Meet Lulu & her friends!
Lulu Soare
Piano and voice
A native of Sao Paulo - Brazil, Luana Soare (“Ms. Lulu”) holds a Bachelor of Music from the State University of New York at Potsdam with a double major in vocal performance and music business. A versatile educator, for the past 10 years, Luana has worked as a private piano and voice teacher, has taught early music education classes for children ages 6 months on, and has also worked with opera education outreach. Her past companies include Florida Grand Opera, Minnesota Opera and Gymboree Play and Learn. Lulu focuses on teaching children and teenagers and her students have been accepted into prestigious music festival such as The Juilliard School’s Summer program and Interlochen Music School of the Arts. They have also accomplished honorary distinctions through the Royal Conservatory of Music’s examinations. As a performer, Luana has appeared in productions around the world, including The Magic Flute (First Lady) with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, The Marriage of Figaro (Marcelina) with Vienna-Tel Aviv Vocal Connection, Giulio Cesare (Cornelia) with Chicago Summer Opera, Hänsel und Gretel (Sandman) with the Manhattan Opera Studio and L’Etoile (Koukouli) and Die Fledermaus (ensemble) with the Crane Opera Ensemble. She found in the North shore of Chicago her home, and lives with her husband and Oscar, their Goldendoodle pup.
Hi! I’m Lulu!
“Hi, I’m Luana, but you can call me Lulu”. After over 10 years of teaching children, I always noticed a little shine in their eyes, every time I said that phrase. As if allowing them to call me something other than my name sent a message of proximity, familiarity and warmth. I believe in bringing my students close and have fun with them as we are learning together. I’m learning how to teach them, and they’re learning their chosen instrument. Children learn better if they don’t realize they’re learning and if the environment is playful. Music is a complex art, but it should be perceived as fun and simple. It’s no wonder the word “play” is used in reference to music.
The most important lesson a young child can learn is to love playing an instrument, for that love will be carried through their lives. That same love will assist them through the challenges they may face in their musical studies. And that same love will keep them from quitting, which could be the most important lesson a child learns through an instrument. Determination, discipline and passion are life-long lessons that a child can learn through studying music.
There’s a saying that adults that are very good with children are good because they know how to “go down to their levels”. I believe that there’s no more incorrect saying. Adults that are good with children are excellent at “going up to their levels” because there’s no more fascinating and complex minds than the ones of a child. I look forward to discovering the complexity of each of them, working myself up through their high levels and guiding them through unmasking their true talents.”
Diana Monacelli
Voice, piano, guitar and ukulele.
Diana Monacelli is a Chicago-based operatic soprano praised for her strong musicianship and warm tone. Diana holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from North Park University. As an educator, Diana has taught private voice, piano, guitar, and ukulele around the Chicagoland area since 2016, specializing in classical and contemporary voice. She has experience teaching adults, teens, and children as young as 2 years old. Diana currently has the great joy of directing a children's choir and two plucked-string ensembles in Niles, IL. Many of her students go on to excel in their instrument and have won first prize in competitions. Also an active performer, Diana has performed shows in the US and internationally in venues like Carnegie Hall in New York as well as Los Angeles, and Austria. She has appeared in many of Mozart’s works including Despina in Cosi fan tutte, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Bastienne in Bastienne und Bastien. Her oratorio credits include a soloist in Handel’s Messiah. When Diana is not singing or teaching, she is spending lots of time outdoors with her dog Forrest, cooking, reading a good book, or painting!
Hi! I’m Diana!
“With hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to learn you can excel in music! Teaching music is not only about teaching an instrument but about building confidence in my student's abilities. Over the last 8 years, I have had the great joy of watching my students grow confidence in their unique talents and voices. I believe in creating a warm, compassionate, and nurturing environment for my students to feel safe to grow and learn. My favorite part of teaching is spending time with my students each week and having the privilege of watching them achieve what they thought was impossible and seeing their light shine!”
Anna Havala
Piano
Anna Havala has taught general elementary music and private piano lessons since 2012 when she graduated from Butler University with her Bachelor degree in Music Education. She is currently working on her Masters in Music Education at VanderCook College. Anna is also the K-4 general music teacher at McKenzie Elementary in Wilmette. She has played piano since the age of eight and loves everything about it. Anna has performed at Classical music competitions, weddings, in jazz bands, and has accompanied children's choirs and improv comedians, just to name a few! She lives in Glenview with her greyhound Addie and her cat Mini.
Hi! I’m Anna!
“Children should be able to take ownership and have a say in how and what they learn. I have worked with children ages four through sixteen teaching general music and private piano lessons since 2012. Every child I have ever taught learns differently and has unique preferences. Music education is not a "one size fits all" experience. With all my students, I will make a concerted effort to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect in which I am lifting up their strengths and helping them grow. With a positive bond between student and teacher, I will cater their music education to their unique interests and needs. That's one of the things I love so much about teaching music, it is different every time. My experience as an elementary teacher and improv comedian allow me to create an environment that is fun and engaging, where it is acceptable and even encouraged to make mistakes, as that is how we learn.“
Grace Bang
Piano and Violin
Grace Bang graduated from the Illinois State University as a Bachelor of Music Education. As a versatile and passionate educator, Ms. Bang has had the privilege to teach violin and piano for the past few years. She has also taught in public schools in the Chicago area and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Education. When she is not studying or working on lesson planning, Ms. Bang also enjoys performing and has played with the Illinois State University Symphony Orchestra as well as chamber groups. She looks forward to continue to bring music to children and sharing her gift of teaching with families around Chicago!
