Private Lesson Faculty
Any questions regarding your account or private lessons, please reach out to kevin@bamtheatre.com
KEVIN KUSKA, Studio Manager, Voice
Kevin is a Chicagoland based Performer and Teaching Artist with a BFA in Musical Theatre and a Minor in Dance from Millikin University. He is currently pursuing his Masters of Vocal Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Musical Theatre Voice through Rider University. He has been seen on Broadway in Chicago in Children of Eden In Concert, where he was the Chorus Captain and a part of the ensemble, as an Understudy in Beauty and the Beast at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier, in the ensemble of Cinderella at Drury Lane, and in Billy Elliot and Beautiful at the Paramount Theatre.
In addition to performing, he is a Level 3 Certified Voice Teacher through Somatic Voicework the LoVetri Method™. He uses the techniques he learned to help his students their own unique voice. His lessons are full of cross training and full body connection to give students the ability to sing any style they wish with ease.
ELLIE BANKE, Voice and Acting
Ellie Banke (she/her), originating from the Chicago suburbs, seamlessly fuses her role as an exceptional singer-songwriter with her dedication as a vocal instructor. Ellie's depth of knowledge in varied genres —Jazz, classical, musical theatre, pop, R&B, country, folk, and rap — anchors her years of experience in one-on-one vocal coaching, as well as influence her original compositions. Ellie currently has 32k monthly listeners on Spotify, 400k+ followers on TikTok, and 65k+ on Instagram.
Ellie’s lessons, while rooted in technique, also emphasize the importance of dynamic performance and confidence-building. Tailoring her methods to align with each student's unique needs, Ellie ensures a nurturing and progressive learning environment. Open to guiding students aged 6 and up, Ellie is eager to be an integral part of your musical exploration.
In every melody she creates and in every student she guides, Ellie Banke shines as a dedicated force in the world of music.
PETER BROMANN, Voice, Acting, and Piano
Peter uses his diverse musical background of classical voice and piano and musical theatre to provide an exception educational experience. When not curating his own Christian youth music elearning YouTube show titles "Mr. Bromann's Cabarat" (@mrbcabaret) he collaborates with many Chicago based artists and organizations to lead musical theatre and audition workshops, and has been called in to accompany auditions for Broadway National Touring companies. Favorite creative positions include those with St. Isaac Jogues teaching K-8 music, Angels Sing Inc., SciTech Hand-On Children's Museum (Aurora), St. Barbara Parish (Brookfield), Fenwich High School (Oak Park), Theater of Western Springs, Clarendon Hills Middle School, St. Mary of Gostyn, Lyons Township, and Natural Talent Productions (Arcadia Theater - St. Charles).
PATRICK HILL, Voice, Acting, and Piano
Patrick Hill is a teacher, music director, and musician based in Chicago. Patrick has been working with BAM for 3 years, having music directed Twelfth Night, Heathers, and Zombie Prom for the BAM Conservatory Ensemble, the Summer Mainstage Productions of Matilda, and Joseph..., three years of original musicals for the Junior BAM Conservatory Ensemble, and several Broadway Kids productions. He has also taught privately at Fenwick High School, and at Chicago High School for the Arts. Outside of teaching, Patrick is an executive assistant and enjoys running, tending to his collection of houseplants, and spending time with his dog, Bailey.
SARAH OBERT, Voice and Acting
Sarah Obert is a musical theatre performer and voice teacher in the Chicagoland area with a degree in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. Some of her favorite roles she’s brought to life include Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera, Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, and most recently Fiona MacLaren in Brigadoon. She is passionate about bringing important stories to life, and has found that when not performing, she has a passion for helping students utilize various storytelling and vocal techniques to find their unique voices. When she’s not singing or teaching, she loves trying new recipes, spending time outside, and window shopping in Andersonville!
KEELY UMSTOT, Voice and Acting
Keely Umstot is a dedicated instructor with many years of experience in guiding students of all ages through the intricacies of private lessons in voice, acting, dance, and piano. With the skills gained from a degree in music education and a focus in musical theatre, Keely loves to teach students who are new to the arts, students wanting to take their performing to the next level, as well as students preparing for major roles and auditions in their town or even professionally! Holding teaching certifications in Illinois and Texas in music and theatre, Keely's unique teaching philosophy blends a dynamic approach with a genuine passion for nurturing growth. With every lesson, she empowers students to unleash their inner performer, fostering a supportive environment where artistic dreams are realized and confidence takes center stage!
JAKE ZIMAN, Voice and Acting
Jake is a Chicago based singer, actor, and teacher. Proud graduate of Millikin University with a BFA in musical theater. Theater credits include: Paramount Theatre, Mercury Theatre , Chicago Children’s Theatre, Interlakes Theatre. Film: Albany Road directed by Christine Swanson– coming this fall. In his free time, Jake likes to cook delicious food and ride his bike around Chicago!