Our Vocal Studio

Andrea Lucas, a Soprano of Bloomington, Illinois, has been involved with choir since she was 11 years old and has branched out into independent voice study since attending Illinois State University and Normal Community West High School. Graduating from ISU in May 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education, she has been a member of ISU’s Belle Voix and Concert Choir. She has appeared in various productions such as NCWHS’ “Beauty and the Beast” (2019), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (2018), as well as MiOpera’s “The Pirates of Penzance” (2023), and others. Andrea also has experience in vocal jazz, a cappella groups, popular music, and more. She teaches private voice lessons at Hip Cat Music School and was awarded as a Favorite Tutor in the Pantagraph's Readers' Choice Awards (2024).

Ivy Burke moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2018. She now lives with her husband Kevin in Normal, Illinois. Ivy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of the Philippines and a Graduate Degree in Music Education from Illinois State University. She has spent the past several years in the field of music education, conducting vocal and piano lessons in local private schools, such as Thomas Metcalf Music Academy and ISU Community School for the Arts. Ivy joined Hip Cat Music School in 2022, teaching both voice and piano to her studio of over 50 students. Ivy also teaches music and movement at Little Jewels Learning Centers, in partnership with Hip Cat Music School, with students ranging from 6 weeks old to 4 years old. Ivy adapts easily to diverse social and teaching environments and has a willingness to learn and develop new skills. She enjoys making music with her voice and piano students and looking forward to working with students of all ages and abilities.

Megan McDillon has been teaching voice with Hip Cat Music School since 2022. She began during her time at Illinois State University, and has since graduated with a Bachelor's in Music Education. Currently, Megan teaches K-12 general music and choir at Roanoke Benson CUSD #60, where she also runs the district madrigal and musical programs. Megan is also an avid supporter of local theatre in the Bloomington-Normal area, serving on the board of governors at Community Players Theatre and taking part in shows both on and off stage. At home, she enjoys spending time with her partner Jeff and their three cats, Bowser, Kermit, and Minerva. 

Olivia Wexler is currently a senior at Illinois State University with a double major in Voice Performance and New Media Composition. Her love of singing led her to join the Normal Community High School (NCHS) Choir and Jazz Ensemble. She was selected to attend the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) for six years. As a senior at NCHS, she was the recipient of the Arion Music Award, the top honor for musicianship. She performed in ISU’s Belle Voix and Concert Choir and was selected as section leader for her voice part several times. Most recently, her junior recital performance included songs in Italian, German, French, Norwegian and English. She also performed various solo pieces in cabarets and  studio recitals at ISU. She was cast in the operas Hansel & Gretel and Dido and Aeneas. Olivia was honored to receive the Mary Jo Brown and Hope scholarships for her support and participation in various music activities for the university. She has an in-depth knowledge of music theory and developed and led  college level student lectures for music theory students at ISU. She incorporates her theory expertise in lessons and has prepared students to compete in ILMEA.  

Olivia served as president of ISU’s Music Business Organization for two years bringing opportunities for local music talent to the area. She has performed with her band as the lead singer and guitarist both locally and in the Chicago area. Most notably, she performed at the Castle Theatre, Front Street Music  Festival, Make Music Normal, Jazz Upfront, and Concerts on the Quad at ISU in Bloomington/Normal. Her Chicago performance experience includes Schubas Tavern, Uncommon Ground, Cobra Lounge, and  participated in the 26th Jeff Buckley Annual Tribute Concert.

Hannah Manwarring developed her love of music listening to her mother teach private voice lessons in their home. She took piano lessons from the age of seven through college. In 2011 Hannah Graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music with a focus on viola and a minor in voice. From 2011-14 she worked as the Orchestra Teacher for Dunlap Homeschool Co-op and was a Choir Accompanist for Roosevelt Magnet School in Peoria. From 2014-2018 Hannah worked as the Orchestra Director for Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, Illinois while also teaching a studio of twenty music students privately. In 2018 she committed to privately teaching her studio of music students in viola, violin, voice and piano. In 2022 she and her husband, Nathan Manwarring, were married and moved to St. Louis where she began teaching privately as well as being the Heartland homeschool co-op Music Teacher. After a year, she and her husband moved to Bloomington, Illinois for a job opportunity and in September 2023 Hannah began teaching at Hip Cat Music School where she now teaches a studio of almost thirty students. When she is not teaching, Hannah loves to spend time with her husband and aussiedoodle, Bear, going on hikes and exploring. She volunteers at her church, Charis Community, and loves to participate as a part of the worship band. Hannah works with students of all ages and abilities, helping them achieve their musical goals.

