Chicago Area Saxophone Teachers

Spencer Schillerstrom

Saxophonist Spencer Schillerstrom is becoming the best kept secret in the Chicago and Indianapolis metropolitan areas. The young musician started his musical career at the age of 6, growing up in Downers Grove, Illinois. He has since then won numerous improvisation awards through various jazz festivals, performed in Germany, performed in Hawaii on the Pride of America Cruise Ship and graduated from the DePauw School of Music with Summa Cum Laude honors. Spencer has performed with a large group of musicians in his early career including Brad Leali, Pharez Whitted, Ron Carter, Mark Colby, Fareed Haque, John Fedchock and Eddie Henderson. In addition, he has studied music with some of Chicago's biggest names including Mark Colby, Christopher McBride and Marquis Hill.

Currently, he is continuing his music education at DePaul University by pursuing a graduate jazz performance degree. He has a diverse 8 years of teaching experience in both saxophone and piano, including both private lessons and ensemble directing. Spencer was also a counselor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp where he assisted in counseling and teaching over 45 Blue Lake campers (ages 12-18) on musical performance concepts. He is currently and excitedly taking students in Chicago and surrounding suburbs! and beyond!

Ryan Burnett

Ryan Burnett is a lifelong musician and has always treasured music as a part of his life. He has a Bachelor's degree in music performance from Northeastern Illinois University and a Masters degree in music education from VanderCook College of Music. 

During his career he has taught general music at the elementary school level and directed the after school band. He has extensive experience as a performer, playing many 20th and 21st century works during his bachelor's degree that were previously unheard at his college. He has been a member of and arranged for The Classical Outdoorsmen, an ensemble dedicated to bringing classical music to the general public; and The Freedonian Municipal Band, a rock/jazz group performing regularly in the city. He is also an active composer and has had a number of works premiered in Chicago.