Hi! I’m Grace!
“Nothing is more rewarding than having a student grow the same love and passion for music as you do. I think everyone needs to be exposed to music in any shape or form as it enhances every aspect of their lives. My personal philosophy as an educator is no matter what the students’ background, culture, identity, gender, age, ethnicity, etc. that I ensure they have the best, equal amount of education and respect that they deserve. I want to make sure that no students feel left out and they feel safe and as if they are a part of a community. Doing so, I will need to build a rapport and trusting relationship with the students. Not just as a teacher but as a mentor/role model.”
Ashley Brewer
Voice, piano and cello
Ashley Brewer graduated with dual degrees in Voice & Opera Performance and English Literature from Northwestern University. Previously, Ashley has performed as Pamina in Die Zauberflöte with Lyric Opera Studio Weimar and Adele in Die Fledermaus with the William Lewis School of Opera alongside Metropolitan Opera tenor William Lewis in his final performance. At Northwestern, Ashley appeared as Taumännchen and covered Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel, Mädchen in The Emperor of Atlantis, and the Zweiter Knabe in Die Zauberflöte. This summer, she is thrilled to be returning to Lyric Opera Studio Weimar to sing Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro. Ashley has had the privilege of teaching voice through a nonprofit organization called Through the Staff that aims to make music education accessible for all.
Hi! I’m Ashley!
“Music is a powerful catalyst for growth and creativity in children, providing them with invaluable skills that extend far beyond melody and rhythm. The transformative power of music nurtures creativity, discipline, and self-expression in young minds. I firmly believe that music is not just an art form but a fundamental tool for holistic development. It enhances cognitive abilities, improves concentration, and boosts confidence, laying a strong foundation for academic and personal success. In every lesson I teach, my goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for music, ensuring each child reaches their full potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.”
Yuhan Xue
Piano
Yuhan Xue is a Chicago based pianist and music educator. She began playing the piano at the age of 5 and was admitted to the Affiliated School of the China Conservatory of Music at the age of 13. As a Municipal Scholarship recipient in Beijing, China, she completed her Diploma of Six-Year Music Vocational Education in Piano Performance and has performed in numerous recitals across Asia and Europe. Yuhan earned her Master of Music in Piano from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2024, where she developed a strong practical background in applied piano pedagogy and music technology. Before that, She graduated magna cum laude from Carthage College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance and a concentration in Piano Pedagogy, during which she received the Hazel Bothe Memorial Music Scholarship. Yuhan is an active collaborative pianist and a passionate advocate for new music by contemporary composers. She works closely with modern composers, music producers, and film composers, participating in numerous studio recording sessions for EMMYs Awards for College TV and SCAD Savannah Film Festival nominated movies, and premieres of new musical works. As a dedicated music educator, Yuhan teaches private lessons and has given lectures to groups of students ranging in age from 3 to 80.
Hi! I’m Yuhan!
“I love to see the progress my students make, even if it's just a small step. What I love the most is when my students tell me I made them love music more than before, and I know they are very happy. I believe in creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore their musical abilities. Music teaching is very personal—every student has their own style and their own path. My job is to create a personalized conservatory experience for each student. My teaching approach combines technical proficiency with artistic expression, ensuring a well-rounded and comprehensive musical education.”
Carissa Crowton
Voice, guitar, beginning piano and composition
Carissa Crowton is a dynamic songwriter, performer, and teacher. She started singing before she could talk and has carried this passion for music throughout her life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Utah State University where she focused on Vocal Performance and Composition. At Utah State University, she found great joy being a member of the USU Chamber Singers, teaching music to students of all ages, and starring in the University’s production of “Anastasia”. Additionally, she found great joy in composing and songwriting. At Utah State, she had her experimental contemporary works performed at new music recitals and her showstopping musical theater and pop songs performed at her senior recital. Now, after moving to the Chicagoland area, she continues to perform as a member of the College of Lake County Community Gospel Choir. In addition to her love of music, she likes spending time with her husband, going to the theater, and watching Disney movies!
Hi! I’m Carissa!
“Throughout my years of teaching, I have found that no matter the age or level of my students, people connect with music in their own profound way. Some of my students find it therapeutic, others find it joyful, and others feel freed by a new avenue for self-expression. I feel it’s important to teach in a way that is specific to the needs, abilities, and desires of each individual student. I feel that everyone has a unique voice to share with the world and I try to give my students the skills they need to find their voice. Music can be so joyful, and I believe in bringing the joy and fulfillment that music offers to my students while teaching them good technique.“
David Kronenberg
Administrative Assistant
Tenor David Kronenberg holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts. David advocates for empowering young artists by equipping them with essential business and marketing skills to better manage their careers. He encourages them to build side hustles to achieve financial freedom, alleviating the pressure on their artistic expression. He believes the stigma that "you can only be a true singer if that is the only thing you do" must be dismantled. Because of his beliefs, David aims to build his business and administrative skills. He has worked various jobs in the music field, including as a Guide/Representative at the Tanglewood Music Festival, a Program Coordinator for the Center of Arts Leadership at Roosevelt University, and currently, the Company Manager for Chicago Summer Opera. David is grateful for the opportunity to provide support for Lulu's Music Studio, as he aims to build his own studio in the future.