Faculty

Our experienced faculty members are not only patient educators, but also highly skilled professional musicians who have graduated from some of the most prestigious music institutions in the country, including The Juilliard School, The Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, The Manhattan School of Music, Jacobs School of Music, and The University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music - just to name a few.

Whether you're a kid, a teen, or an adult, our instructors warmly welcome students of any skill level. We are passionate about helping you achieve your musical goals, and we specialize in tailoring our approach to suit your unique style and interests. With our in-person, online, and hybrid lesson options, we make it easy for you to pursue your passion from wherever you are.

Carlos Bendfeldt - Founder/Owner & Executive Director

Guitar

“I have been taking guitar lessons with Carlos for a few years now and he does a great job of providing a serious musical education while still making it a lot of fun. He is great with adults and, as I have seen first hand with my son’s lessons, he is also great with kids.”

— Keith R.

Carlos Bendfeldt is a distinguished Guatemalan-American guitarist and educator with over 30 years of experience teaching students of all ages, levels, and abilities. Many of his students have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts, a testament to his personalized and thoughtful approach to teaching. Carlos understands that each student learns at their own pace, and he tailors every lesson to meet the unique needs of the individual, always embedding patience and encouragement into his instruction.

A First Prize winner in the Artists International Youth Awards, Carlos earned his Master’s degree in guitar performance from the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in 1997, where he studied under Grammy winner Sharon Isbin. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in music from the Manhattan School of Music, where he was mentored by renowned maestros Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Nicholas Goluses, and Mark DelPriora.

Carlos made his New York debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in 1997, and his impressive concert career has included a return to Carnegie Hall and performances across North and Central America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. He has performed with the Williamsburg Symphony in Virginia, and with members of the Johnson City, TN Symphony in the world premiere of Appalachian Harmony. His participation in prestigious music festivals includes the Aranjuez Guitar Series at Carnegie Recital Hall, the Francisco Marroquin University Music Festival in Guatemala, the Jim Callaway Honors Series at Colorado Mountain College, the All-Star Guitar Festival in Hawaii, and the Breckenridge Music Festival in Colorado.

Carlos is also the founder, owner, and executive director of The Glencoe Academy of Music in Glencoe, IL, where he continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.

““ a virtuoso guitarist and an energetic, passionate performer. His enthusiasm, knowledge, dedication and vibrant personality are just some of the qualities that would make him a outstanding teacher and member of your faculty.”

— Sharon Isbin, The Juilliard School Guitar Chair Grammy Award Winner

Brandon Seyferth - Director

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums, SINGING/Songwriting & Composition

“My son has been taking guitar from Brandon at Glencoe Academy of Music for 4 years now and still loves it! My son is reading music and playing songs from main street pop/rock to flamenco. Most of all Brandon creates a relaxed, professional environment that is conducive to successful learning. We highly recommend him and the Glencoe Academy of Music!”

— Tina H.

An easy going and experienced instructor, Brandon tailors his lessons to the interests and goals of his students while stressing good technique and fundamentals, to assist them in growing as quickly as their practicing habits allow.

Brandon Seyferth has written songs, performed, and recorded with such notable names as Jackson Browne, Victor DeLorenzo (Violent Femmes), Eric McFadden (dubbed "modern day Jimmy Hendrix" by Guitar Player Magazine), Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins) and Geri X ("Best of Indie," Rolling Stone Magazine, Bulgaria). His work has appeared on large market radio including Chicago's WXRT.

He has also composed, performed, and recorded music for short films selected and nominated for award at film festivals including The Sanford Film Festival and the International Film Festival of Cinematic Arts, Los Angeles.

“This Chicago musician strikes a beautiful balance between that part of the day that you know fairly well and the part of it that remains. It’s something like the twilight, I suppose, but it’s more dense than that. There’s more of a wolf’s howling in there”

— Sean Moeller, Paste Magazine

Mark Linley

Masters in Percussion from Depaul University School of Music

Bachelors in Percussion from Roosevelt University, College of Performing Arts

Mark Linley

Drums and Percussion

“Mark Linley is without a doubt one of the finest musicians I know. An expert percussionist, Mark’s appreciation and mastery of orchestral percussion, drum-set and hand percussion are some of the reasons why he is such an in-demand and well-respected player. He is an asset to any organization that is fortunate enough to have him.”

— Christian Moreno.

