CMP Senior Faculty
Diego Tapia - Piano
Diego Tapia is currently a junior at şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř and is majoring in piano performance. Diego was born in Argentina and showed musical inclination at a very young age. He learned the fundamentals from his beloved childhood piano masters, Horo Ansata and Leandro Di Pasquantonio. After high school, Diego continued his musical journey by diving into the world of Indian Classical music where he developed a deep understanding of percussion and traditional ragas (scales) while initiating full-time spiritual practices. He performed for almost a decade in various Hindu temples in South and North America.
Diego moved permanently to the United States in 2013 and received a position as a music instructor at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, where he founded Vamsi School of Music in an attempt to organize and inspire music education in his community. An active teacher and musician, Diego produced an album for Vamsi School Children’s Choir while developing his performance career through a regular schedule of street performances, special engagements and collaborative efforts with musicians from the most diverse genres. Diego Tapia has taught piano, guitar, and Indian percussion in both private and group settings since 2010 to students at all levels. He also teaches piano at şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř to a wide variety of pre-college students. In addition to his private piano teaching in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, he is also a group piano instructor at City Colleges of Chicago. Diego has also been a recipient​ ​of the​ ​McGowan​ ​Scholarship Award.
Teaching Philosophy
“Every person deserves the opportunity to explore and develop their inner musicianship no matter their background or age. As a piano teacher, I seek to provide a classroom that celebrates diversity, creativity and allows room for active learning. The type of environment that is safe, encouraging, empowering and fun. At the same time, I believe in the importance of student recitals as an opportunity for them to develop artistic and expressive performance skills. I value and support the various learning styles of my students. Since music is a multi-sensory experience, some students are more inclined to learn how to read music faster than others who rely more on aural skills to get through a particular piece of music. In both cases, I support the idea of incorporating diverse piano methods to stimulate students from every aspect of learning to attain a balanced set of skills.”
Gabriela Kupryjanezuk - Piano
Gabriela Kupryjanczuk is a Chicago-based teaching artist dedicated to advancing piano education in students of all ages. She earned her Master of Arts in Applied Music Pedagogy from şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř, where she received extensive training in performance, composition, and pedagogy. She has performed as a pianist for notable groups, including the Northwest Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and at events such as the Chicago Jazz Festival. Gabriela is Suzuki-trained, experienced with Illinois State Music Association testing, and working toward Royal Conservatory of Music certification. Gabriela believes the piano is a tool for instilling self-mastery, and takes pride in watching her students flourish not just as musicians, but as confident and self-assured individuals, capable of achieving greatness in all areas of their lives.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy centers on guiding students to bridge the gap between their current abilities and their musical aspirations. Rather than focusing on perceived weaknesses, I help students identify the deeper core issues behind their challenges and build a structured, step-by-step yellow brick road toward improvement. This involves developing balanced practice strategies that combine technical, mental, and emotional growth. I emphasize leveraging each student’s strengths—“opportunities”—to support other areas of development, ensuring their progress is organized and intentional. Most importantly, I encourage students to cultivate a supportive musical community, recognizing that lasting success comes from both personal effort and collective encouragement.
Ivona Kesic - Piano
Ivona Kesic is a passionate pianist and dedicated piano teacher originally from Bosnia and
Herzegovina. Over the years, Ivona has brought her artistry to many stages, from international
festivals and competitions to memorable solo recitals.
Ivona earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano performance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and later
graduated with a Master’s degree in Piano Pedagogy from şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř in
Chicago.
Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher, Ivona is known for her friendly, supportive, and patient approach. She believes
lessons should be both fun and inspiring, tailored to each student’s needs and personality.
Whether working with a young beginner or an adult returning to the piano, she creates a warm
learning environment where students feel comfortable, motivated, and excited to grow.
Today, Ivona combines her international performance experience with her dedication to
teaching. She believes music is a universal language that connects people of all backgrounds, and
she is committed to guiding her students not only in piano, but also in discovering the joy and
inspiration that music brings.
Kathleen Logan - Piano
Kathleen G. Logan is excited to teach piano at The Community Music Program of şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř! Logan's students have been successful participants in Piano Ensemble Festivals, Illinois AIM Exams, Sonatina Festivals and Student Jazz Festivals as well as studio recitals and musical theme parties.
