Burr Ridge
Sladjana Saric
Piano , Voice and Flute Teacher
Sladjana Saric is the founder and director of Bel Canto Music Academy with both master's and bachelor's degrees in Flute Performance from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia. She is an accomplished opera singer and concert performer in both Europe and the United States, and is currently a member of the Grammy-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Lakeside Singers. Sladjana earned her Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, Serbia, and she earned a specialization degree in Vocal Performance from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary in the class of opera star Eva Marton.
Jorge Alvarez
Guitar/Bass Teacher
Jorge Alvarez's music journey began at the age of 7, igniting a
lifelong passion that continues to inspire and shape his career today. With over 23 years of
dedicated experience, he exudes an unwavering enthusiasm for sharing his love of music
with others.
Throughout his musical journey, Jorge has cultivated a diverse skill set, ranging from
orchestral performances to jazz ensembles and the creation of his own rock bands. This
breadth of experience not only showcases his versatility but also underscores his deep-
seated commitment to musical excellence.
Jorge’s true strengths lie in his patient and empathetic approach to teaching, understanding
the nuanced and gradual learning process that accompanies mastering an instrument. With
a profound understanding of music and an ability to convey complex concepts with clarity,
he serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring musicians.
Denise Marguerite Trautmann
Piano, Voice and Flute Teacher
Denise Trautmann is a classically trained pianist, flutist, soprano and composer. She has performed as a soloist throughout Chicago, New York, and Japan. She has played flute with the Salt Creek Sinfonietta, Manhattan Symphonie, and the New York Opera Forum at Lincoln Center. Denise has also performed with the New York Opera Forum, singing roles such as "Papagena" from Die Zauberflöte. Denise's composition, "Mélodique" was performed by 100 flutes at the 100th anniversary of the New York Flute Club, directed by flutist Nicholas Duchamp. She loves to compose for students and encourages students to use their creative imagination to the fullest. Denise also speaks French and Japanese.
Tess Slack
Piano and Voice Teacher
Tess Slack is a classically trained soprano originally from Glen Arbor, MI. A graduate of
Interlichen Atrs Academy, Tess completed her Bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance at
Millikin University, and her Master’s degree in Voice Performance from Roosevelt University’s
Chicago College of Performing Arts. For the past few years, Tess has enjoyed teaching voice
and piano in the Chicago area. Her past credits include Philadel in Purcell’s King Arthur,
Cunegonde in Bernstein’s Candide, and Susanna in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro.
Nicolas Muñoz
Guitar/Drum Teacher
Nicolas Muñoz is a multi-instrumentalist from Chile who is based in Chicago, IL. He has performed professionally since the age of 16, and since then he has toured across the United States.
Nico is a long-time fixture of Alma Andina, a band that fuses traditional and native Latin American instruments with world rhythms and electronic sounds. Nico has made his career on his ability to play a wide range of instruments, including world percussion, drum kit, charango, pan flutes, guitar, and more. Not only does he play them solo -- he can play them all at the same time, a talent he features in his solo project “Nico’s One Man Band.”
Nico began his journey with Chile Sin Fronteras, and now in his 30s, he has graced the stage freelancing with several groups back in MN (his home state). In addition to his core projects, Nico has been hired to compose and play for multiple live radio dramas, and he regularly tours, performs, and leads workshops with choral ensemble Border CrosSing among others.
Emma Binosi
Piano/Violin/Viola Teacher
Emma Binosi, a violinist, received her Bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Prior to that, she completed high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan. Her Suzuki training began at age 5 and continues to be her main pedagogical inspiration. She finds immense joy in chamber music, especially when playing with her younger sibling, who is also an accomplished violinist. She has served as concertmaster with multiple groups, including the Roosevelt University String Orchestra, Interlochen Philharmonic, and Illinois District Orchestra. Recent masterclass performances include soloist Rachel Barton Pine and pedagogue Almita Vamos. With her conservatory chamber groups, she has performed the Amy Beach Piano Quintet, Dvorak Piano Quintet, Smetana String Quartet No. 1, and Schumann Quartet in A minor. Collaborating with recording artists on projects is a special interest, with styles ranging from alt-pop to electronic. Emma also enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with her students, fostering their growth and passion for music.
