Our Teachers

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Jon Marshall - Piano, Bass, Guitar

Jon brings over six years of teaching and mentorship experience. His approach focuses on helping students not just learn their instrument, but discover their own musical identity. His primary lesson focus is piano, guitar, and bass guitar.

As a working performer and producer, he runs a recording studio and independent record label, and performs on piano with his bands Fusion Mellow and Steady Flow. He describes his lessons as practical, engaging, and rooted in real-world musicianship — focused on building both confidence and creativity in every student.

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Noel Thomas - Multi-Instrumentalist, Voice

Noel Thomas has been teaching at Harmonize Peoria since February 2024, sharing his love of music with students across a wide range of instruments. A versatile multi-instrumentalist, Noel teaches beginner lessons in piano, voice, violin, drums, and many other instruments, helping students discover their interests and build a strong musical foundation.

Noel studied music at Illinois Central College, where he received the Lois Baptiste Harsch Memorial Scholarship for Piano Students. He continued his studies at Eureka College, initially pursuing music education, and participated in vocal performance as a baritone.

His broad musical background allows him to introduce students to different instruments and help them find the ones that best fit their interests and abilities. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time or exploring something new, Noel helps make music accessible and approachable.

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Walter Herrod III - Drums & Percussion

Walter Herrod III brings experience in both music education and a variety of percussion styles to Harmonize Peoria. He specializes in drumset, marching percussion, and concert percussion, helping students develop their rhythm, technique, and musical skills.

Walter spent two years as a percussion instructor at Manual High School in Peoria and has also taught private lessons at Guitar Center in St. Louis, Missouri. His experience in both classroom and individual instruction allows him to work with students exploring different areas of percussion, whether they're interested in playing drumset, joining a school band, or improving their overall musicianship.