Where Musicians Find Their Light!
Welcome to Main Line Unitarian Church’s illumine Music School! We’re delighted that you’re here!
Here at IMS, we believe that music making is for everyone—and we’re proud to partner with Main Line Unitarian Church to help bring more music to the community in an inclusive, encouraging, and fulfilling way!
Have you always wanted to sing or learn a musical instrument, but:
- Feared you hadn’t enough “talent”?
- Worried that it was too late to start?
- Didn’t feel you made much progress with previous lessons?
If any of those describe you, then reach out today!
At IMS, we’ll connect you with experienced, qualified teachers who will help you to hone technique, master performance practice, conquer your stage fright, and keep you inspired!
Now Scheduling Fall Sessions
- Piano, guitar, ukulele — ages 5 and up (children and adults)
- Voice — ages 10 and up (children and adults)
- Book a trial lesson, starting at $50
- All classes take place at Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA
CONSISTENCY
Veteran teachers know that consistency is the key to progress. Students have the most success when committing to their lessons—both in terms of individual practice AND long-term dedication. It’s why we offer lessons in three parts throughout the year:
- 12-week Fall Semester (September-December)
- 12-week Spring Semester (January-May)
- 8-week Summer Session (June-August)
This structure allows students the time to build rapport with their teachers, develop and perfect new technical skills, and apply them to fun and engaging repertoire.
EXPERT TEACHERS
The impact a kind, experienced teacher has on a student’s success cannot be overstated. It’s why we hire only the BEST teachers who have years of experience not only honing their own craft, but also communicating it to others.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
What good are all the lessons in the world if you never get to perform for an audience?
At IMS, we understand that performance practice is a challenging but vitally important part of the student experience, which is why we aim to give our students as many opportunities as possible to showcase their hard work throughout the year.
We will offer a recital (with professional piano accompaniment) at the conclusion of each 12-week semester (December and May, respectively). Students are also welcome and encouraged to perform during MLUC’s Sunday morning services, Open Mic Nights, and other music programming whenever they can.
We offer lessons in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute increments at the following costs:
$100/60 minutes
$75/45 minutes
$50/30 minutes
Students may try a single lesson (with no obligation to continue) at the costs listed above. When booking a trial lesson, students will submit payment information (e.g., credit card) to reserve their teacher’s time. The payment method won’t be charged until the conclusion of the trial lesson—if students decide to continue, they will be charged for 12 lessons (with the trial lesson counting as the first of twelve). If students decide not to sign up for the semester, they will be charged only for the trial lesson.
If financial concerns are keeping you from giving lessons a try, please reach out to illuminemusicschool@gmail.com. Payment plans are available!
Once you’ve signed up for lessons and confirmed your time with your teacher, that time is reserved with them for the entire semester. If you need to cancel your lesson for any reason, please note that at least 24 hours’ notice is required to schedule a make-up. Not showing up or cancelling at the last minute will result in the forfeiture of the lesson.
Of course, we understand that illness and emergency can sometimes throw a last-minute wrench into the gears!
If you wake up ill and decide not to go to school or work, please let your teacher know no later than 9 a.m. In the event of an emergency, please let your teacher know you need to cancel ASAP. In these cases, make-ups will be offered at the discretion and convenience of the teacher.
Note: We cannot offer make-up lessons if you do not show up to your lesson (for any reason) with no advance notice.
Yay!! We’re thrilled that you’re interested in taking lessons with us here at the illumine Music School.
The Fall semester won’t begin until after Labor Day, but it is not too early to reserve a time with your teacher! Please fill out this form and we will be in touch with you to get things rolling.
While IMS has several pianos available for student use during lessons, we do not sell or rent instruments. Students will be responsible for renting or purchasing an instrument for lessons.
Are you interested in learning an instrument that isn’t listed above? Please let us know! We will work on securing instructors to teach instruments for which there is an interest!
Here’s to a semester of music, learning, and fun!
Welcome to the community!
MEET OUR TEACHERS
Jodie Brown: Piano
Esteemed for her Mozartian ear and improvisatory prowess, pianist Jodie Levine Brown has amazed audiences since her first public recital at the age of four. She has performed solo, duo, and collaborative concerts from the U.S. Deep South to the Northeast, winning prizes from such institutions as the National Federation of Music Clubs, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and the Yale University School of Music. Equally versed in the pop/jazz idiom, Jodie has performed under Stan Kenton, and served as the house pianist of the Dallas Reunion Tower and the AC Tropicana Casino. Jodie’s teachers include Jonathan Zak, Vladimir Sokoloff, Daniel Sher, and Carl Cranmer.
