Lessons Grayslake

The Instrument Barn offers lessons on all instruments. Lessons are $35 a half hour and are offered during our normal business hours. We recommend scheduling lessons weekly but we do also offer bi weekly lessons. For more information or to schedule a lesson give us a call at 847-562-6616 or fill out the form by clicking on the link below.

 

Grayslake location 

33113 US Rt 45 Grayslake IL 60030

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Lesson Interest form 

https://forms.gle/cWnzFSVgmFnDfEgE7

Eric Drazner - Guitar

Eric Drazner has been playing guitar for over 30 years and has been teaching for over 15. He holds a Bachelor of Music from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Earning a degree in music has not only made him a better rounded musician, but has given him an appreciation for all types of music. Eric’s main goal for all of his students is to enjoy the journey of learning guitar. Because every student is unique, he customizes his lessons to fit their needs. He plays in an 80s Dance cover band, Rewind ’85 and has released two studio albums with the Progressive Rock band Chaometry.

Connor Mannebach - Piano

Connor Mannebach is a DePaul School of Music Alum with a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies. He has been a member of many bands and jazz ensembles, performing at all kinds of venues in the Chicago-land area. Connor has been teaching piano for over 10 years, helping students develop the skills to not only practice effectively, but also to teach themselves outside the classroom. His goal is to create a learning environment that inspires students’ creativity while emphasizing the importance of consistent, efficient practicing.

 

Harry Choin - Woodwinds, Piano, and Guitar

Harry is the owner of The Instrument Barn, and also an experienced instructor. He recently completed his enlistment in the United States Army. He has a strong passion for music and plays as much as he can.  While he was in the United States Army, he was an Army Bandsman. Harry played in all kinds of ensembles including the jazz band, rock band, ceremonial band, and the woodwind quintet playing clarinet, flute, saxophone, and piano. His primary instrument is clarinet. Now he really enjoys playing in community bands, and orchestras, throughout the Chicago area. His goal is to get quality instruments at an affordable cost to all musicians. In his free time he enjoys working on old cars and hanging out with the family.  

Vince Salerno - Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Harmonica

Vince Salerno is a dedicated musician and multi-instrumentalist with formal training from the American Conservatory of Music and a BA from Columbia College of Chicago. He has an active professional performance career spanning live and studio work, has released two CDs under his own name on the Pravda Records label, and performs across a range of styles including jazz, blues, R&B, and rock. He brings his real-world musical experience along with a supportive, student-focused approach to every lesson.

Specializing in saxophone, flute, clarinet, and harmonica, Vince works with students of all levels-from beginners just starting out to more experienced players looking to refine their skills. His teaching emphasizes solid fundamentals, tone development, and musical expression, while keeping lessons engaging and tailored to each student's goals.

 

Cyndi Salata - Flute, Trumpet, French horn

As a trumpeter, Cyndi won the principal cornet chair for her 12 combined years as a member of the Prairie and Illinois Brass Bands and is an 8-time prize winner in the North American Brass Band Association’s solo competitions. She has been a finalist for both the Washington D.C. Navy Band (at age 20) and “Pershing’s Own” and was offered a position in the seven-piece Jazz Ensemble for Royal Caribbean. While her diverse performance resume includes the Six Flags Great America Dixieland Band and the Prohibition Orchestra of Chicago, she can now be heard as a member of the Falconaires Orchestra or leading her own jazz trio, 3 Flat.

In addition, Cyndi has earned more than 30 flute solo awards in both national and international arenas, in categories ranging from amateur to professional. Most recently she achieved three consecutive 1st place wins for the New Jersey Flute Society Spring 2026 adult competition, the 2026 Utah Flute Association’s National Amateur Flute Competition’s advanced category, and the 2025 Festival of Flutes.

Other credits include playing principal horn in the Round Lake Concert Band, Procession Brass, and various local theater productions. She has 10+ years of music teaching experience, including 2 seasons with the Bravo Buddies Summer Music Camp in Waukegan and 5 years as an assistant with the Carmel High School Marching Band.   She currently enjoys a 5-star customer approval rating on Gig Salad.