Maestro & Mi Music Academy

09/04/2026

09/03/2026

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08/30/2026

"Maestro & Mi" is very delighted and excited to introduce our new Violin instructor, Ms. Maria Jaimes. (Also known as Creative Strings Music & Therapy by Ms. Maria)

Her mission statement:
"Creating a safe space for children and their parents to express themselves in the avenues of violin instruction & therapy thru music methods."

She will be offering private violin instruction and offering many music & therapy enrichment participation opportunities!

MS. Maria is a violinist of 36 years and teacher of 20 years. Her family names include Jaimes, Atilano, and Zuniga which are native to the Illinois Valley for 100 years including a rich history in traditional folk music & trained classical. Her roots began in a musical home as her mother is a pianist & teacher. Formal training began in the Suzuki Strings Studio under the direction of Lynn Olivarious. Upon advancement, mentorship continued through the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony. Maria began teaching pupils at age 16 at Valley Music of LaSalle and continued her music advancement with violin instructors at university campuses. Maria began her professional performances at age 8 for weddings, religious services & select community events. Her most recent musical endeavors include: participating in professional trained traditional Irish fiddle competitions, performing & recording with Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme & recent Grammy Award winner; through the Six String Sanctuary Las Vegas January 2026, and a focus on professional vocal training in bel canto. Maria is also a licensed therapist of 20 years with a recent focus on stress & trauma healing. Rhythm2Recovery is a program in which Maria is a certified therapeutic drumming facilitator to assist various populations in processing & releasing that which they may be going through.
Maria has enjoyed years of being a non bio mom in multiple capacities through caregiving for all the elders in her family and also raising a stepdaughter in another life. Maria has enjoyed caring for many nieces & nephews through the various stages of growth & development and is proud to now see them all grown. Maria is a proud Furry "Mom" to her feline friend Princess Aya who is a therapy kitty and a vital part of her practice
To set up lessons, message our page or call us at (815)220-SING (7464)

08/29/2026

This is Kevin Alleman, voice instructor. Kevin is originally from Granville and has been performing since he was 10 years old. He received his Bachelor Degree in Music Composition and Musical Theatre from Illinois State University. He received vocal training from Megan Cullinan, Deb Austin, and Dr. Michelle Vought. Kevin has specialized in Musical Theatre, but has also worked in vocal jazz, choral music, and opera. Kevin also accompanies a local church choir and local theatre groups. To inquire for lessons and training with Kevin, message us or call us at (815)220-SING (7464).

08/29/2026

Maestro & Mi offers lessons in all woodwind instruments with Mrs. Jackie Ribas. Jackie is an Illinois Valley native and an alum of L-P High School. She has a Bachelors of Music Education, specializing in instruments from Coe College, Cedar Rapids Iowa and was a student of Dr. William Carson. Jackie has taught private lessons for over 25 years. Although she teaches all the instruments for her bands, she specializes in the woodwind family: flute, oboe, clarinet, and saxophone for private lessons. She is passionate about music education and that knowing, making, and patronizing in the arts is essential for all people. Mrs. Ribas wears many hats while at her schools: student council sponsor, speech team coach, play director, and music director. She is also on many committees to support the schools and the students. When not at school, she enjoys watching her kids participate in sports and music, watching movies with her husband, reading and learning more about education, animals and outer space.

08/29/2026

Maestro & Mi offers drum lessons with Mark Spitz formerly of Rox Populi.. Mark is an area (and beyond) icon having played with bands that include Headline, Justus, and RPM to name a few as well as teaching for over 30 years! He is awesome and we love jamming with him! Message our page or call us at 815-220-SING(7464) to set up your lessons

08/27/2026

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As we mourn the loss of American icon, singer/songwriter, philanthropist, and all-around fantastic person, Dolly Parton, let us also remember that at one point Dolly was just a kid in a music class.

Thank you for the countless ways you gave back to educational music programs in Tennessee, to kids all over the country through mailbox book programs, and through your expansive music career.

Thank you, Dolly.

08/27/2026

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