Austin V.
Drum Teacher
Austin took an interest in music at an early age, playing percussion in 4th grade at the age of 9 in the school band. At that time, he also began taking private drum lessons and won many awards for his work in the school’s solo music contests. Over the years, he participated in Day Jams, a local rock music camp, in which he excelled at performing in front of large crowds with a live band.
By the time he was a senior in high school, Austin had become the leader of his section in the drumline for the marching band as well as playing in all the top high school bands, including The Jazz Ensemble, The Symphonic Band, and Symphonic Orchestra. Some of Austin’s other highlights include playing with the marching band in the 2010 Allstate Sugar Bowl and also performing in the 45th Annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival.
In college, Austin chose to major in Film and Video at Columbia College Chicago but continued to study drums under jazz legend Ernie Adams. While in college, Austin also gained further experience and skills playing with a variety of bands and musicians. As of 2017, Austin has been the drummer for the local band, Conway, and also currently works as a freelance videographer, editor, and photographer. Austin also continues to pursue other music projects in other genres such as EDM, rap, and country.
Daniel C.
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Drum Teacher
Danny is a multi-instrumentalist with a B.A. in Music from Beloit College. He teaches guitar, bass, and vocals, and continues to record and tour on all these instruments (and the kazoo) with multiple Chicago-based bands. He brings this working background to the performance program, alongside directing experience with the Bristol Renaissance Faire and various choral groups.
Starting out as a drummer, Danny later transitioned to guitar and beyond. Growing up with a mix of folk, blues, country, and classic rock, he took on jazz, drum line, musical theater, and songwriting on various instruments as a teenager. He started playing shows around Chicago at 16 and hasn’t stopped since.
In 2017, Danny broke his wrist (ouch) and had to teach a replacement guitarist how to play his band’s songs. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as he quickly realized he enjoyed teaching music, and that he was learning just as much from the experience as his student was. Danny’s favorite band of all time is Queen.
Mike T.
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Director
Originally from Philadelphia, Mike relocated to Illinois after high school. His love of music started early when he was classically trained on the clarinet. Mike later began playing bass with a church band. Later in life, Mike studied at NIU and earned a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies with an emphasis in Individual Development. He enjoys blending his love for music with his interest in development, coaching, and mentoring.
Mike is heavily influenced by the East Coast music scene and enjoys all genres of music. Mike has composed and performed guitar, bass, drums, and vocals on 14 LPs, various EPs, singles, and compilations. Mike has toured and performed on stages across the U.S. He is a current member of Stay the Course, playing lead guitar for the Wichita and Chicago-based pop-punk band.
Alexandra T.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Alexandra Tenuta is an experienced keyboard + piano, vocals, and guitar teacher who has loved seeing her students grow as musicians for the last eight years. She also has experience in songwriting. Before graduating with her BA in Music, she produced and released her first original album, Boardwalk.
Alexandra’s musical influences range from 70s rock to 90s alternative rock. Bands she covers often are Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, Coldplay, and U2. She also has years of experience playing classical piano and singing classical repertoire, and was a singer in choir for eight years. Alexandra is working on making herself known as a musician by performing at open mics and with local musicians.
Alexandra is a dedicated teacher. She obtained her Masters degree in Elementary Education to teach general music. As a music teacher at School of Rock Barrington, she encourages her students to persevere with efficient practice techniques and use music theory to their advantage. She hopes to inspire the joy of music in her future students!
Maddi V.
Drums Teacher
Maddi Vogel is a drummer and educator at School of Rock Barrington. A graduate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's Degree in Music, they have been living in Chicago since 2023.
Having experience in multiple styles of musical settings from jazz and worship bands to pop, rock, and musical theatre, they often freelance a mixture of these gigs. A selection of musical theatre credits include Lyric Theatre at Illinois, Porchlight Theatre, The Chicago Music Theatre Festival, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, and Court Theatre.
Maddi is a member of Too Much Molly Band, a six-piece group popular with the LGBTQ+ community. Too Much Molly Band has played for multiple Pride events including Northalsted Market Days, Chicago Pridefest, Backlot Bash and Navy Pier Pride. TMMB was the house band at Make a Wish Foundation's annual charity gala with guest emcee John Stamos and Jim Gaffigan the following year. The band has played at House of Blues, corporate events, and weddings.
In the summer, Maddi is a member of the Lakeside Pride Marching Band that performs annually in the Chicago Pride Parade.
Alan S.
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Vocals Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Alan has been immersed in music for decades — teaching, performing live, recording, producing, and working within the industry. His passion lies in sharing the knowledge and experience he’s gained through the incredible gift of music.
He teaches guitar, vocals, bass guitar, and keyboard + piano, with a student-centered approach focused on helping each individual reach their unique goals. Whether you're a beginner looking for direction or a seasoned professional seeking a fresh perspective, Alan works collaboratively to help you grow and succeed.
Known for his patience, kindness, and thoughtful communication, he listens closely to each student’s aspirations and builds lessons around their personal musical journey — always aiming to make learning at School of Rock Barrington both productive and fun.