Business & Tech

Business Spotlight: Making Music with Musical Expressions

Musical Expressions began offering private music lessons in Naperville in 1989.

Name: Susan Slusarek

Business Name: Musical Expressions of Illinois

Title: Studio Owner

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Location: Naperville

Founded: 1989

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How did the business come to be?

There was a need in Naperville for a music studio, so we went looking and the Boecker building seemed like a perfect location. Kevin Reid and I started the business in 1989 in an office in the lower level at 190 E. 5th Ave. We subdivided the space into 4 small studios and a waiting room for our students and parents. We now occupy the entire lower level and have 11 studios, 23 teachers and 5 staff members, and the original studios are the offices of Musical Expressions.

Why did you choose the area you did?

I grew up in Naperville and loved the small town atmosphere. In 1989 Naperville was (and still is) a growing, thriving community with an excellent school system. Kevin and I knew the value of music lessons and the pure joy music could bring into your life.

The town of Naperville offered the opportunity to connect with children and adults of all ages and share our love of music.

What does your business offer?

Musical Expressions is a music school offering private lessons in piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, drums, percussion, clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, tuba, baritone and french horn. All of our 23 teachers are degreed, performing musicians who when combined have over 500 years of teaching experience. Musical Expressions philosophy emphasizes the art and science of music in a fun, structured environment. We do not sell anything except our expertise, guiding our students to a greater and greater mastery of the instrument of their choice.

We are the first school to offer rock band classes in Naperville, our highly qualified teachers instruct students on how to perform together as a band. From the tween to the teens and adults everyone goes away feeling like "real" musicians as they perform at a public venue such as Fitzgeralds in Berwyn.

What’s a fact about your business that most customers probably don’t know?

Believe it or not , a lot of people do not even know we are right next to the train station and have been since 1989.

Qualified, degreed teachers make a huge difference in a students enjoyment of music lessons and their ability to learn and play well. Our faculty teach all styles of music as well as proper technique and theory. From rock n roll, jazz, blues, pop, theater to classical and opera, each lesson is custom tailored to the students abilities and musical tastes.

Musical Expressions also offers pre-school, theater and Rock Band classes.

What’s your most popular product?

Most popular right now are voice, piano, guitar and drum lessons, with registrations for violin, viola, cello, brass and woodwind coming in a close second. Our rock band ensemble classes are also very popular with all ages.

Learn more about Musical Expressions of Illinois. It is located at 190 E. 5th Ave., Naperville; Call 630-355-1110.

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