Justin Gjata
Piano Teacher
Justin began studying with Victor Moreno at the age of 12. At College of DuPage and Roosevelt University, Justin studied with Dr. Steven Havens and Dr. Winston Choi, respectively. At 16, Justin was invited by the School of French at Andrews University to perform music by French composers at the Howard Performing Arts Center. He has also given solo and two-piano concerts at Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Hawaii and Alaska, and was invited to perform at the Centennial Celebration of the Boston Temple of SDA. Justin has been involved in music at the Hinsdale SDA Church since he began with Mr. Moreno at the age of 12.
In 2023, Justin performed a solo recital in the Qendra Kulturore in Tirana, Albania, where he was granted the title of Youth Ambassador of Peace. He was also featured on the morning news show on Top Channel Albania and was written about in five major newspaper publications of the country.
Bea Sider
Piano, Voice, Flute, Guitar and Ukulele Teacher
Bea Sider is a dedicated and versatile music educator who teaches voice, piano, flute, guitar
and ukulele at Bel Canto Music Academy. She emphasizes key principles in her
teaching—practice, accuracy, and fun—believing that music is a powerful tool for
self-expression and personal growth. Her balanced approach creates a dynamic and enjoyable
learning environment for her students.
Bea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), a
vibrant liberal arts college in Terre Haute, Indiana. During her time at SMWC, she was an active
member of the campus music community, performing with Madrigals, Chorale, Concert Band,
and a vocal quartet. Her passion for performance and collaboration shaped her musical journey
and teaching philosophy.
In addition to her work at Bel Canto, Bea is involved in other performance communities. She
sings with Vox Venti, a semi-professional choir under the William Baker Choral Foundation, and
serves as the Voice and Vernacular Coach for the Village cast at the Bristol Renaissance Faire,
where she’s embarking on her eighth season.
Bea is also pursuing a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma Online,
with an expected graduation in 2026. Her diverse interests and dedication to lifelong learning
make her an inspiring mentor for her students.
Chloe Liuyan Liu
Piano and Composition Teacher
Chloe Liuyan Liu is an accomplished composer with a Master of Music in Music Composition
from Indiana University (2023) and a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Wheaton College
(2021). Recognized for her talent early on, she won the Schultheis Composition Competition
Award and the Josephine Halvorson Memorial Composition Prize in 2019.
Chloe has studied under esteemed composers such as Shawn Okpebholo, Xavier Beteta, David
Dzubay, Annie Gosfield, and Han Lash. She also pursued a minor in computer music, working
with John Gibson and Chi Wang. Her academic focus at Indiana University included interactive
music compositions utilizing data-driven instruments, showcasing her innovative approach to
blending technology and music.
In addition to her compositional expertise, Chloe has received conducting instruction from Jerry
Blackstone, Mary Hopper, Daniel Sommerville, and John William Trotter. She served as the
Honors Conductor for both the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra and the Wheaton
College Women’s Chorale, further demonstrating her leadership and versatility in the field of
music.
Outside academia, Chloe extends her creativity to composing Chinese pop music and crafting
soundtracks for short films and games, bridging classical artistry with contemporary media.
Her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and her diverse skill set make her a dynamic force
in the music world.
Cathryn Cowell
Violin Teacher
Cathryn Cowell is a classical violinist native to the Chicago area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University as a student of Mimi Zweig. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she studied with Simon Blendis.
Early in her career, Cathryn was a member of several youth orchestras, including the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Music Festival Chamber Ensemble, and the Chicago Youth in Music Festival Orchestra, which was led by Chicago Symphony Orchestra director Riccardo Muti. Cathryn also performed internationally as a soloist and ensemble player in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Cathryn returned to Chicago upon completing her graduate studies. She has since performed with the Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, and Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
As a private instructor, Cathryn teaches both classical violin and Irish fiddle. She has taught master classes at both Indiana University and Northwestern University, and has also taught private lessons around the Chicago area.
Cathryn also has an accomplished background in Irish fiddling. She received scholarships to study music in Ireland as part of the Scoil Éigse. She has toured with the Trinity Irish Dance company in France and Belgium as their lead fiddler, performed at national and international Irish music conventions, and was a featured performer at major festivals and events, including at the University of Chicago, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry, Northern Ireland, and in Cavan, Ireland, the Chicago Celtic Fest, and the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago and Nashville. She has performed in many venues across the United States and Europe with acclaimed groups, including with tenor Michael Londra and Gaelic Storm.
Cathryn resides in the Chicago suburb of Riverside with her family.
