. I attended Boylan Central Catholic High School and Rock Valley College. In May of 2005 I graduated from Rockford College with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree in Music with a Minor in Theatre Arts. I have played guitar for 11 years and bass for 5. In college I studied classical guitar and bass. I am an elementary music teacher in the Catholic schools, here in Rockford.
I currently play bass for the RAMI nominated classic rock group "Frontiers" and "The Mayvilles" locally.When I am not performing music I enjoy composing. I have composed for two original scripts The Fields of Academia and The Pickup. The cast, myself and writer Dr. Rufus Cadigan had the honor of performing The Pickup in Portland, Oregon.
Music is my life and my passion. I am very excited to be able to share my love for music with others. My biggest inspirations all throughout my education have been the wonderful music teachers and professors that have guided me on my path. I am honored to be able to share that with you now. I look forward to meeting you and rockin' out!
You can contact Jeremy via email: jeremy_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Melissa Mecadon
Piano, Voice, & Guitar Instructor
I have been a Rockford resident for 3 years, now. I studied Music Education at Millikin University in Decatur, IL. My primary instruments in college were voice and clarinet. I spent a lot of time performing and touring with the Millikin University Wind Symphony and Millikin Chamber Chorale. I cherish my years at Millikin so much. My professors were enlightening and encouraging. As a classically trained musician, I participate in area groups such as The Rockford Concert Band, The Mendelssohn Chorale, and Elysian Voices.
Although I am not a classically trained guitar player, I have been strumming since I was 13 years old. I am a self-taught guitarist who values learning all concepts on the instrument (i.e. note reading, tablature, classical style, as well as rhythm and rock guitar). I have a passion for songwriting, and I also lead the contemporary worship service as my church.
Three years ago I was hired as the choir and guitar teacher at Boylan Catholic High School. After two years of choir, I slid into the open band position. I have two jazz bands, a concert band, an athletic band, and two guitar classes that keep me very busy. I always tell people "I'd rather be busy than bored", and it's very true! I believe that every year of teaching, no matter how long you've been doing it, should be a learning experience. I hope to always be growing and learning with my students and my peers.
You can contact Melissa via e-mail: melissam_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Kathy Taylor
Piano Instructor, Kindermusik Educator
I'm married and have 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren. Currently, I am teaching Elementary Music at Rockford Christian Elementary. I have 32 years of experience in teaching elementary music and 29 years of teaching private piano. I have a B.A. in Piano Pedagogy. I am also a licensed Kindermusik Instructor. I love teaching Kindermusik at the school and at the studio.
I have loved music since I was a child. My favorite thing was to sing instead of talk. I began piano lessons at 8 years old and continued through my sophomore year in high school. I took a break for 2 years and realized I really wanted to make a career of sharing my love for music with children.
There is nothing more precious than to see that lightbulb go on in a child's brain when they realize they can actually make music. I love watching my students grow with each lesson and see them develop into musicians. I look forward to working with your child.
You can contact Kathy via e-mail: kathy_forestcitymusicstudio.com
Listen and move. Play and grow.
This is Kindermusik, the most trusted music and movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young children. Kindermusik® is about kids, parents, and teachers coming together and having a great time! Its about helping you grow closer to your child. Enriching her environment and her development. Giving him a lifelong love of music and a foundation for learning.
Winter/Spring 2012 Class Schedule
Week of 2/6 - Week of 4/30
(no classes week of 4/2, deadline to register is 1/27 - registrations after this date will incur a $10 special shipping fee)
Click on class logos to learn more about age-appropriate classes from Kindermusik Intermational .
Village Class Time:
Tuesdays _ 11:30 (Miss Melissa)
newborn-1.5 years
Our Time Class Times:
Tuesdays _ 10:15 (Miss Melissa)
Tuesdays _ 5:00 (Miss Melissa)
Wednesdays _ 9:00 (Miss Melissa)
Thursdays _ 10:15 (Miss Melissa)
1.5 - 3 years Thursdays _ 11:30 (Miss Melissa)
Thursdays _ 6:00 (Miss Melissa)
Imagine That! Class Times:
Tuesdays _ 6:00 (Miss Melissa)
Wednesdays _ 10:15 (Miss Melissa)
Thursdays _ 9:00 (Miss Melissa)
3-5 years
Family Time Class Times:
Tuesdays _ 9:00 (Miss Melissa)
Wednesdays _ 11:30 (Miss Melissa)
Multi-Age Children Newborn and Up
Sign & Sing Class Time:
Thursdays _ 5:00 (Miss Melissa)
Newborn- 3 years
Click on class logo to learn more about age-appropriate classes from Kindermusik Intermational .
Village: newborn- 1.5 years
Total Classes: 12
Class Length: 45 minutes, adult/child interactive
Home Materials Include: Two packets of Home CD, literature book, art banners, baby-safe instrument
Class Times: Tuesdays _ 11:30 (Miss Melissa)
Featured Units:
Cock-a-doodle-Moo! -- Hop on the hayrideits time to head for the farm! In this class, you will sing songs about the farm, including Old MacDonald, Hayride, and Clever Cows. Youll engage in rituals and playful activities with your baby, including infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time.
