Chris Keniley, Music Educator and Owner of Chris K Music Biography

Chris Keniley is a well established performer, educator, and owner of the Chris K Music Lesson Studio located in Mattoon IL, where he teaches a variety instruments including drums, piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, wood wind and brass instruments. He is also the resident Instrumental Music Instructor and Band Director at St. John’s Lutheran School, where he arranges music and conducts many ensembles including praise combos, praise teams, small group ensembles, and oversees all aspects of St. John’s band program. In addition, he is an active music ministry and praise team consultant and facilitator, working with area churches to build or enhance current music programs, a member and clinician of the Vic Firth Education team, and drumline instructor for the MHS Pride of the Green Wave Band.

Prior to teaching at Chris K Music, Keniley has toured, recorded, and performed with many talented artists around the world including but not limited to: Eddie Holman, Morry Coleman, James Taylor, Lee James, Lucky Grills, Marty Hills, Elizabeth Lord, and Chris Kastle. This also includes traveling as a show band drummer and music director on the Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and P & O cruise lines. He has also performed with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, various university ensembles including ISU and EIU, traveling variety acts and original bands, touring Christian groups, and Praise and Worship teams including First Baptist Church, Central Community, LifePointe and First General Baptist Church in Mattoon. Keniley is most known for his very energetic and passionate performing and teaching style.

Keniley attended Eastern Illinois and Illinois State University for music performance and education. He is currently pursuing a certificate in worship leadership studies from St. Stephen’s University. He currently holds memberships with the Percussion Arts Society, MENC, IMEA, and Hudson Music Teacher Intergration Program.

When Keniley is not consulting or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Lindsay and new baby, Will.

Keniley endorses Vic Firth Sticks and Mallets.