Karlie Traversa
Voice/Piano Teacher
Karlie Traversa, is a versatile singer and music instructor, specializing in chorus, opera, and
musical theater. Karlie has been featured on film and in studio with PBS in “The Celebration of
Music with Ethan Bortnick” and an NBC documentary. She has sung in many musical
productions onstage and recorded internationally in over five countries, and within the United
States as well. Karlie has a variety of experiences teaching in schools and at the private studio
level as well. Karlie is passionate about teaching from a holistic approach where vocal and piano
music, theory, mindfulness, and human values come together.
Naperville
Sladjana Saric
Piano , Voice and Flute Teacher
Sladjana Saric is the founder and director of Bel Canto Music Academy with both master's and bachelor's degrees in Flute Performance from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia. She is an accomplished opera singer and concert performer in both Europe and the United States, and is currently a member of the Grammy-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Lakeside Singers. Sladjana earned her Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, Serbia, and she earned a specialization degree in Vocal Performance from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary in the class of opera star Eva Marton.
Jorge Alvarez
Guitar/Bass Teacher
Jorge Alvarez's music journey began at the age of 7, igniting a
lifelong passion that continues to inspire and shape his career today. With over 23 years of
dedicated experience, he exudes an unwavering enthusiasm for sharing his love of music
with others.
Throughout his musical journey, Jorge has cultivated a diverse skill set, ranging from
orchestral performances to jazz ensembles and the creation of his own rock bands. This
breadth of experience not only showcases his versatility but also underscores his deep-
seated commitment to musical excellence.
Jorge’s true strengths lie in his patient and empathetic approach to teaching, understanding
the nuanced and gradual learning process that accompanies mastering an instrument. With
a profound understanding of music and an ability to convey complex concepts with clarity,
he serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring musicians.
Frankie Palermo
Drums Teacher
Frankie Palermo has been a Professional DrumSet Performer for 51 years (since age 15) and a Professional DrumSet Instructor for 46 years. He started playing drums at the very young age of 5 and studied at The Chicago Drum School in downtown Chicago under Ernie Gadzos and Marshall Thompson for many years. Afterward, he continued his studies with the world-famous percussionist Bobby Christian. At age 15, he was accepted into the Chicago Federation of Musicians Union and began to work locally as a Professional Drummer in all types of musical situations through the Musicians Union. After completing his studies, he continued to perform both locally and on the road in all styles of music. Some of the venues that he has performed at were The Newport in Miami Beach, The Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Caesar’s Hotel in New Jersey, The Bop Shop in Chicago, Joe’s Be-Bop Cafe on Navy Pier in Chicago, The Green Mill in Chicago, Frankie’s Blue Room in Naperville, Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, and numerous Festivals, Concerts, and Nightclubs in Chicago and the surrounding Midwest. As a DrumSet Instructor, Frankie has taught on location at various instruction studios in the Chicago area. After 51 years of performing and after 46 years of teaching, he is happy to say that he is still enjoying every minute of it!
Justin Gjata
Piano Teacher
Justin began studying with Victor Moreno at the age of 12. At College of DuPage and Roosevelt University, Justin studied with Dr. Steven Havens and Dr. Winston Choi, respectively. At 16, Justin was invited by the School of French at Andrews University to perform music by French composers at the Howard Performing Arts Center. He has also given solo and two-piano concerts at Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Hawaii and Alaska, and was invited to perform at the Centennial Celebration of the Boston Temple of SDA. Justin has been involved in music at the Hinsdale SDA Church since he began with Mr. Moreno at the age of 12.
In 2023, Justin performed a solo recital in the Qendra Kulturore in Tirana, Albania, where he was granted the title of Youth Ambassador of Peace. He was also featured on the morning news show on Top Channel Albania and was written about in five major newspaper publications of the country.
Emma Binosi
Piano/Violin/Viola Teacher
Emma Binosi, a violinist, received her Bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Prior to that, she completed high school at Interlochen Arts Academy in northern Michigan. Her Suzuki training began at age 5 and continues to be her main pedagogical inspiration. She finds immense joy in chamber music, especially when playing with her younger sibling, who is also an accomplished violinist. She has served as concertmaster with multiple groups, including the Roosevelt University String Orchestra, Interlochen Philharmonic, and Illinois District Orchestra. Recent masterclass performances include soloist Rachel Barton Pine and pedagogue Almita Vamos. With her conservatory chamber groups, she has performed the Amy Beach Piano Quintet, Dvorak Piano Quintet, Smetana String Quartet No. 1, and Schumann Quartet in A minor. Collaborating with recording artists on projects is a special interest, with styles ranging from alt-pop to electronic. Emma also enjoys sharing her experience and knowledge with her students, fostering their growth and passion for music.
