Since its inception a decade ago, Pulse Beat Musicians have focused on what makes music universal and fun. Our teaching artists are professional, performing musicians who bring the very best of music into the classroom, auditorium or boardroom. We emphasize world cultures, American folk music and Pop/Rock favorites. In short, we make music accessible, exciting and rewarding.
Pulse Beat Music works with Urban Gateways, the International House of Blues Foundation, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Institute for Learning, Chicago Public Schools, St Therese School, Rogers Park Montessori, District 113 Highland Park, the Chicago Sinfonietta, Fulcrum Point and Youth Guidance. They have performed at schools from Connecticut to Las Vegas to California.
The Pulse Beat collective of musicians is growing. We have a great roster of teaching artists trained in our curriculum:
Janet CramerJanet has a degree in percussion and has studied closely with Afro-Cuban specialist Michael Spiro. She plays drumset on the Chicago blues circuit and teaches world percussion throughout the city. |
Danny HowardDanny is a recent transplant from England whose specialties include drumset and Afro-Caribbean drumming. |
John KnechtJohn is a well-rounded percussionist who has studied with many teachers around the world; He is the founder of Pulse Beat Music. |
Justin AdairJustin is a professional singer and guitarist. He performs regularly throughout Chicago with Opera groups and teaches general music at St Therese School. |
Ashley MuenstermannAshley is an experienced dancer and drummer who has studied djembe and West African dance in Guinea. |
Micheal RiendeauMichael is a professional drumset player and educator who has toured and performed with many rock and funk bands. He is fluent in French. |
Michael ToolesMichael is an in-demand drumset player in Chicago, as well as an expert in marching snare and other global styles. |
Jason WolfJason has extensive experience in West African drumming and performs throughout Chicago. He is fluent in French. |
Morgan BriggsMorgan is a singer, dancer and theater specialist who teaches with us at Rogers Park Montessori. She studied at USC and Illinois State. |