Music Faculty
All of VPAC's music instructors have their university degrees in music. They can easily adapt to any students' needs (child or adult) to learn music. Students can accomplish their goals with our trained instructors, whether it's just learning to play songs, a desire to read music or learn music theory, or to strive to get the first chair in their school music program.
Lenny Alderton
Drums, Guitar, Bass, and Band Instrument Instructor
Lyndon (Lenny) Alderton joined VPAC in 2009. He teaches drums, guitar, bass, and horns of all age levels. Outside of Vancil he plays regularly in local music groups. He is a graduate of Culver-Stockton College with a degree in music education.
Steve Buckman
Piano Instructor
Steve Buckman has been performing as a pro or semi-pro musician since 1977, and has been a music educator since 1997. He joined Vancil as a piano teacher in July of 2013 and continues to work locally as a performing pianist/keyboardist.
Steve started learning piano at the age of 10, learning both classical and contemporary pop/rock styles. He started getting into electronic keyboards and synthesizers at 16, and played
his first band gig at 17. He continued playing with various bands in the Quincy area throughout the ‘80s until moving to Los Angeles to attend music college in ’88. From there he played with
various bands including the Drifters, The Coasters, and the Platters all over the U.S. and internationally. He lived in Las Vegas as his home base for 12 years, doing live and studio work
full time until returning to Quincy in 2003.
Steve currently serves as musician/music director at his home church Blessed Sacrament in Quincy. He’s also a founding member of the classic rock band Eleven, has played with oldies
band Deuce Coupe, has “pinch hit” with jazz bands on casual gigs with Ben Bumbry, Les Fonza, and David Damm. He also plays solo piano for hire in restaurants, retirement homes, weddings, and private parties. He has a home studio for recording projects where he has recorded several CDs and is currently working on more. When Steve is not teaching, he is most likely playing or recording music!
Ian Carlstrom
Guitar Instructor
Ian Carlstrom joined VPAC as a guitar instructor in May of 2020 and since then has been using his 16 years of experience to help guide and inspire both beginners and intermediate guitar players. Those years of experience comprise collegiately taught music theory & composition as well as a self taught approach to guitar. His approach is both fun and informational in order to keep students inspired and to help develop a self discipline for the craft that's rooted in creativity.
His passion for music started in dance and he loves anything with a groove! He moved from dance to percussion and guitar as a kid and found his passion in playing various styles of music including rock, blues, jazz, metal, folk, and classical. He has invested years working on his craft in both a compositional and production sense. Directing and performing live with his solo project Shaping Motion and working with various local artisits as well as sharing the stage with notable artisits such as Chris Broderick.
Now Ian proudly works as a guitar instructor and continues to compose his own pieces, records, and produces local artists. He is a valued member of the VPAC team and he looks forward to continuing to be an impactful, inspiring, and informative part of the students education as well as a positive role model.
Kate Braithwaite
Voice and Piano Instructor
Kate has taught beginner through advanced voice technique, beginner through advanced piano, beginner through intermediate woodwinds, beginner through intermediate strings, preschool music, group lessons, Mommy and Me classes, show choir, music theory, and much more.
She has a Bachelor’s degree in music and a Master of Arts degree in teaching with a focus in special education. During her previous tenure, she was a member of the Quincy Symphony Chorus and was invited to perform a solo concert for the Sunday Music Series, accompanied by Robert (Bob) March here in Quincy, Illinois. She has also been commissioned to perform at a myriad of venues throughout her professional career.
Kate has a passion for teaching and strives to blend foundational technique with engaging instruction. She is enthusiastic about maintaining student enjoyment while fostering musical excellence and creativity. She provides her students with individualized motivation, performance opportunities, and positive mentorship. She believes that music is for everyone and is driven to provide differentiated and accessible music instruction for all.
Taylor Vandermaiden
Violin and Beginning Music Instructor
Taylor started playing the violin in fourth grade and continued playing through high school. In High school, she was in concert choir and the orchestra. Taylor was involved in Vespers, the Christmas concert as well as the musicals. She enjoys sharing her love for music to the younger generation. Currently Taylor is involved in choir at Quincy University and she enjoys learning new tips and tricks to teach her kids and to do fun activities with them. In her free time, Taylor enjoys racing go karts and hanging out with family and friends. She is also a dance teacher here at Vancil Performing Arts Center.