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Piano Teachers
Piano Teachers
The Music Shoppe of Normal
Whether you're ready to get started with lessons or just want more information, please check out our Lesson Studio Contact Form.
Afrim Shabani
Piano/Composition Instructor | Normal, IL
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Afrim Shabani (Master of Music - Illinois State University, Doctor of Education - Bradley University) is an Advanced Specialist in Piano, Theory, and History with the Royal Conservatory of Music. In addition, he is certified by the MTNA as a NCTM in piano. He is a music faculty member at Heartland Community College. Currently, Afrim manages a large private piano studio in Bloomington/Normal. His students regularly participate in the RCM certificate program of music study. In addition, his studio participates in the IFMC-Festival each year. In 2017, his student was the winner of the MTNA Illinois Composition Elementary Division.
Robert Nakea
Piano Instructor | Normal, IL
Robert Nakea is originally from Hawaii. He started learning piano at age six, and by age 15 made his solo debut with the Honolulu Symphony. He is a two-time laureate of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition (1988 and 1994), and was the winner of the Joseph Fisch International Piano Competition in 1986. He has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, performing in such venues as the Bergen International Music Festival in Norway, the Eisteddfod Festival of Wales, and Operafestival di Roma. An active concert pianist, Mr. Nakea enjoys teaching young musicians of all skill levels, instilling in them a love for music and for the instrument.
Amy Nussbaum
Piano Instructor | Normal, IL
Amy Nussbaum, currently serving as the music, band, and choral director/teacher at St. Mary’s School in Bloomington, brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. With a background as a former choral and orchestral director for Normal Parks and Rec Summer Theater, Amy has honed exceptional leadership and artistic skills.
Amy holds a Bachelor's degree in Music, Master’s degrees in Counseling and Divinity, and a Doctorate in Ministry, reflecting her commitment to personal growth and professional development. Drawing from her diverse educational background, Amy inspires students to explore their musical talents and cultivate a love for music at St. Mary’s School.
Having previously taught piano, flute, and voice, Amy is excited to once again share her expertise and passion for music with her students. Her holistic approach to education fosters personal growth and creativity while nurturing a supportive learning environment.
With a heart for both music and ministry, Amy empowers others through the transformative power of music while guiding them on their life’s journey.
Daniel Matthews
Piano & Keyboard Instructor | Normal, IL
Daniel is a pianist at Von Maur and an experienced music educator. Interested in learning to play digital keyboards or piano from lead sheets—whether for jazz or contemporary worship bands? In addition to working with keyboard students, Daniel welcomes musicians who already play another instrument and want to develop keyboard skills for arranging and performing in small jazz or worship combos.
Daniel teaches students from middle school through adulthood. He holds a bachelor's degree in music education from Tulsa University and graduate degrees in education from both Tulsa and UIUC. Daniel is currently on the staff of two churches, serving as a pianist at one and as a praise band leader and digital keyboardist at the other. He frequently performs his gently jazz-influenced arrangements at Von Maur, an upscale department store, and is an active multi-instrumentalist in a contemporary worship band.
Travis Hoover
Piano Instructor | Normal, IL
Dr. Travis W. Hoover is a professional jazz pianist, recording artist, music educator, American Roots Music historian, and academic. Travis has 25 years of experience performing with seasoned professionals and has recorded extensively with his own trio. Travis holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree (D.M.A.) from the University of Illinois, a Master of Arts degree with a major in music (M.A.) from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music degree (B.Mus.) from Eastern Illinois University. Travis also attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, from 1996–1998.
Since returning to his hometown of Normal, IL, in 2006, Travis has served the Bloomington-Normal community by teaching and sharing his passion for music with students of all ages and abilities. Travis has held an adjunct professorship at Heartland Community College for 11 years, during which time he authored a Jazz & Blues History textbook; taught Jazz, Blues & Rock History, Applied Piano (Classical & Jazz), Musical Improvisation, Jazz Theory, Music Appreciation, Class Piano, and Music Theory; and directed the HCC Jazz Combo.
Travis was also an Instructional Assistant Professor at Illinois State University, where he taught Jazz History at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has also taught at Knox College (Galesburg, IL), the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, IL), and Eastern Illinois University (Charleston, IL). Additionally, Travis served as a District Judge for the ILMEA Jazz Division for several years.
“After all these years playing and teaching, the most important thing that I try to convey to students is to have fun.”