Donald  Mead teaches students on the Cello and keyboards …..Classical Piano, Jazz Piano and even the Organ…… because it is his passion. 

Performing is a big part of his life…. but so are his teaching of countless number of students in the Chicagoland area

Mr. Mead is as fully engaged when teaching brand-new young (or old!!!) beginners (on any instrument) as he is with advanced young concert performers.

Students of Mr. Mead appear as soloists with their Grammar School, Middle School,  High School and University College of Music Orchestras….. ending up in top professional venues of music around the Midwest. 

 Donald came from a home with an older brother with a Doctoral Degree in Conducting and a Father who performed live on Chicago radio in the 1950’s and 1960’s. 

His home atmosphere  was as musical an environment as that of the Bach or Mozart homes !!

He began with piano lessons after playing “by ear” as a toddler since age 2! 

Piano lessons were followed up by the Cello 3 years later.

After the good experiences in the Elmhurst Public Schools (District 205) he attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. After finishing his Master’s degree, he joined the faculty at Elmhurst University in addition to having his first own studio. 

The Internationally renowned  “Chicago Sinfonietta”  was formed in 1987.

Donald Mead was a founding member, still playing with that orchestra today.

As a keyboard virtuoso, he is an accomplished Organ Recitalist and Improviser.

He is the “Cantor”… (Music Director)… at Saint Luke Church (ELCA) in the Lakeview Neighborhood of Chicago. 

Donald Mead writes: 

“My acceptance by the “Arlington School of Music”, in downtown Arlington Heights, IL as Head Faculty Member of Cello and also as a Piano and Organ teacher  gives me now he opportunity to establish my own permanent private Studio teaching, in this magnificent Music Institute the next generation of performing artists in the Arlington Heights and surrounding area,  assuring the Magic of  Cello Music in all Genres.

I personally extend my welcome to you all,  as my guest,   all..Young an Old…… here at Arlington Heights’ quintessential Conservatory of Music…..”The Arlington School of Music, a Div. of The Arlington Institute of Music & The Performing Arts”….. expanding since !930…over Ninety (90) years….. in downtown  Arlington Heights, IL

Thank you very much,

Donald Mead, Soloist