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Ellman's Percussion Lessons

Call 630-355-5880 to Book a Lesson!

Our talented, and experienced instructors look forward to meeting and working with you!

Dimitri Karlos

Percussion 

Dimitri is a percussionist who has been playing and growing as a musician since he was 10 years old. He is a graduate of Benedictine University, where he received a Bachelor's Degree in music. He studied under several renowned instructors including Vern Spevak and Juan Pastor. Throughout his time in school, he was active in a variety of ensembles, including concert band, wind ensemble, jazz band, musicals, marching band, and pep band. Through his participation, he has gained experience in many aspects of music.

In 2025, he helped to form a rock band based out of Chicago where they also perform. Their band began recording their first album in 2026. Dimitri is also proficient in performing concert percussion and marching snare, in many genres including rock and jazz. Additionally, he possesses an extensive knowledge of music theory, both traditional and contemporary. He believes that music is a unique way for people to connect and express complex ideas. Further, he beleives that drummers have a distinctive ability to reshape music.

Dimitri is looking to teach beginners and intermediate players of all ages.

Matthew Alfrey

Drums

Matt Alfrey is a Lyric Bass trained in the Bel Canto method of singing. He graduated with a Masters of Music: Vocal Performance from Northern Illinois University in 2020 and got his Bachelors of Arts in Music from North Central College in 2018, with multiple music scholarships.

Matt is offering voice lessons for a range of styles and techniques: classical, Broadway, Rock, Country, and Pop to name a few.

He sings with Cor Cantiamo in DeKalb, IL led by NIU choral director Dr. Eric Johnson. They have frequent performances locally. Matt also traveled with them to England in 2023 to sing at Exeter Cathedral’s Evensong services. Matt also has a background in Piano, playing the likes of Beethoven, Liszt and Chopin.

In addition to his piano and vocal experience, Matt also plays percussion including drum set, mallets, timpani as well as solo snare drum. He performed with the Naperville Winds in 2022.

Matt's teaching philosophy focuses on learning the technical aspects of the instrument while also making learning fun for his students.

Todd Howell

Percussion

Todd Howell has been performing and teaching for over 15 years in the Chicago area.

He has performed as a jazz drummer with many of Chicago's finest and acclaimed groups and artists including:  Bobby Broom, Ron Perrillo, Pat Mallinger, Eric Schnieder, the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and the New Standard Jazz Orchestra among many others.

Todd also continues to teach at many area schools: Elmhurst University, Hinsdale Central and St. Francis College Prep in Wheaton.

With experience on all percussion instruments, he has provided lessons to hundreds of students over the years. The lessons always focus on transforming one's technique in order to play the music at the highest level with the greatest ease.

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