Erin Watt "Miss Erin"
Owner, Teacher: All Programs
erin@themusicplayhouseofchicago.com
After completing her Master of Music degree here in Chicago, Erin ventured  out to New York City where she performed in operas, concerts, short films, cabarets, and a web series. Ms. Erin also taught afterschool music classes and private voice and piano lessons to students of all ages while producing and directing recitals and showcases. She quickly discovered that children are the best audience, and music education was her true calling. After returning to Chicago in 2014, Erin fell in love with the kids and the curriculum at The Music Playhouse and acquired the business in 2015. She now lives in Lakeview with her husband, and 2.5 year old son, Harrison.
Katarina Spungen "Miss Kat"
Teacher: Virtual Music Pups®

Katarina is ecstatic to join The Music Playhouse as a teacher after falling in love with the program with the kids she nannies! Her mother loves to say that she was singing before she could talk, and consequently grew up studying voice, flute, and piano. She left the suburbs of New York City to study acting at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and graduated with a BFA. In addition to nannying, Katarina has taught youth acting classes and started a custom dessert business, Pardine Pastries. She is so excited to share her love of music with the new generation of artists! Ms. Kat recently moved to Boston to pursue a graduate degree, but continues her work with The Music Playhouse through virtual classes.
Cole Burdick "Mr. Cole"
Teacher: Virtual Music Pups®

Cole is so happy to be joining The Music Playhouse team! He has had a passion for music and for working with kids for as long as he can remember. In his hometown of Decatur, IL, Cole has been performing music since 4th grade, and has been working with kids ever since he could get a job. Cole recently graduated from Millikin University in Decatur with a B.A. in Commercial Music, and has been living in Chicago ever since. Cole can't wait to continue to pursue his passions in the big city with The Music Playhouse!
Jaime Raglow "Miss Jaime"
Teacher: Virtual Music Pups®, IRL Music Pups®, Music Discovery

Jaime hails from Akron, Ohio where she has been singing since she learned how to talk! From showchoir to musicals to dance classes, she has always been a performer with music in her heart! Since moving to Chicago, she has graduated with a BA in Theatre and Dance from Loyola University Chicago, and she has performed in many musicals, choreographed for some children's theatre and camps, and worked with kids all over the city! Miss Jaime feels so deeply about The Music Playhouse's mission and goals of bringing music education to kids from a young age so they can carry that with them their whole lives!
Thomas Swanson "Mr. Tommy"
Teacher: IRL Music Pups®

Starting the flute at the age of 9, Tommy's passion for music was clear, and his love for music has touched many. Growing up, he was highly influenced by the music of Peru, a part of his heritage. Tommy strives to bring the spice, pizzazz, and life of Peruvian music to his performing and his teaching. Tommy recently graduated with a B.A. in Music from the University of Central Florida and is new to the Chicagoland area! He is currently studying to become a Music Therapist and an Alexander Technique Teacher. Mr. Tommy has found his greatest audience in working with children, and is extremely excited to be joining The Music Playhouse Team!

Jack Kilkelly-Schmidt "Mr. Jack"
Teacher: IRL Music Pups®

Jack Kilkelly-Schmidt is a Brooklyn native and award-winning guitarist of many styles. Jack received a B.M. in Guitar Performance in 2018 from Lawrence University. In 2017, he was a recipient of Downbeat Jazz Magazine’s “Best Undergraduate Small Group Ensemble” for his playing and singing on the album Twisted Heads by The Jake Victor 5tet. Jack is extremely passionate about music education. Jack has traveled to Jacmel, Haiti twice to help run the guitar program at The Dessaix-Baptiste Music School. He currently resides in Chicago where he continues to run a small guitar studio of his own. Jack Kilkelly-Schmidt plans to make music, performance, and teaching a lifelong pursuit.
Christine Ebeling "Miss Christine"
Teacher: IRL Music Pups®

Christine is a classically trained mezzo soprano with a passion for all styles of music! As a voice teacher who has worked with young children to college students to beginning adults, Christine loves to share music with anyone who has a song in their heart. Christine holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Northwestern University. Christine has previously sung with the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, the Bayview Music Festival, the Taos Opera Institute, and Painted Sky Opera. Christine’s favorite Music Playhouse song is Doggie Train, and she can’t wait to see you next time in music class!
Julia DeGruchy "Miss Julia"
Teacher: IRL Music Pups®

Julia is an actor, vocalist and circus artist originally from Philadelphia, where she acquired a BFA in musical theatre from The University of the Arts. She moved to Chicago in 2019 and holds a certification in Circus Arts from The Actors Gymnasium. As a performer she’s worked with numerous companies on the east coast, creating original theatrical works and performing in family oriented musicals. Julia fully commits to engaging with her students through play; creating a positive environment for them to explore and achieve independent music accuracy. In her free time Julia loves to cook, read, juggle, sing, and be outside! She’s so thankful to be an educator at The Music Playhouse of Chicago, and looks forward to singing and dancing with new friends in class!
Job Openings:

No current openings. Updated June 2021.