DewDrops -- Stop and smell the rosesand lily of the valley, and tulips, and pansies. In this class, parents
and babies will play and move together to songs about flowers, such as Jasmine Flower, How Does Your
Garden Grow?, and White Coral Bells. Youll also hear traditional Irish music, dance a jig and move to the
Irish Trot.
Tuition: $206 ($11.00/class + Home Materials)
Payment Plan: Deposit with Registration (25%) + 3 payments
Discounts: Re-enrollment Discount: $10 off, Sibling Discount: $10 off second child's tuition, 3rd Child
Discount: $10 off each child's tuition
Sign & Sing : newborn- 3 years
Class Times: Thursdays _ 5:00 (Miss Melissa)
Session A: Playtime and everyday items around the housesuch as a ball, bubbles, and family membersare learning themes in this introduction to American Sign Language for a child and caregiver. Parents will benefit from the session's four, research-proven strategies shown to speed language development in hearing children, developed by the child development and sign language experts Signing Smart™. With the DVD's visual dictionary showing parents and children making over 60 signs, plus a pocket-sized set of
flashcards of the pictures and the words of the signs, parents easily incorporate sign language into their daily
routines, favorite nursery rhymes, and stories.
Session B: This follow-up session to the first introduces more signs using animals and toys as a learning theme,
and delves into a deeper understanding of the Four Keys to Signing Smart introduced during Session A. With a
special focus on helping children understand signs used in different contexts, the Home Materials include a
children's DVD called The Treasure Chest: Signs, Songs, and Rhymes, and features mini-music videos of children
singing well-loved songs using the signs, as well as showing the printed word across the bottom of the screen
giving children multiple ways to learn the words, the sign, and the language.
Our Time: 1.5 - 3 years
Home Materials Include: Two Home CDs, two storybooks, home activity book, age-appropriate instrument
Class Times: Tuesdays _ 10:15 (Miss Melissa)
Thursdays _10:15 (Miss Melissa)
Thursdays _ 11:30 (Miss Melissa)
Featured Unit:
Away We Go! -- Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This class focuses on
transportation, a favorite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite
songs, such as Ive Been Workin on the Railroad and Wheels on the Bus. Explore fast and slow, smooth
and bumpy, and high and low. Read stories about ways to get around. Shiny Dinah tells the story of a train,
and Giddy-Up! has a horse, speedboat, racecar, and more to help you get where you want to go.
Tuition: $201 ($11.00/class + Home Materials)
Imagine That!: 3 - 5 years
Class Length: 45 minutes, adult attends last 15 minutes of each class
Home Materials Include: Two Home CDs, two storybooks, Family activity book, Pretend Play Set, age-appropriate instrument, backpack
Class Times: Tuesdays _ 6:00 (Miss Melissa)
Toys I Make, Trips I Take -- Think of it like taking a course inside a childs imagination. Well use the theme of a toy shop to make our pretend-creations, using rhythm and songs with every imaginary saw, hammer, and nail. The result is
building the preschoolers sense of a sequence of events, which is good for storytelling, as well as making
his ideas a reality.
Tuition: $211 ($11.00/class + Home Materials if new to Imagine That! )
$201 ($11.00/class + Home Materials without backpack, for those returning to Imagine That!)
Family Time: Multi-age children newborn and up
Home Materials Include: Two Home CDs, two storybooks, Family Activity Guide, two age-appropriate instruments
Class Times: Tuesdays _ 9:00 (Miss Melissa)
In Make Way for Music , families will sing, dance, and move their way through an exploration of several elements
of music: beat and rhythm, concepts and contrasts (such as staccato and legato, high and low, the major scale,
and arpeggios), the human voice, instrument families, and ensemble. Theyll engage in developmentally
appropriate activities that the whole family can enjoy together, including fingerplays, songs, circle dances, story
time, and family jam.
Tuition: $317 ($11.00/class for first child + Home Materials, $9.00/class for second child, third child FREE,
under 6-months FREE)
Discounts: Re-enrollment Discount: $10 off
Kindermusik PLAYDATE!
Kindermusik is about kids, parents, and teachers-coming together and having a great time through dancing, instrument play and more! It's about helping you grow closer to your child, enriching their environment and development and giving your child a lifelong love of music and a foundation for learning.
Kindermusik PlayDates are 45-minute classes for parents and kids on the go! You get the same Kindermusik fun and learning as in the weekly classroom . . . and the same high-quality take-home materials (including a 10 song download card to Kindermusik's digital music website and a fun musical prop) . . . but a one-day class is just that much easier to schedule, attend, and afford. It's also a GREAT opportunity to see what Kindermusik is all about.
Kindermusik PlayDates are recommended for babies up to 7 years old. They are multi-age classes, and parent interactive!
Cost is $15 for the first child and $10 for each additional sibling. Plus, you'll receive an e-Music download card with all the music from class, and an age-appropriate musical instrument or prop.
Our PlayDate schedule is ever changing and classes are constantly added.
Check back often for updates!
Owner, Kindermusik Educator, & Piano Instructor
Piano, Voice, Guitar, & Wind Instrument Instructor
Violin, Viola, Cello, & Piano Instructor
Piano Instuctor & Kindermusik Educator
