Meet The Instructors Jason Thompson - Founder and Head Instructor
Jason Thompson is a seasoned musical professional. He has had a strong passion for music since a young age. Jason began taking private guitar lessons when he was twelve years old, and since then, he has studied with many of the finest musicians in the Chicagoland area and played countless genres, and in many different musical groups. Jason received his Bachelor’s in Music with Jazz Emphasis from Saint Xavier University where he studied with Dr. Shawn Salmon. Post graduation, Jason studied with John Moulder, jazz guitar professor at Northwestern University.
Jason has come to realize that music not only provided him with an appreciation for the arts and culture, but a wide variety of life skills which set him up for success in everything from business, to school, to interpersonal relationships. Jason enjoys sharing his love of music with his students, and over the past ten years he has taught students from age 4-75. Jason cannot wait to continue spreading his love of music to the community through Edge Music Academy.
Sean R. - Guitar/Acting Instructor
Sean has been a music teacher for 4 years, teaching both individual and group lessons. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Saint Xavier University in 2017, and continues to develop his skills in voice, piano, and guitar. In addition to teaching, Sean is often seen in local musical theatre productions, most recently with BrightSide Theatre. He has also narrated a number of books, which are available to download on Audible.
Brian - Piano/Guitar Instructor
Brian earned his Bachelor’s of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music in 2015, graduating as Valedictorian. Brian taught band and music classes in public and private schools for eight years before joining Edge Music Academy full time. Brian has also taught private lessons for twelve years specializing in piano, drum set, guitar, and band instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and percussion. Brian has taken private lessons from VanderCook's top professors such as Dr. I-Hsuan Tsai and Tony Kidonakis on classical and jazz piano respectively. He studied percussion as his minor with Kevin Lepper and Brett Kuhn. He also studied trumpet with Dr. Leah Schuman, trombone with Tim Riordan, and upright bass with Doug Bistrow. In addition, Brian can play and teach other instruments such as the electric bass, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica. Brian possesses strong foundations in classical pedagogy, jazz harmony/improvisation, and extensive backgrounds in rock, blues, folk, soul, and some bluegrass. When he is not teaching, Brian enjoys performing with ensembles across the Chicagoland area in addition to accompanying choirs, cantors, and soloists. He is forming a 90s/00s cover band at the moment while also sitting in with churches, jazz bands and combos, and solo events on keyboards. Brian is thrilled to be working for EMA full time behind the scenes and in the lesson rooms.
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