Meet Ellen Bartolozzi of Bella Angel Music in Forest Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Bartolozzi.

Ellen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I founded Bella Angel Music because I have a passion for music and it is part of my soul.

Music has always been there for me, and I wanted to be able to bring that same feeling to others.

I earned my music degree from DePaul University (Chicago) and have been actively teaching and gigging for 30 years.

Bella was originally located in Chicago, at the intersection of Belmont and Harlem. In January 2017, we relocated to the corner of Madison and Desplaines in Forest Park, IL.

Our youngest student is 5 and our oldest student is 76!

I’m proud to say that many of our students have gone on to audition for America’s Got Talent, La Voz, Porchlight Productions, etc. As well, many of our students have followed in our footsteps and are now music educators and professional musicians in the Chicago area.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have been many bumps in the road but, honestly, I am glad that I did not know what I was up against when I started… and that I learned as I went and made my own mistakes and triumphs.

For many years, I worked a full-time, “real” job while I ran the music studio…and being a small business owner is a 24/7 job.

As I get older and wiser, I am better able to deal with obstacles and have perspective (some times better than others!).

I proudly accept the role of small business owner and all that goes with it. I have worked very hard, but I also know that I am blessed to have music be such a huge part of my life.

Bella Angel Music – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Bella Angel Music teaches music lessons to all ages and levels. We teach piano, voice, guitar, and bass and have private lessons as well as “lessons for two,” which is two students studying together with one teacher.

We have student recitals twice per year, and it is such a joy to see and hear the students sharing their talents.

I am very proud of all of the teachers are Bella Angel. Not only are we all qualified to teach (degreed and / or university trained) but we are all very passionate about teaching and connect with our students. As I say, “just because you can do it, doesn’t mean you can teach it!”

I am also proud that the students are involved in community outreach. I’ve taken small groups to local Senior Centers to give concerts and it’s so rewarding seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
As far as Bella Angel, I consider it a success every time a student masters a song, or learns a new chord, or sings / plays for the first time in front of others. Successes do not have to be big things…but can be many little things, each and every day.

Pricing:

• Private Lessons – $30 per session
• Lessons for Two – $50 per session

Contact Info:

• Address: Bella Angel Music
  7601 Madison – Suite E
  Forest Park, IL 60130
• Website: www.bellaangelmusic.com
• Phone: 7737459100
• Email: ellen@bellaangelmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellaangelmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaAngelMusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BellaAngelMusic
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/bella-angel-music-forest-park-2

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