Mark Linley is a highly accomplished percussionist and educator with a rich and diverse background in both classical and contemporary music. Currently, he serves as a percussion instructor for the People's Music School in Chicago. He also previously coached the percussion and drumline program at the Bronzeville Scholastic Institute until 2014. During his time at DePaul University, Mark had the privilege of coaching an undergraduate percussion ensemble under the guidance of renowned percussionist and educator Michael Kozakis. He has been teaching private lessons to aspiring musicians since high school and has also coached advanced rhythmic studies for dancers, showcasing his versatility as a musician and educator.

Mark’s journey with percussion began at the age of eight, and by high school, he was already performing with prestigious groups such as the Colorado Air Force Band of the Rockies, the Disney Young Musician Symphony Orchestra, and even pop sensation Shania Twain. He also played with the WSMA State Honors Jazz Band, demonstrating his early promise as a versatile performer. Mark holds a Bachelor of Music Performance from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and a Master’s degree in Music Performance from DePaul University’s School of Music. His training includes mentorship from some of the industry's most respected figures, including Ed Harrison, Vadim Karpinos, David Herbert, and Paul Wertico.

Mark is equally at home in orchestral and jazz settings, having performed with the Wisconsin Philharmonic, the Rockford Symphony, and Chicago jazz legend Henry Johnson. His expertise extends to world percussion, with a particular focus on the music of Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. Mark is also a dedicated accompanist for modern dance classes at Columbia College and across Chicago, and he has been sharing his passion for percussion through private teaching for many years.

Mark Linley’s extensive experience and dedication to his craft make him an exceptional musician and educator, with a profound ability to inspire and nurture talent in students of all levels. He has been teaching at the Glencoe Academy of Music since 2018.

Susan Wright

Piano

“I cannot say enough about Susan. ... She started with each of them at 6 years of age and tailored her skills to match the girls’ needs over the years. I truly believe my girls continued piano for as many years because of Susan. They will forever have a love of music”

— Julie C.

Chicago native Susan Wright is a classically trained pianist with a Master degree in Piano Performance from Northwestern University. She is as adept at interpretation as she is at expression. Susan glides easily from Vivaldi to Chopin, Sondheim to Loyd Webber. She is truly a musician of many moods. Training with a number of Chicago legendary pianists such as Laurence Davis and William Browning honed Susan’s love of all genre of music.

Her students have ranged in age from 4 to 74. Susan can change direction to tailor her skills to accommodate students' needs or interests as they progress. Some of her piano students have excelled from an early age, developed a love of music beyond piano, and have also turned to composition.

Susan also performs a classical piano/lecture concert series at Senior Facilities, including memory-impaired residents in Alzheimer Wings on the North Shore.

“Susan has encouraged Martha to reach beyond her capabilities and bring her on voice into her music. I would highly recommend Susan as a piano teacher to any future student.”

— Margaret W.

Yuki Tasaka

Recording and production

Yuki Tasaka is Grammy-Award & Soul Train Award nominated audio engineer from Chicago. He has recorded, engineered and mixed numerous major and independent artists for more than a decade. He is also an arranger, midi-programmer, musician, producer, sound designer, live sound engineer, DJ & teacher.

He has worked with Ace Mac / ädiana ross / Arnold Hennings / Avantist / Black Eyed Peas / Brandon Howard / Caleb James / Chance The Rapper / Charles Jenkins / Cody Vavrik / Donald Lawrence / Early E / Felix Da Housecat / FinleyKnight / Jadakiss / Jamie Principle / Joey Waronker / Lupe Fiasco / Meesha / Solow Redline / Sterling Hayes / Steve Stone Huff / The Tommies Reunion / Vince Lawrence / and more.

John Cicora

Guitar, Piano, keyboard, bASs, Producer, director & composer

“John is a great teacher who makes playing easy and exciting. He is in a good mood for every lesson and is always pushing me to be my best while still keeping it relaxed and fun!”

— Kaitlin M.

John Cicora is an accomplished musician and educator with a deep passion for jazz and an impressive track record in both teaching and performance. A graduate of Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies, John has been teaching guitar and piano to students of all ages, skill levels, and styles since 2005. His diverse student base has even included players from the Chicago Blackhawks, showcasing his ability to connect with and inspire a wide range of learners.

