Aval Zaucha – Piano & Electric Bass Instructor
Aval Zaucha is a Chicago-based pianist, bassist, and composer with a diverse musical background. A recent graduate of DePaul University with a degree in Jazz Studies, Aval combines a decade of classical piano training with over 15 years of performance experience across many genres including blues, gospel, and jazz.
Aval has studied under Chicago greats like Jim Trompeter, Dennis Carroll, Dana Hall, and Clark Sommers. He has served as Music Director at Gospelife Church, performed internationally at major blues festivals, and was named a Jazz Ambassador by the Jazz Institute of Chicago (2017–2020). His composition work has earned national recognition, including 1st place in the 2020 Torrance Creativity Awards and a composer credit for the Off-Broadway world premiere of Alexandria.
Aval’s self-taught bass playing brings a raw and intuitive feel to the instrument. He’s performed as both a front-line bassist and session player on successful studio albums, has toured nationally and has played sold-out shows across the U.S.
An experienced educator, Aval is passionate about creating access to music for young people. He regularly runs a student blues jam program with the Bolingbrook Arts Council and has taught at Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp, where he helps youth learn to improvise and connect to the roots of American music.
Book a Lesson with Aval
Max Mellor – Adjunct Guitar Instructor
Max Mellor is a versatile guitarist and educator with a Bachelor of Music in Contemporary, Jazz, and Popular Music from Columbia College Chicago. He specializes in improvisation and technical development, and brings years of private and classroom teaching experience.
Max has taught guitar at Columbia College as a tutor, worked as a general music teacher for Pre-K through 8th grade, and served as a substitute instructor at School of Rock. His teaching style blends a strong foundation in technique and theory with creativity, adaptability, and care for each student’s individual goals.
As a performer, Max is active across Chicago’s vibrant music scene, with appearances at The Metro, Schubas, Jazz Showcase, Sleeping Village, City Winery, and more. His work spans jazz trios, pop/indie bands, big bands, guitar/vocal duos, and solo performances. He has shared the stage with artists like Katie Tupper, DZ Riley, and Samuel Aaron, and has collaborated with musicians such as Tia Fuller, Russell Gunn, Woody Goss, and Jonathon McReynolds.
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Walker Landgraf – Founder, Guitar and Music Prod Instructor
Walker Wonder is a Chicago-based guitarist, vocalist, producer and educator known for his soulful performances, thoughtful instruction, and deep connection to the local music scene. A seasoned recording artist and regular performer at iconic venues like Dorian’s and Andy’s Jazz Club, Walker brings the heart of a working musician into every lesson he teaches.
As a beloved neighborhood teacher, Walker has worked with hundreds of students—from total beginners to professional players—earning a reputation for his patient, intuitive, and personalized teaching style. He teaches students of all ages, creating a welcoming and engaging environment for every learner.
In 2025, he founded the Walker Wonder Lesson Studio to expand the reach of his practice and create a supportive, sustainable space for music education, rooted in joy, curiosity, and connection.
A central feature of the studio is its adjunct program, where early-career teachers are mentored under Walker’s guidance. The program is designed not just to train instructors, but to help them build confidence, develop their own teaching voices, and eventually launch independent practices if they choose. There are no non-compete agreements or restrictive contracts—only mentorship, support, and a commitment to community over competition.
Walker’s dual identity as both artist and teacher is at the core of his work. As a performer, his original music has garnered streaming success and recognition from national platforms including The Voice. As an educator, he brings that same creative fire into the classroom—grounding each lesson in real-world musicianship, attentive listening, and authentic connection. His teaching isn’t formulaic or one-size-fits-all; it’s responsive, intentional, and shaped by a lived understanding of the creative process.
Book a Lesson with Walker