Meet Our Teachers
Get to know the fine instructors teaching at Uncle Jon's Music
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Jon Kostal Jr. "Uncle Jon"
Saxophone, Ukulele, Guitar, Accordion, Keyboard, Clarinet, Flute, and more.
Jon Kostal Jr. is a multi-instrumentalist and teacher with degrees in performance and composition, teaching and performing professionally since 2001. He enjoys working with students of all ages, from grade school to adult beginners and senior citizens, in various settings such as schools, park districts, retirement homes, camps, and libraries. Jon's goal is to ensure that students have fun making music while developing the skills, techniques, and practice strategies needed to progress to the next level.
He teaches a variety of instruments, including woodwinds, brass, keyboard, accordion, ukulele, and guitar. As an accomplished performer, Jon currently appears with groups such as The Flat Cats, Die Kellerknaben, and the Ukulele Circle Band, showcasing his versatility across genres and instruments.
Come have some fun with Uncle Jon!
Juan José López
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Juan Jose Lopez is a versatile guitarist and music educator with over 25 years of experience in both performance and teaching. With a Master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from the Escuela Superior de Música in Mexico City, Juan José has collaborated with internationally renowned jazz musicians such as Kenny Werner and Eddy Gomez, among others.
His extensive performance background spans prestigious venues like the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City, and international festivals in countries like Haiti, Colombia, and the USA. As a passionate educator, he has taught at various renowned institutions and currently brings his expertise to Chicago’s Mexican community, focusing on bridging cultural gaps through the art of jazz.
Juan José’s teaching approach is designed to make music enjoyable for students of all levels, from beginners to more advanced players. He creates a relaxed, supportive environment where beginners can feel at ease while building a solid foundation in rhythm, basic techniques, and music theory. For more advanced students, he offers personalized guidance to refine skills and explore more complex aspects of guitar playing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your musical knowledge, Juan José tailors each lesson to fit the student’s individual needs and goals, ensuring an engaging and rewarding learning experience.
[Sign up here.]Brian Quinlan
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Brian is a passionate guitar teacher who has been with Uncle Jon's Music since 2016, guiding students from age five to senior citizens. He believes in the importance of balancing challenge and fun in music lessons, fostering an environment where discipline meets creativity. Brian tailors his teaching approach to each student's unique strengths and interests, ensuring they grasp essential fundamentals like scales, chords, and theory while exploring the music they love. Whether a beginner or an advanced player, students can expect engaging lessons that inspire progress, whether they want to jam like Trey Anastasio, learn the latest hit songs of Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, or study classical guitar works Bach and beyond. For Brian, teaching is not only about imparting knowledge but also about continuous learning and mutual growth. [Sign up here.]
Bruce Buzz Dooley
Drums & Percussion
With 35 years of teaching experience, Bruce Dooley has guided students of all ages in mastering drum fundamentals, rhythm, and musicality—but for him, it’s all about the groove. His personalized approach ensures that each student learns what works best for them, whether they're just starting out or looking to refine their skills.
Beyond teaching, Bruce has spent 40 years as a DJ and professional drummer, rocking everything from private parties to Soldier Field. He’s never needed to advertise—his passion, expertise, and reputation have brought hundreds of students his way. Ready to find your groove? Bruce is here to help!
Kevan Feyzi
Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Trumpet, French Horn
Kevan Feyzi teaches privately in the Chicago area after several years in Southern Wisconsin. Currently, he is engaged by three school districts as a trombone and low brass instructor, mainly at high schools. Each year, several of his students have qualified for junior or senior ILMEA District and State Honors ensembles, and several have gone on to study music at the university level. He also taught at the University of Illinois, where he directed the school’s trombone choir.
On tenor trombone, bass trombone, and euphonium, Kevan performs regularly around the Midwest in a variety of genres including jazz, Latin, blues, R&B/soul, classical, and chamber music. He holds degrees from the University of Southern California, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Illinois, where he led the university's trombone choir. A former member of award-winning blues band The Jimmys, Kevan can be heard on their third studio album Gotta Have It. He toured with the group both around the United States and abroad. In the past decade, he was a member of or performed with numerous groups in a wide range of styles, including soul/R&B groups, brass bands, quintets, jazz combos, and big bands. In the classical realm, Kevan has performed in some of the United States’ great concert venues, including LA’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, and New York’s Lincoln Center. He has substituted with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony and Sinfonia Da Camara. Passionate about Afro-Latin music, Kevan has been a musical director and trombonist for several salsa groups. He currently freelances in the Chicago area, frequently appearing with Latin artists who make tour stops in the Midwest's major cities.