John’s talents extend far beyond the classroom. He has composed original scores for film, dance, theater, musicals, television, and commercials, demonstrating his versatility as a composer and arranger. His work includes arranging, performing, and directing for nationally touring tribute acts, variety shows, pit ensembles, sketch comedy troupes, and big bands. Some of his notable performances include serving as the guitarist for "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde, produced by Chicago Children's Theater, the bassist for "Love Kills" by Kyle Jarrow, produced by Steppenwolf, and the keyboardist, guitarist, and arranger for Winehouse: A Tribute to Amy.

Since arriving in Chicago in 2004, John has collaborated with an array of renowned artists, including Kurt Elling, Lupe Fiasco, Renée Fleming, The Handsome Family, John Prine, Michelle Williams, Jessie Mueller, and many more. His extensive experience, coupled with his passion for music, makes John Cicora a dynamic and influential figure in the Chicago music scene. John has been teaching at the Glencoe Academy of Music since 2019.

Jasmyn Zeigerson

Voice coach, Musical Theater, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele & Trumpet

Jasmyn Zeigerson is a dynamic Chicago-based musician, singer-songwriter, writer, and comedian who brings a wealth of talent and creativity to everything she does. A recent graduate of Case Western Reserve University, she holds a Bachelor's degree in music, with a concentration in pop vocals, and another in theatre, specializing in acting. Though her degree focused on vocals, Jasmyn is a true multi-instrumentalist, with years of experience playing and teaching piano, guitar, ukulele, and trumpet.

As a self-described jack of all trades, Jasmyn is passionate about nurturing each of her students’ unique passions and interests, encouraging them to explore their own artistic paths. Her impressive resume includes performing her original music, starring in numerous plays and musicals—including her recent role as Texas in “Cabaret”—and three years of performing weekly with IMPROVment, CWRU’s Premier Musical Improv Comedy Troupe.

Jasmyn is also an accomplished writer, having recently completed her first full-length musical, “Mars… The Musical!” Her diverse talents and dedication to her craft make her a truly inspiring figure in the arts.

“Jasmyn is a gifted singer-songwriter and an intelligent musician. Her students will enjoy her kindness, empathy, and positive approach to music and life!”

— Joan Ellison

Ryan Grostefon

Recording Engineer

Ryan Grostefon is a Chicago based, music producer and a sound engineer. Ryan has worked as an audio engineer for Billy Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins from 2010-2016, and works at the Field Museum in Chicago in Media Services. He as been working with the Glencoe Academy of Music since 2012.

Andreas Kapsalis

Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Composer, Producer, Improvisation

“Andreas is reinventing the art of guitar playing. He is the next level.”

— Jim Tulio, Grammy Award winning producer

Andreas Kapsalis is a renowned guitarist and composer whose career has been marked by extraordinary achievements and international acclaim. He began his journey performing nationally with the Andreas Kapsalis Trio, recording two albums featuring his original compositions. His exceptional talent caught the attention of the Sundance Composers Lab while performing in Los Angeles, leading to a prestigious fellowship awarded to only six composers annually. This opportunity marked his initiation into film scoring, a pivotal moment in his career.

At the conclusion of the Sundance Composers Lab, Andreas was invited by directors to compose the score for their documentary film Black Gold, which was selected for the Sundance Film Festival’s January premiere. Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Institute and Festival, noted that this was the first time in Sundance history that a documentary fellow and a composer fellow had an official selection at the festival—a groundbreaking achievement. Andreas has since composed scores for several notable documentaries and feature films, including Pig Business and Mulberry Street, and has been commissioned by prestigious institutions like Northwestern University and Notre Dame to compose music for their silent film festivals.

Following his success in film scoring, Andreas continued to make waves in the music world, performing and recording with the Megitza Quartet and the AKGI Duo. His recent performances have taken him to international stages, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Calcutta Guitar Festival in India, the Austria Jazz Festival, and the Guitar Festival in the Philippines. His concerts have also graced audiences in Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, France, and Canada.

A self-taught musician with a unique playing technique and musical perspective, Andreas has not only excelled as a performer but has also been a dedicated educator. He has taught guitar for many years, sharing his knowledge at the Kapsalis Music Shoppe, Elgin Community College, Old Town School of Folk Music, and through Northwestern University’s Mini Courses. His diverse cultural experiences as a musician and traveler continue to inspire him, and he remains passionate about sharing the transformative power of music.

Among his many projects, Andreas is currently composing and arranging pieces for a solo album, further solidifying his place as a visionary artist in the world of music. Andreas has been teaching at the Glencoe Academy of Music since 2021.

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