Chris K Music Lessons at St. John’s Lutheran School
At St. John’s Lutheran School in Mattoon IL, students Kindergarten through 8th Grade have the opportunity to learn about musical instruments through Private Music Lessons and Music Performance Ensembles offered by Chris K Music. At St. John’s Lutheran School, our goal is to equip students with musical skills to serve in most religious institutions, and to be successful in any musical situation. Students have the opportunity to experience music in a truly unique way, using their newly found skills to create ensembles and bands! All lessons and ensembles rotate throughout the school day, adding extra convenience to busy family lifestyles and after school activities.
Musical Opportunities at St. John’s Lutheran School – Band Director Chris Keniley
Private Music Lessons
Private Music Lessons are an excellent way for students to receive one-on-one instruction in a nurturing, quick, and creative enviroment. Chris Keniley, owner of Chris K Music and Band Director at St. John’s understands that every individual learns differently and utilizes a variety of teaching techniques to make sure that his students truly understand the presented material.
Music Lessons are customized according to each students’ needs and goals, making the learning experience unique for all students. We use a combination of method books and customized material to help all students explore, learn, and grow as musicians and servants of the Lord. The methods we use are fun, innovative, and creative. Our step-by-step approach with constant review helps students fully understand the material. As new ideas are introduced, earlier concepts and skills will continue to be reinforced. Our strong foundation in reading music helps builds successful musicians for any music program or ensembles.
All private lessons are constructed and catered towards the musical needs and desires of each individual student. As a result, lessons may be focused on one particular instrument or across many instruments. Several Chris K Music students often play one, two, or even more instruments. We currently offer 30 minute lesson times, 1x per week. This is to establish a weekly routine in order to gain the most out of a musical instrument. Music tuition is paid monthly in advance.
Through taking private lessons you will receive:
- Learn proper playing technique (posture, hand placement, movement).
- Learn to perform in front of an audience and overcome stage anxiety
- Master the necessary techniques required to play quickly and correctly.
- Experience with a variety of music literature
- Establish confidence and joy for music
- Develop necessary skills for “musical common sense”
- Exposure and knowledge of different musical genres and styles
- Sight reading tactics
- Music theory, composition, aural training, and improvisation training
- Praise Team - For experience Middle School students grades 5 to 8 with the desire to sing or play an instrument. This audition group is the top ensemble at St. John’s. Instrumentation includes 7 vocalists, 1 -2 guitarist, 1 bassist, 1 -2 drummers, 1 piano and 1 keyboard player. *All instrumentalist are required to be in music lessons by either Chris K Music or another approved music instructor.
- Praise Combo - For beginner to experience Middle School students grades 5 to 8 with the desire play an instrument. This instrumental ensemble uses band instruments instead of voices, at St. John’s. Instrumentation includes 1 -3 band instruments, 1 -2 guitarist, 1 bassist, 1 -2 drummers, 1 piano and 1 keyboard player. *All instrumentalist are required to be in music lessons by either Chris K Music or another approved music instructor.
- Kid’s Combo - For experienced 3rd to 4th grade students. This ensemble is a fun, creative outlet for young musicians interested in playing in a team setting. Instruments vary from drums, guitar, voice, bass, and piano.
- Drumset Lessons
- Percussion Lessons
- Violin Lessons
- Acoustic Guitar Lessons
- Electric Guitar Lessons
- Piano Lessons
- Bass Guitar Lessons
- Voice Lessons
- Ukulele Lessons
- Brass and Woodwinds
- Trumpet Lessons
- Trombone Lessons
- Tuba Lessons
- French Horn Lessons
- Baritone/Euphonium Lessons
- Clarinet Lessons
- Saxophone Lessons
- Flute Lessons
- Learning music should be a fun and rewarding experience. We strive to present concepts to students in ways that they will easily understand, often using analogies to other non-musical activities which students enjoy.
- A good teacher is not only a mentor, but a friend. A warm and nurturing environment allows a student to receive constructive criticism without becoming discouraged.
- We believe the benefit of studying music extend beyond development as a musician. In the pursuit of mastery of a musical instrument, valuable life skills such as creativity, self-analysis, problem solving, responsibility, discipline, confidence, and poise are also cultivated.





