Certified Music Together^® Teachers

Lauren Zylstra is the Center Director and lead teacher for Music Together You and Yours. She graduated from NYU with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and has performed as an actor and singer in both NYC and Chicago. She currently sings and performs with Lux Cantorum, Chicago's premier sacred choral music ensemble. Her ability to lead families with warmth and great skill, remember names and details, and to incorporate the psychology behind the Music Together^® curriculum into her classes makes her a beloved local music expert and a great choice for your childs first music teacher. She is grateful to the Oak Park and surrounding communities for supporting her small business which has flourished since 2015. Lauren also works as a Center Development and Licensing Representative for Music Together Worldwide. 

Brianne is delighted to be part of the Music Together You and Yours family and is excited to join you and your family on your musical journey. Brianne grew up within a family of music makers, and continued the tradition through singing, dancing, and musical theatre. She holds a Bachelor's in Applied Psychology and has over 15 years' experience working with children and families within the childcare and child welfare fields. A proud Mama (who cycled through the entire Music Together collection with her child!), Brianne fell in love with the music, philosophy, and community of Music Together® and how it has opened up a whole new world of ways to be musical, play with music at home, and connect further with her family and fellow parents. Brianne is honored to be part of this precious stage in your family's life!  

Katie Hong (she/her) is an early childhood educator with experience teaching kindergarten and preschool. With a background in musical theatre, Katie has a lifelong love of music and performing that she has enjoyed sharing with young people since she was still in grade school herself. She has a degree in elementary education from Wheaton College, and a certification in ESL education, speaking conversational Spanish. These days, Katie enjoys acting in the comedy and theatre scene here in Chicago, as well as performing in character at children’s birthday parties and events with Princess Party Chicago.

Kate McFerrin is excited to be joining the Music Together You and Yours family and to share her love of music with others through this program. She graduated from CU Boulder with a Vocal Performance degree and has performed with several theater troupes both in Colorado and, more recently, in the Chicago area. In addition to her music, she is also an artisan, exploring and experimenting with many different materials and styles resulting in a wide array of creations. Kate is thrilled to be able to share her passion for music and to build a greater connection with families in her community through Music Together® .