Private Instruction

Flute Instructor - Michelle Lewis

Michelle Lewis graduated from Roosevelt University, Chicago with a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance. Following graduation, Michelle went abroad to study in London, England. Her teachers include flutists Mary Stolper, principal of the Grant Park Symphony, Kaye Clements, Mary Louise Poor, Jean Berkenstock, former principal of Lyric Opera of Chicago, Richard Graf, assistant principal of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and tubist Roger Rocco.

Michelle has been a member of the Bensenville/Wood Dale Symphonic Winds for over 30 years. The band has toured and performed throughout Europe including Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, and Russia. In addition, the group has recorded four compact discs under the label Deff Records. Since 1985, she has been a private flute teacher in the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs. Currently she teaches at York High School, Elmhurst, Thomas Middle School, Arlington Heights, and since 1991 has taught at Schaumburg High School. Michelle is owner of Lewis' Flute & Piccolo Shoppe in Villa Park, a music store catering to flutists, which opened in September 2003.

Traveling, gardening, hiking throughout Illinois and Wisconsin, and volunteering for St. Sophia's Forgotten Felines are activities that bring Michelle enjoyment, and on any given evening you can find her settling down with a good book and one of her cats.

Contact Information: mclewis1117@yahoo.com (630) 248-6066 (630) 279-6542

Oboe Instructor - TBA

Bassoon Instructor - Andrew Marlin

Andrew Marlin holds both a Masters of Music and a Professional Artist Diploma in Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. During his various studies at Roosevelt University, he was fortunate enough to study with members from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Prior to his adventures in Chicago, Mr. Marlin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Bassoon Performance from the University of Washington, Seattle.

Since his time in school, Mr. Marlin has been actively freelancing with many groups throughout Chicago and has also been taking professional auditions to pursue a career as an orchestral performer. Mr. Marlin was also given the opportunity to be the soloist in Cincinnati Soundbox’s premiere of Stephanie Boyd’s Rituum, Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra. Mr. Marlin has recently built up his teaching studio throughout Chicago and is overjoyed to be apart the team here at Conant High School.

Contact Information: marlinandrew@gmail.com (818) 456-2768

Clarinet Instructor- TBA

Saxophone Instructor - Eric Goluszka

Eric Goluszka is a saxophonist and educator in the Chicago area. He is an active performer in a wide variety of genres including traditional and modern classical, jazz, salsa, and an assortment of popular styles. As a soloist, he strives to present a diverse selection of music in his recitals, often juxtaposing avant-garde saxophone works with baroque transcriptions. His command over contemporary techniques (such as circular breathing, multiphonics, and slap-tongue) has influenced the composition and dedication of new works for saxophone. Eric has performed throughout the Midwest United States, Canada, Southern France, Sicily, and Thailand, both as a soloist and as a member of ensembles such as the New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia, Rockford Symphony Orchestra, the Devil’s Own Saxophone Quartet, and Orquesta Energia Salsa Band. 

In 2003, Eric received a Bachelor of Music degree with a performance emphasis from the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. While there, he studied with renowned saxophonist Dr. William Street and performed in masterclasses for top modern composers and saxophonists such as Gavin Bryars and Jean-Marie Londeix. Eric received a Master of Music degree from DePaul University, where he studied with Susan Cook. His other major teachers have been James Kasprzyk, Matt Olson, Tim Aubuchon, and Jeremy Ruthrauff. 

Mr. Goluszka is in high demand as a saxophone instructor throughout the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. His students have received first place medals at solo and ensemble festivals and have been selected for IMEA district and all-state honor bands. Eric has been teaching saxophone lessons at Fremd and Schaumburg High Schools since 2005, Hoffman Estates High School since 2008, Notre Dame High School since 2009, and he will be the saxophone teacher at Conant and Metea Valley High Schools starting this year. In addition to working with the saxophonists at these schools, he also leads woodwind sectionals at Fremd.

Contact Information: ericgoluszka@hotmail.com 847-852-0668

Trumpet Instructor - Janelle Finton

Fascinated by many modes of creativity, Janelle Finton is a trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and poet who approaches music making and storytelling with wonder. In 2023 Janelle graduated from the Frost School of Music where she studied with the amazing Brian Lynch, as well as Etienne Charles, Dafnis Prieto(improvisation), and Dr. Kate Reid(voice). She has played at venues such as Ravinia as a featured vocalist with the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Birdland, and Dizzy’s club with the Grace Fox Big Band, the Baked Potato in LA with the John Daversa Big Band, and Carnegie Hall with NYOJazz, where she toured Europe and Asia with Sean Jones, Dianne Reeves, and Kurt Elling. As a writer, Janelle has been a NextNotes winner through the American composer’s forum, and a recipient of a Downbeat student music award for best jazz arrangement. Currently, Janelle performs and teaches in Chicago, and is continuously grateful for all the opportunities she has to share joy with people through her music!