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Jodie is a personal trainer at The Sporting Club Main Line. She is an avid cook and gardener and adopts Spanish galgos.
Greg Fiorentino: Piano
Pianist Greg Fiorentino studied piano performance at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and graduated in 2011 with a B.S. in Economics and a minor in Music. Today, he continues to study piano through the Taubman Approach with Robert Durso, Senior Director of the Golandsky Institute. His principal teachers have also included Carl Cranmer, Timothy Blair, and Don Smith.
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Greg has received several competition awards, including Second Prize in the 2009 Ellis National Competition for Duo Pianists with duet partner Erin Behler Fiorentino and Third Prize in the 2022 Orbetello Online International Piano Competition. He studied and performed at the Bowdoin International Music Festival in 2009 and has performed in multiple master classes at the annual Golandsky Institute Summer Symposium. He continues to perform in the Philadelphia area.
As a teacher, he is committed to helping students develop artistry, technical freedom, and a lifelong love of music. He teaches students of all ages and experience levels both in the Philadelphia area and online.
Nathan Surles: Guitar/Ukulele
Nathan Surles is a classically trained guitarist, songwriter, and educator whose playing blends intricate finger‑picking with emotional, expressive phrasing. He studied classical guitar for over seven years under John Penn with the Classical Guitar Society of Philadelphia and has performed at weddings, house concerts, and venues including World Café Live, Live at the Queen, and numerous Philadelphia‑area coffeehouses. His debut album, Riddles of the Heart, showcases his unique fusion of classical technique and contemporary songwriting. Nathan is an active member of the Classical Guitar Society of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance (PASA), where he has been featured in multiple showcases. He currently hosts the MLUC Open Mic, creating a welcoming space for musicians of all levels. His joy for playing music and connecting others to it is infectious.
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Beyond his musical background, Nathan brings a rare combination of teaching experience, behavioral insight, and technical expertise from his professional career in scientific research and training. With over a decade of experience in research roles at Melior Discovery and Merck, he became known for his ability to break down complex skills into clear, manageable steps. Nathan’s background in behaviorism, motivation, and scientific knowledge deeply informs his approach to guitar instruction, helping students stay engaged, build confidence, and celebrate progress.
Nathan also specializes in injury prevention and healthy technique. Having navigated several guitar‑related injuries himself, he developed a strong understanding of ergonomics, tension, and efficient movement which have helped instill a deeper sense of patience. He helps students build sustainable technique from the start, avoid common pitfalls, and develop habits that support long-term playing without strain.
As someone who has balanced music with a demanding full‑time career, Nathan understands the challenges of learning guitar with limited time. He works with students to create realistic, enjoyable practice routines that fit their schedules and keep them moving forward.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, a returning player, a songwriter looking to deepen your musical foundation, or someone who has struggled with difficult musical barriers that seem impossible to cross, Nathan offers joy-filled, patient, structured, and motivating guidance rooted in both musical artistry and real‑world teaching experience.
Kaitlyn Waterson: Voice
Lyric soprano and co-founder of the voice-violin-piano chamber ensemble illumine, Kaitlyn Waterson performs art song, opera, and musical theater alike with stunning clarity and charisma. Kaitlyn has been a featured soloist with the Csik Chamber Orchestra of Csíkszereda, Romania and the Sinfonietta Vidin in Vidin, Bulgaria. Her operatic roles include Julia Child in Bon Appétit! (Hoiby), Beryl Bennett in The Cook-Off (Okpebholo), Marguerite in Faust(Gounod), the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors(Menotti), Prince Charmant in Cendrillon(Massenet), Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel(Humperdinck), and Mrs. Charlton in Dead Man Walking(Heggie). Other affiliations include Opera Delaware, Alter Ego Chamber Opera, and the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir.
Kaitlyn has taught voice for 15 years and is passionate about helping students achieve their singing goals in a safe, healthy way. She specializes in vocal pedagogy, audition preparation, drama/stage presence, music theory, and sightsinging. In addition to the illumine Music School, Kaitlyn maintains a large teaching studio at Merion Mercy Academy.