Early Childhood Teachers
Nell Buchman, teacher of early childhood music and piano
Patricia DeCorsey, coordinator and teacher of early childhood music, has a degree in dance instruction and performance from the University of Chile and studied classical guitar for ten years at the Catholic University in Santiago, Chile. After coming to the USA, she dedicated herself to early childhood education, particularly in the areas of music and dance. Patricia has been teaching at the Academy since 1991. On leave 2009-10.
Sara Devine, music for special needs teacher,
is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Music Therapy. A board certified therapist, Sara has worked with preschoolers through geriatrics with diagnoses ranging in psychiatric, autism, Down syndrome, emotional disabilities, physical disabilities and mental retardation.
Julie Martin, teacher of music and movement and theater classes, has a degree in theatre from Loyola University of Chicago and has also studied ballet, tap and mime. Julie has directed and choreographed children's shows both in Chicago and Appleton. She enjoys teaching acting for youth through Attic Theatre.
Becky O’Brien holds degrees in choral music education, general music education, and music with an emphasis in piano performance. In addition, Becky holds a Kodály certificate from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Blending her love for music and children and their learning processes, Becky has been teaching and directing for over ten years.
Jill Williams, teacher of early childhood music,
holds a degree in music performance from Metropolitan State College of Denver. Jill has performed with orchestras, bands, and small ensembles, and worked as an accompanist for school choirs and summer musical theater programs for children and young adults.