Contact Information: janellefinton@gmail.com

F Horn Instructor - Megan Beugger

Megan Grace Beugger received her PhD from University at Buffalo in music compoisition after receiving a Bachelors in music from Northwestern University.  She has had works performed at major festivals all over the country and across Germany which allowed her to work with musicians such as Dal Niente, Jack quartet, cellists Lucas Fels and Katinka Kleijn, among many others. Megan has frequently worked with dancers, such as dancer/choreographer Melanie Aceto. Her works have even been featured in many publications including Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, New York Times, Boston Globe, Wall Street Journal, as well as publications from University at Huddersfield, and Jennie Gottschalk book Experimental Music Since 1970.  

Besides work as a composer and theorist, my primary performance instrument has been the horn.   Megan has worked with Melanie Cottle and Bill Barnewitz, and have taken lessons and/or performed for masterclasses with many hornist including Erik Ruske, Gail Williams, Barry Tuckwell, Jim Smelser, and Oto Carrillo.  As a high school student she was principal horn of District 7 IMLEA orchestra and All State orchestra, in addition to being principal horn at Midwest Young Artist. 

Megan continued to play in many chamber and orchestra ensembles throughout my time at Northwestern University and University at Buffalo.  In addition to her classical background, sh has a passion for performing contemporary music as well as free improvisation.  Recently, she has played horn on several projects with composer/improviser/pianist Andrew Jamieson, all of which have allowed her to explore improvisation.

Contact Information: megangracebeugger@gmail.com

Trombone Instructor - Rob Hackl-Blumstein

Robert Hackl-Blumstein is a freelance trombonist and music educator active in the Chicago area. In 2019, he completed a master’s degree in trombone at Northwestern University, where he studied with Michael Mulcahy, Timothy Higgins, Doug Wright, Randy Hawes, and Christopher Davis. He previously studied with Joseph Alessi at Juilliard and received his bachelor’s degree in 2017.

In addition to his in-person and online trombone lesson studios, Robert maintains an active performance schedule. He is a member of the Millar Brass Ensemble, an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and a regular substitute with the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, Florida. From July to August of 2019 Robert performed alongside top young musicians from around the world as a member of the Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland. In the summers of 2017 and 2018 Robert had the privilege of being a Tanglewood Music Center fellow, working with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Robert has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, and members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has played under the baton of Andris Nelsons, Neil Blomstedt, Michael Tilson Thomas, Alan Gilbert, Valery Gergiev, and others, and has also performed with Yo-Yo Ma, Håkan Hardenberger, and Justin Timberlake.

Contact Information: rob.blumstein@gmail.com (847) 770-3611 robblumstein.weebly.com

Low Brass Instructor - Matthew Farias

Matt Farias is a graduate from Northern Illinois University and received his Bachelor of Music Performance in Tuba. Matt studied with Professor Charles Schuchat through his degree at NIU.

Matt is currently gigging around the Chicagoland area on Tuba as well as Euphonium, Tenor/Bass Trombone, and Bass Guitar with some of his more unique performances playing Millennium Park with the NIU Jazz Orchestra and in the pit orchestra for the Wheaton Drama Musical, The Addams Family. Matt is also a member of the Spring Valley Concert Band primarily playing tuba and subbing in for Trombone and Euphonium when needed. 

Contact Information: 630-532-4534 mattfarias10o1@gmail.com

Percussion/Drum Line Instructor - Michael Kozakis

 Michael Kozakis is an active percussionist in the Chicago area. He plays frequently with the Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera Orchestras as an extra percussionist. Michael held two one-year positions as a percussionist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from February 2005 through June 2007. Michael also plays with other groups including the St Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, MusicNOW, Ars Viva, and has played for TV and radio commercials. As a featured marimba concerto soloist, Michael has soloed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to performing, Michael is on the faculty of DePaul University in Chicago while also teaching privately. Michael received his bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music double majoring in percussion performance and music education. He also received a master’s degree in performance from DePaul University.

Contact Information: 847-301-7570