Logan received her B.A. in Music - Piano Pedagogy at şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř in 1978. While teaching piano in the Chicago area and continuing her graduate level piano studies at şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř, she received a Pace/Steinway Scholarship to attend the International Piano Pedagogy Institute at Teachers College Columbia University, N.Y., N.Y., 1984. During her years of piano teaching and bringing up her three children, Logan was awarded the Eckstein Grant for music education through the Bienen School of Music of Northwestern University. She received an M.M. in Music Education from Northwestern University in 2005 and merits the Professional Educator License - Illinois. Logan has taught classroom music for grades preschool through eighth grade and teaches piano for ages 5 through adult.
Teaching Philosophy
Making music through the piano can be more than playing the correct notes at the right time. An emphasis toward comprehensive musicianship is offered. Through a variety of learning activities, a student's musical understanding and skills are extended. This makes for a musically rich and authentic experience during lesson time as well as music-making time. Lessons of reading, music theory, technique and expressive interpretation are offered. Upon practice and advancement, students enjoy playing the music of various styles with classical music serving as the core of studies. Students' individual learning approaches are acknowledged and incorporated into the lesson and learning process.
Daily practice at home is required. Good practice habits enable the smoothest of progress which then leads to musical self-fulfillment. A piano in the home is also very important. Upon readiness, ensemble playing experiences enhance the student's musical growth and proficiency.
Lauren Daniel - Piano
Lauren Daniel has been teaching music, primarily piano, throughout the Chicagoland area for the past 17 years and is excited to bring her experience to NEIU! Her well rounded musical education and performance history bring a unique perspective to piano education, and her classroom teaching experience has given her the opportunity to work with all types of learners! Lauren began piano lessons at age 4. She studied at the Music Institute of Chicago primarily with Clare Aebersold, of the Aebersold & Neiweem piano duo. Lauren earned her BA in Music at UIC and immediately began teaching piano lessons. In 2010 she began her journey at NEIU, first earning a Teaching Certificate in Vocal Music Education while continuing her piano education. After teaching high school choir for 4 years, Lauren returned to NEIU to finish her MA in Piano Pedagogy, where she was a Viets Scholarship recipient and finalist in the Concerto Competition in 2016. After graduating in 2017 she returned to teaching private piano and performing, both solo and in musical theater productions.
Teaching Philosophy
I like to look at all repertoire by focusing on the Musical Elements. The notes and rhythms are just the start of the journey and story behind each piece! I also like to incorporate music theory and analysis into lessons from the very beginning to help with literacy. I believe that motivation is key to consistency in practicing. To help with motivation, I allow students to select and help them to arrange popular songs in addition to their traditional repertoire. Using both traditional and untraditional method creates more motivated and well rounded students!
Liliana CĂłrdoba, M.A. Piano Pedagogy
Liliana Córdoba is a Chicago-born pianist and piano pedagogue whose multicultural roots—Colombian father and Peruvian mother—bring depth and diversity to her musical perspective. She holds a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy and is a certified Suzuki instructor. A lifelong teacher, Liliana began giving piano lessons as a teenager and has cultivated a teaching career that now spans more than twenty-five years.
Her background includes three years of service in the United States Army, an experience that shaped her discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence—qualities that continue to inform her approach to teaching. At şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř, as well as in her private piano studio, she blends the structure and focus of her military experience with the empathy, creativity, and cultural awareness that define her artistry.
Liliana has participated in numerous Sonatina Festivals and remains an active collaborative pianist, frequently accompanying students in band and orchestra competitions and helping them prepare for performances. Her own students participate in recitals and interactive workshops designed to strengthen musicianship, stage presence, and personal expression.
Teaching Philosophy
Her teaching philosophy centers on the belief that piano study is not only a path toward technical mastery but also a journey of self-discovery. She encourages students to develop emotional awareness, critical thinking, and confidence at the piano—skills that extend far beyond music. Liliana’s goal is to inspire each student to cultivate their artistic identity, pursue excellence with joy, and experience music as a lifelong companion.
Zen Hsu - Piano
Zen Hsu is currently the pianist for the Chicago Goodnews Church. He graduated from Wilbur Wright College with an associate degree in fine arts in music performance and graduated from şÚ°µ±¬ÁĎÍř with a master's degree in piano performance, studying under Dr. Susan Tang. At NEIU Zen participated in the NEIU Concerto Competition, performed in master classes for renowned pianists such as Nelita True and Sergio Monteiro, and was a part of the NEIU jazz band and combo.
Teaching Philosophy
"Music is wonderful to listen to but to play that music requires a musical foundation cultivated through different aspects such as technique and music theory. I not only want students to play musically but to understand what they are playing, to fully enrich the students' musicianship and growth. I believe that music is a powerful way to express oneself and I am passionate to help my students play from the heart."