Britney Hopkins is a dedicated voice teacher passionate about helping students of all ages discover their unique vocal abilities. With a strong background in classical music and a love for commercial and musical theater, Britney offers a well-rounded approach to voice training. Her philosophy emphasizes the connection between the body and voice, creating a supportive and personalized learning experience.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting your vocal journey, Britney's expertise will guide you toward achieving your vocal goals.

Iris Leahy has taught private piano and voice lessons in the Bloomington-Normal area since 2019. When not teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Iris teaches general music, band, choir, and orchestra to elementary students in Decatur Public Schools. Outside of teaching, Iris remains active in local performance groups in Decatur, playing flute in the municipal band and in Second Wind Flute Choir, as well as singing soprano in Opus 24. Iris strives to provide a learning environment that allows students to grow at their own pace and in the direction that most interests them.  

Liam Duffy grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago moving to Normal to attend Illinois State University. He graduated from ISU in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Music in Liberal Arts, studying voice and choral education. Liam is a classically trained tenor with years of experience in musical theatre. He considers himself a generalist and enjoys all styles and genres of music. In addition to teaching at Hip Cat Music School, Liam also performs in local musical theatre productions. He works with students of all ages and abilities making sure they can learn in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

"Em Zimmerman is a 2023 graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a degree in Music and Anthropology. While at IWU, she gained appreciation for a wide variety of music, traveling with Illinois Wesleyan's Collegiate Choir, singing as a Soprano soloist for many events (such as the 2022 MLK Jr. Memorial Luncheon at IWU), performing at local churches, hosting various self-programmed recitals, and in performances through IWU's Opera Theatre. 

Em has over five years’ experience teaching students regardless of their musical interests. Students can focus on the genre that interests them most, including Musical Theatre, R&B, Soul, Pop, Opera, Indie, Jazz, and others. She has experience working with students with a variety of needs through tutoring at Sheridan Elementary and working with the Ralla Klepak Community Music Scholars at IWU.

She understands that to be an effective private instructor, you must meet a student where they are and adjust to their needs. Em will offer students well-rounded lessons by focusing on vocal health, creative expression, aural skills and building repertoire knowledge. Her lessons are a safe space for everyone, including Black, POC, disabled, LGBTQ+ and all marginalized students. Some of Em's favorite singers include Katheen Battle, Erykah Badu, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jessye Norman, and Nina Simone.

Em specializes in teaching children K-12, but is open to students of all ages!”

Celie Arnett is finishing the last year of her undergraduate studies as a vocal performance major attending Illinois State University. She enjoys teaching students of all backgrounds, from young children to adults, from classical to pop to musical theater. The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ Artists-in-Training program and the Saint Louis Children’s Choirs were instrumental in her development as a young musician, as she learned the importance of determination, personal strength, and perseverance. She has performed with the All-State Honors Chorus, toured with Illinois State University’s Concert Choir and Belle Voix ensembles, and performed throughout the Saint Louis area with the Saint Louis Children’s Choirs. Celie is proud to serve as ISU’s commencement vocalist and speaker, trusted with the honor of performing the National Anthem and University Hymn at each commencement ceremony since December 2023. Currently, she serves as the Vice President of Ritual for Sigma Alpha Iota, a music fraternity, as well as the President for the ISU chapter of the National Association of the Teachers of Singing. Celie believes music is a celebration of the human experience. She loves building strong foundational relationships in the studio to help her students gain the confidence needed to perform and be themselves in front of others. She looks forward to meeting you and giving you the tools to grow!

Jeff Burke is a voice teacher specializing in classical and musical theater techniques, but will happily work with any genre a student wants to focus on. With years of teaching experience, Jeff offers personalized lessons to help students of all levels, genders, and backgrounds develop strong, healthy vocal techniques while building confidence. Jeff focuses on vocal health, breath control, and performance skills in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether for auditions, performances, or personal growth, he helps each student find their unique voice.

Bella Mitcheff is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at Illinois State University. She has over a decade of experience as a vocalist and flutist and has played guitar and ukulele for many years. Bella has been singing as a soprano since she was a young girl. She has been a part of many ensembles over her musical career. She was involved in the Young Naperville Singers at age 12 and continued with concert choir, madrigals and vocal Jazz in high school. Bella also participated in many musical productions including Legally Blonde, Newsies, and Mama Mia. At ISU she has continued to pursue her musical passions both inside and outside of school. She has been a part of Belle Voix, an all-treble chorus and Concert Choir, a mixed chorus at Illinois State University. She challenges herself to explore the nuances of singing in a non-classical setting with the group On the Brink of Normal, a mixed acapella group. Bella has been a major part of this organization for 3 years and was the president of this organization for 2. She enjoys connecting her passion for singing to all different musical genres in a healthy and beneficial way.