Immanuel Bible Foundation at Broadview Mansion
Music Instruction

Music lessons are taught at the Broadview Mansion by talented instructors. Piano lessons are offered on our Steinway piano. Various historic rooms throughout the mansion are used for the lessons.  The environment of the mansion provides our students with a peaceful, serene environment in a historical setting.

Studio: Please call 452-6710 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to inquire about lessons or sign up.

Our Teachers

Jane SmolenPhone:  309-275-3393

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Lessons available in piano and voice

Jane Smolen, Director of Music at Immanuel Bible Foundation, manages the Sacred Music Lending Library, directs Immanuel Chorale and teaches a studio of 35 voice and piano students.  She previously held soloist positions at St. Benedict Parish in Chicago and performed with the Ravenswood Orchestra.  She is a 1999 graduate of Illinois State University, and has studied under Bonnie Pomfret, Michelle Vought, and Jerold Siena. 

Teaching Philosophy:
Each student brings a unique and individual desire to learn. Everyone is entitled to learn in a respectful environment with thoughtful and organized instruction.  Each student is responsible to develop discipline through practice and experience public performance of their abilities.  I will provide musical instruction and guidance in every aspect of musical life including music theory, history, literature, and performance.

Sam Strakovsky
Phone:  309-828-7066
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Lessons available in piano, music theory and voice

A 1981 graduate of St. Petersburg Conservatory in Russia (a 5-year university level program), Sam found his way to Illinois. In 1993 he was employed by the Music Shoppe in Normal as a piano technician, starting at the same time his own business now known as Sam’s Piano Service (repairing and tuning acoustic pianos, 309-242-7267).  In 2001, he opened his private teaching studio where he currently teaches piano, music theory and voice to students of all ages.  Since 2005, Sam has been the Music Director at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Downs, Illinois.

Teaching Philosophy:
As a professional musician and teacher, my strength is in a two-step process: to understand the ‘why’ first and to learn to execute second.  I encourage my students to follow this principle scheme of learning.  That helps them to turn my knowledge and experience they receive at the lessons into their own skills developed during their home practice.

I am open to teach students with any previous musical experience, any age (6 years of age and up,) and in any musical genre (classical, jazz, popular, etc.)

Deana Moore
Phone:  309-530-6075
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Lessons available in piano

Deana Moore studied classical piano at Lincoln Christian College.  She has 15 years of teaching experience, teaching children and adults.  Deana has 40 years of experience as a church organist, pianist, and choral accompanist.  She is currently employed as organist and pianist at Clinton Presbyterian Church, and is accompanist at Second Presbyterian Church, Bloomington.  Deana is currently accepting students at Immanuel Bible Foundation at Broadview Mansion, and she travels to Danvers to teach in the home or at Danvers Presbyterian Church.

Teaching Philosophy:
In my teaching methodology, I strive to provide first a solid foundation built upon theory, technique, music history, and memorization skills while utilizing a wide range of classic and popular music literature.   I believe both structure and discipline are important.  I expect that each student will establish a routine practice time at home and that the family will be supportive of this. I will expect good attendance at lessons.  That said, I also firmly believe that structure needs to be balanced with some latitude in order to engage each student.  I encourage each student to choose a piece that interests them and I strive to adapt my teaching style to fit the individual learning needs of the student. Along with the basics and the discipline and the structure, I place a great deal of emphasis on artistic expression and creativity.  

Most importantly, I want to provide a non-threatening atmosphere in which I can pass along the joy music has brought into my life.  Come along with me…let's make beautiful music together!

Tawnya D. Smith
Phone: (309) 262-5175   
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Lessons available in horn, brass and piano

Tawnya D. Smith is currently a doctoral student in Music Education at the University of Illinois. She is also a horn, brass, and piano instructor at the Immanuel Bible Foundation where she has an active private studio and facilitates expressive group activities in music and art.  She received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University, and a master’s degree in Horn Performance from Illinois State University.  Tawnya has eighteen years of private teaching experience and five years of public school teaching experience.  Tawnya’s private students have participated at All-District and All-State, performed in local honor bands, orchestras, and musical productions, and have successfully performed at solo and ensemble contests.  She continues to perform in the community both as a soloist and freelance musician.

Teaching Philosophy:
Tawnya strongly believes that the goals of the student and their parents should guide instruction rather than imposing her goals upon students.  She is eager to work with students whose goal is to major in music at the university and with students whose goal is to become a recreational musician.  She considers both goals admirable and equally important and tailors learning to each individual towards their own vision of success.

Michael W. Hull
Phone:   (309) 531-8080
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Website:  www.freewebs.com/mikhail2000 

Lessons available in Guitar (private or group), Music Appreciation/Theory

Guitarist Michael Hull has been teaching for more than 20 years to students of all ages and abilities.  He particularly enjoys working with beginners.  In addition, many of his former students are aspiring musicians who have gone on to study at prestigious institutions as Northwestern University, Eastman and North Carolina School of the Arts.  Several of them serve on the faculty of colleges and universities.  Michael Holds a Master of Music from Illinois State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts/Music from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.  Currently, he serves on the faculty at Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College and Bradley University.  In addition to teaching, he performs extensively as a soloist and with the Twin City Guitar Duo.  He as performed for the Springfield Guitar Society Concert Series, Cultural House of Vileyka, Belarus (former Soviet Union) and many other venues and stages.  Michael resides in Bloomington with his wife, Svetlana and their children, Nikolai and Evelyne.

Teaching Philosophy:
Michael Hull's teaching philosophy simply involves providing students of every level with a balanced music education.  This involves learning the guitar in a musical fashion, including the basics of standard notation, improvisation and a thorough grounding in various techniques.  While jazz, blues and other popular styles are encouraged, the foundation for his group and private instruction is classical in nature.  He provides his students with a theoretical basis as well as a historical context for the music studied.

Karin S. Hendricks
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Lessons available in cello, strings, and chamber music

Karin Hendricks has maintained a private cello studio for 24 years, with students receiving state and national honors. She teaches courses in string pedagogy and music psychology at the University of Illinois, and served as the conductor of the Illini String Orchestra. She has demonstrated her teaching expertise through a number of awards, publications, and national and international conference presentations. Karin received a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University, bachelor’s degrees in Cello Performance and German Studies from the Oberlin Conservatory and College, and cello teacher training through the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Teaching Philosophy:
Everyone can learn!  I welcome students of all ages, from early childhood through adult. My role as a teacher is to provide a motivational and encouraging atmosphere where students can explore their own musicianship and develop beyond what they believe is possible. I combine Suzuki and traditional approaches to suit the individual needs and interests of each student.