Cathryn Cowell
Violin Teacher
Cathryn Cowell is a classical violinist native to the Chicago area. She completed her undergraduate studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University as a student of Mimi Zweig. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where she studied with Simon Blendis.
Early in her career, Cathryn was a member of several youth orchestras, including the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Grant Park Music Festival Chamber Ensemble, and the Chicago Youth in Music Festival Orchestra, which was led by Chicago Symphony Orchestra director Riccardo Muti. Cathryn also performed internationally as a soloist and ensemble player in Germany and the United Kingdom.
Cathryn returned to Chicago upon completing her graduate studies. She has since performed with the Chicago Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, and Rockford Symphony Orchestra.
As a private instructor, Cathryn teaches both classical violin and Irish fiddle. She has taught master classes at both Indiana University and Northwestern University, and has also taught private lessons around the Chicago area.
Cathryn also has an accomplished background in Irish fiddling. She received scholarships to study music in Ireland as part of the Scoil Éigse. She has toured with the Trinity Irish Dance company in France and Belgium as their lead fiddler, performed at national and international Irish music conventions, and was a featured performer at major festivals and events, including at the University of Chicago, the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Derry, Northern Ireland, and in Cavan, Ireland, the Chicago Celtic Fest, and the Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago and Nashville. She has performed in many venues across the United States and Europe with acclaimed groups, including with tenor Michael Londra and Gaelic Storm.
Cathryn resides in the Chicago suburb of Riverside with her family.
Bea Sider
Piano, Voice, Flute, Guitar and Ukulele Teacher
Bea Sider is a dedicated and versatile music educator who teaches voice, piano, flute, guitar
and ukulele at Bel Canto Music Academy. She emphasizes key principles in her
teaching—practice, accuracy, and fun—believing that music is a powerful tool for
self-expression and personal growth. Her balanced approach creates a dynamic and enjoyable
learning environment for her students.
Bea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), a
vibrant liberal arts college in Terre Haute, Indiana. During her time at SMWC, she was an active
member of the campus music community, performing with Madrigals, Chorale, Concert Band,
and a vocal quartet. Her passion for performance and collaboration shaped her musical journey
and teaching philosophy.
In addition to her work at Bel Canto, Bea is involved in other performance communities. She
sings with Vox Venti, a semi-professional choir under the William Baker Choral Foundation, and
serves as the Voice and Vernacular Coach for the Village cast at the Bristol Renaissance Faire,
where she’s embarking on her eighth season.
Bea is also pursuing a master’s degree in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma Online,
with an expected graduation in 2026. Her diverse interests and dedication to lifelong learning
make her an inspiring mentor for her students.
Chloe Liuyan Liu
Piano and Composition Teacher
Chloe Liuyan Liu is an accomplished composer with a Master of Music in Music Composition
from Indiana University (2023) and a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Wheaton College
(2021). Recognized for her talent early on, she won the Schultheis Composition Competition
Award and the Josephine Halvorson Memorial Composition Prize in 2019.
Chloe has studied under esteemed composers such as Shawn Okpebholo, Xavier Beteta, David
Dzubay, Annie Gosfield, and Han Lash. She also pursued a minor in computer music, working
with John Gibson and Chi Wang. Her academic focus at Indiana University included interactive
music compositions utilizing data-driven instruments, showcasing her innovative approach to
blending technology and music.
In addition to her compositional expertise, Chloe has received conducting instruction from Jerry
Blackstone, Mary Hopper, Daniel Sommerville, and John William Trotter. She served as the
Honors Conductor for both the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra and the Wheaton
College Women’s Chorale, further demonstrating her leadership and versatility in the field of
music.
Outside academia, Chloe extends her creativity to composing Chinese pop music and crafting
soundtracks for short films and games, bridging classical artistry with contemporary media.
Her dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and her diverse skill set make her a dynamic force
in the music world.
Karlie Traversa
Voice/Piano Teacher
Karlie Traversa, is a versatile singer and music instructor, specializing in chorus, opera, and
musical theater. Karlie has been featured on film and in studio with PBS in “The Celebration of
Music with Ethan Bortnick” and an NBC documentary. She has sung in many musical
productions onstage and recorded internationally in over five countries, and within the United
States as well. Karlie has a variety of experiences teaching in schools and at the private studio
level as well. Karlie is passionate about teaching from a holistic approach where vocal and piano
music, theory, mindfulness, and human values come together.