Meet the Instructors of Kindermusik Northshore
CATHY GLICKMAN
"Miss Cathy" is a recent Bucktown transplant after playing suburban wife and mother of 2 for 25 years. Cathy's theatrical home is Big Deal Productions in Buffalo Grove where she appeared in Steel Magnolias, Seussical and Annie. She has music directed many shows for Big Deal and Bannockburn School. Cathy is a proud member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals and has performed several solo cabaret shows to sold out crowds at Davenports, Skokie Theater, her favorite being a tribute to Linda Ronstadt which she also had the honor to perform at Stevenson High School, her children’s alma mater. Cathy made her NYC debut in April 2021 with fellow cabaret singer Anna Palermo and continues to be a diverse vocalist singing everything from Classical to Billy Joel from Carnegie Hall to Don’t Tell Mama in New York City. In 2005 "Miss Cathy" recorded her solo CD entitled Mornings With Miss Cathy of mostly original children's music to WORLDWIDE rave reviews from children and adults.
Miss Cathy is the second of three FEMALE business owners at Kindermusik Northshore. She is honored to pass the torch to her longtime friend and musical theatre buddy, Ms. Kara Spector.
KARA SPECTOR
Kara Spector has been a local music educator for over 20 years. She graduated with honors from Northwestern University with a BM in Music Education and a BA in Creative Writing, and later received her MAEd in Gifted Education from Northeastern Illinois University. While at NU, Kara was conductor of the SAI Music Fraternity for Women's Beta Chapter Choir, where she was a Sword Of Honor and College Honor Award Recipient. She also served as the assistant conductor of the Cantores Minores Chicago Boys Choir. Her career began as a public school music, language arts, and gifted education teacher. Kara’s passion for teaching and performing in musical theater fostered a long-standing relationship with Big Deal Productions, where she frequently works as a music director and choreographer, and is the director of Crescendo Show Choir. Kara also maintains a private voice studio of over 30 talented young and adult singers from across the Northshore. Her Kindermusik journey began when Miss Cathy, a friend from the community theater scene, invited Kara and her new babies to class, and the rest (as they say) is history!
Kara is delighted to bring the life-enriching experience of Kindermusik to you and your children as the new director and 3rd female business owner of Kindermusik Northshore. She is eternally grateful to Diane Naftzger and Cathy Glickman for introducing her to this joyful vocation.
ELISE HACKL-BLUMSTEIN
Elise Hackl-Blumstein, "Miss Elise", started her own music journey in early childhood music classes and went on to pursue music education and special education at Illinois State University. Elise's teaching took her to the Palatine Elementary School District, where she has been a music educator for 8 years, gaining 3 advanced degrees in Educational Technology (MAEd), Music Education (MMEd), and Educational Leadership (MAEd) along the way. In 2018, Elise was nominated for the Illinois State Board of Education 'Those Who Excel' Teacher of the Year program. Additionally, Elise currently serves as the director of the International Championships of High School (ICHSA) and provides professional development workshops for arts educators in the areas of accessibility, technology, and social-emotional learning. Elise's contributions can be found in music journals, podcasts, texts, and social media around the world. When she is not teaching, Elise loves to travel with her husband, Rob, who is a Trombonist. She is so excited to partner with you to bring the best musical experiences to you and your child!
PATTY KENNEDY
Patty Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI, and moved to Chicago soon after completing her degree to pursue a career in music. Patty is an active performer and sings in many churches, recording sessions, and with several professional choirs throughout the city. She is most well known for her membership in Chicago’s premier women’s ensemble, La Caccina. Patty is especially passionate about working with infants and young children and has been teaching Kindermusik since 2012. She hopes to bring children and families the same joy that she finds in music, and works to empower parents by giving them musical tools to help make daily life easier, and also to instill a lifelong love of music.