Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Music Lessons Provider in Aurora, IL
Founded in 2005 by Gus Gotsis, Apollo Music has been dedicated to fostering musical growth in Aurora, Illinois, and surrounding communities. Our mission centers on creating a warm, structured environment where students of all ages explore music through personalized instruction. With a team of professional instructors, we emphasize creative expression, technical mastery, and the joy of performance. Our educators bring decades of combined experience in classical training, jazz, and contemporary styles, preparing students for college auditions, competitions, and lifelong musical appreciation.We prioritize individualized learning plans that adapt to each student's goals, whether they're beginners or advanced musicians. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our students' progress, from foundational skills to complex repertoire. By integrating theory, sight reading, and improvisation into lessons, we cultivate well-rounded musicians. Apollo Music also hosts recitals and leverages digital platforms to showcase student achievements, reinforcing confidence and community engagement.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Piano Instruction
Guitar Lessons
Violin Instruction
Voice Training
Drum Lessons
Music Theory
Audition Preparation
Sight Reading
Improvisation
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized music instruction tailored to individual goals and skill levels.
- Our instructors hold advanced degrees and have decades of professional performance experience.
- We prepare students for college auditions, competitions, and professional music careers.
- Our curriculum integrates music theory, sight reading, and improvisation techniques.
- We serve Aurora, Naperville, Oswego, and Plainfield communities with flexible lesson options.
What people say
Personalized instruction
Experienced instructors
Positive learning environment
Rapid progress
Engaging teachers
Services
Private Music Lessons
Our personalized one-on-one lessons cater to students of all ages and skill levels. Instructors develop customized curricula focusing on technical proficiency, musical interpretation, and creative expression. Lessons accommodate various genres including classical, jazz, and contemporary styles while incorporating theory and sight reading fundamentals.
Piano Instruction
Comprehensive piano training covers classical technique, improvisation, and performance skills. Students progress through structured levels while exploring diverse repertoire from beginner to advanced compositions. Instructors emphasize proper hand positioning, reading music, and musical phrasing techniques.
Audition Preparation
Specialized coaching prepares students for college auditions and competitions. Training includes repertoire selection, stage presence, and technical requirements specific to each institution's expectations. Instructors provide mock auditions and constructive feedback to build confidence and performance readiness.
Music Theory
Integrated theory instruction develops essential skills in notation, harmony, and composition. Students learn to analyze musical structures, compose original works, and apply theoretical concepts to their instrument. Courses adapt to individual learning styles and performance goals.
Voice Training
Professional vocal coaching focuses on breath control, pitch accuracy, and stylistic interpretation. Students explore classical, musical theater, and contemporary genres while developing proper vocal technique to prevent strain and expand vocal range.
People
Gus Gotsis
Founder
Gus Gotsis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Southern Illinois University. With over 30 years of Chicago-area performance experience, he founded Apollo Music in 2005 to combine his passion for music education and performance.
Lisa Starr
Vocals Instructor
Lisa Starr brings 20+ years of classical voice expertise to her teaching. Her background includes solo performances and jazz ensemble work. She emphasizes technical foundation while nurturing students' artistic expression through diverse vocal styles.
Joshua Iyer
Piano Instructor
Joshua Iyer holds a Master's in Music Composition from University of Illinois. As former concertmaster of Augustana Symphony Orchestra, he teaches piano and string instruments while maintaining an active composing career through online concert series.
Ashley Wenzel
Piano Instructor
Ashley Wenzel earned her BA in Music with Piano Performance emphasis from Aurora University. An active member of Illinois State Music Teacher Association, she combines classical training with engaging teaching methods for students of all ages.
Eric Thompson
Guitar Instructor
Eric Thompson graduated with Jazz Studies degree from Northern Illinois University. With 15+ years teaching guitar, bass, and ukulele, he tailors lessons to students' interests while emphasizing fundamental technique and musical versatility.
Questions
What types of music lessons do you offer?
We offer private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, voice, drums, and more, catering to all ages and skill levels.
Do you teach beginners?
Yes, our instructors specialize in teaching students at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced musicians preparing for professional careers.
What areas do you serve?
We provide lessons in Aurora, Naperville, Oswego, and Plainfield, Illinois, with both in-person and online instruction options.
How do I schedule a lesson?
Contact us via phone or email to schedule an appointment. We'll match you with an appropriate instructor based on your goals and availability.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please contact us at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule or cancel lessons to avoid being charged for missed sessions.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes, we host regular recitals and maintain a YouTube channel featuring student performances to showcase progress and build confidence.
Videos
Reviews (3)
Jerria D.
Dec 23, 2021
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Great school! The teachers are remarkable. Gus & Bruce are so great I can see the development over the years in our kids musically!
Bugeaterxv
Dec 28, 2019
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Great place to learn music with a variety of instruments to choose from (vocal too). The teachers really seem to care about the students. Fairly cheap for great quality
Sachin Dole
Mar 13, 2013
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My kids learn the piano here with Ms Lisa. They love it, they play very well and the younger one now picks his own songs (simple ones) which he reads off sheets and plays. I buy guitar strings from here too. They have recitals on site at which one can listen to all budding stars strut their stuff. Owner (Gus Gotsis) is affable man who is passionate about his business of teaching music.
