Ì Mary began teaching Music Together classes in the fall of 2001 and opened Merry Music Makers one year later. Mary holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory in St. Louis where she took formal music training in voice, piano and dance and was a member of several choirs. As a Certified Music Together teacher, Mary has taught the Music Together curriculum for the Sherwood Conservatory of Music, where she recently held the position of Early Childhood Program Manager. Mary and Co-Director/husband Tim, and their son Chase, started making music together nearly 11 years ago thanks to Music Together and joyfully continue to this day.

Ì Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ohio Northern University. She became a Registered Music Together teacher in the fall of 2004. She also teaches private voice lessons at Metropolis School of the Performing Arts in Arlington Heights. Tiffany has been a part of the theater community for 20 years and recently performed at NYC’s Lincoln Center in a staged reading of a rock musical called Another Tomorrow. In the summer of 2007, Tiffany was selected to attend The Circle in the Square Theatre School's Intensive Workshop in New York City.

Ì Patty has been singing jazz, blues, country, pop, and rock ‘n roll professionally for over 25 years. She performed in her own band, Sister Swing, for 14 years and has sung back-up vocals for Koko Taylor and the late Bo Diddley. Patty is currently a member of Nickie C and the Auctionettes, an entertainment ensemble that performs at charity fundraising events. Patty became a Registered Music Together teacher in 2005 and is excited to continue working with Merry Music Makers. She enjoys playing the Congas and other percussion instruments.

Ì Julie holds a BA in Music Performance from Laval University, Quebec. After touring the world with Cirque du Soleil for more than 3 years as a general stage manager and back-up singer, Julie decided to settle in Chicago and is dedicated to sharing her passion for music with kids of all ages. She became a registered Music Together teacher in Spring 2007. A native French Speaker, Julie also teaches at Lycee Francais and Alliance Francaise de Chicago. Julie has played piano for more than 25 years and plays guitar in her class. Her contagious enthusiasm and her love for kids will get you on your feet!

Jennifer studied voice as an undergraduate at Indiana University and holds a Master's Degree in Education from DePaul University in Chicago. She is a Music Together mom of Riley, now 6, and has been teaching the MT program for over 4 years. She is thrilled to bring together her love of music and young children with her teaching skills. Jennifer has sung in choruses, bands, and an Irish ensemble. She plays guitar and tin whistle, and has been known to experiment with rhythms on the djembe.

Maria McCaffrey became a Registered Music Together teacher in the spring of 2007. She is excited be teaching MT for Merry Music Makers and the Merit School of Music, where she has been a Program Administrator since 2002. Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Butler University and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She plays guitar and is the Music Together mom of Michael, who inspired her to become a MT teacher.

Gretchen Tate believes in the power of Music Together.  Her two-year old daughter always asks when her next class will be, and spontaneously sings her Music Together songs wherever they go.  She became a registered Music Together teacher in Spring 2007 and looks forward to a lifetime of sharing her enthusiasm for music with children of all ages. Gretchen holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University and a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. She recently taught K-8 general music and directed the award winning choirs at Stone Academy, a Chicago Public School.  She loves to dance to all Latin music and attend concerts at Millenium Park.