New director takes helm at Wheaton Yamaha Music School

WHEATON – For more than 45 years, Wheaton Yamaha Music School has been forging a harmonious relationship with the community.

This year, Calvin Coleman, who has been teaching at the school since 2005, took over as the school's director July 1, following the retirement of Beverly Griffith after 40 years of teaching and directing the school.

He is the school's fourth owner. Another longtime teacher, Linda Winthers, also retired from the school this year.

Coleman, 33, received his bachelor's degree in piano performance from Wheaton College in 2005. Several teachers at the school have received degrees from Wheaton College.

"Our school is very community-based," Coleman said. "Teaching is what we love. We love sharing with the community through music. That's the goal of music, to share it with your community."

Coleman is also a national Yamaha Music Education Specialist and trains prospective teachers on a national level. As the school's new director, Coleman said he has some ideas for the school, such as starting a youth choir.

The school is also sporting a fresh look these days, including newly painted rooms and a redesigned logo. A waiting room also has been constructed.

"The core of the school hasn't changed," said Karen Winter, who recently started as the school's office manager. "It's the same teachers. We are having some new offerings, but mostly, we are keeping the school as is."

Wheaton Yamaha Music School is part of an international family of schools that emphasize music education at a young age.

"They learn music as a language," Coleman said. "Most music education systems are very instrument specific. You're becoming a violinist, or you're becoming a pianist. What Yamaha does is provide a comprehensive music education. They learn by listening and singing and internalizing all the aspects of music... They have learned the language, and now it's there. Their ears are better than I will ever have. I took traditional lessons."

As part of the program, students write their own compositions.

"They're simple, but it's a start," Coleman said. "It's a springboard."

Winter's children have taken lessons at the school. Her daughter, Gabi, a senior at Glenbard West High School in Glen Ellyn, is in the process of writing her second musical.

"We wanted music to be part of their lives," she said.

Josh Handy, 12, of West Chicago, and his brother, Peter Handy, 10, also have taken lessons at the school. Josh said he appreciates the way the school teaches music.

"It trains your brain to hear the notes," he said.

And Peter said he likes how the school "makes it fun to learn."

But music is not just for the young. The school is working with Windsor Park retirement community in Carol Stream to have a group of seniors take music lessons at the school.

Coleman has more ideas for the school.

"We'd like to have a daytime moms class where they can come to do something," Coleman said. "Or something after work for working parents."

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Know more

Information about Wheaton Yamaha Music School is available at its website, wheatonyamahamusic.com.