HOPE MUSIC ACADEMY is a non-profit music school offering free and reduced music lessons to qualifying low-income students as well as summer music camps. Music brings hope and healing to children who have suffered trauma. Music camps bring the opportunity for children to connect in the community. Studies have shown that music brings increased attention to learning and achievement in school. The vision is to enrich our community through the development of musicians of all ages, and our instructors are from the community.
Meet the team.
Herman Jimenez - Director
Trombone, Trumpet, Piano, Drums,
Herman's Music Experience
Originally from New York City and now residing in Chicago, Herman is the pastor of Hope Church Pilsen. However, long before becoming a pastor, Herman was and still is a professional musician and is very excited to bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Hope Music Academy.
Herman received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Nyack College in New York, and over the course of a career that has so far spanned over 28 years, he has had the honor of performing in arenas, stadiums, festivals and various performance venues in about 35 different states and in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, England, Switzerland, Holland, and Hungary, to name a few.
As an educator, Herman offers about 25 years of experience. He teaches in both private and group/ class settings, and his students have ranged in age from 6 to 60 and everywhere in between. He looks forward to continuing to share his knowledge and experience with you and your families.
Herman received his Bachelor of Music Degree from Nyack College in New York, and over the course of a career that has so far spanned over 28 years, he has had the honor of performing in arenas, stadiums, festivals and various performance venues in about 35 different states and in countries such as Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, England, Switzerland, Holland, and Hungary, to name a few.
As an educator, Herman offers about 25 years of experience. He teaches in both private and group/ class settings, and his students have ranged in age from 6 to 60 and everywhere in between. He looks forward to continuing to share his knowledge and experience with you and your families.
Keegan Geis
Guitar, Voice, Piano, Drums, & Ukulele
Keegan's Music Experience
Keegan Geis is a multi-instrumentalist performer, producer, and artist from Virginia Beach, Virginia. With over 15 years of experience, he has an educational background in Artist Development and Performance at Liberty University, where he performed numerous times in concert halls and arenas.
Keegan has served in various roles across multiple churches as a contracted musician, Music Director, and Worship Pastor. Through these experiences, he’s gained valuable insight into leading teams, working with volunteers, and creating a worshipful Sunday service.
As an instructor, Keegan is passionate about helping both new and experienced students grow in their musical abilities. His focus is on teaching students how to read and play music while encouraging them to discover and develop their own unique sound.
Keegan has served in various roles across multiple churches as a contracted musician, Music Director, and Worship Pastor. Through these experiences, he’s gained valuable insight into leading teams, working with volunteers, and creating a worshipful Sunday service.
As an instructor, Keegan is passionate about helping both new and experienced students grow in their musical abilities. His focus is on teaching students how to read and play music while encouraging them to discover and develop their own unique sound.
Emma Geis
Voice, Piano
Emma's Music Experience
Emma is a skilled vocalist and piano player who is excited to share her expertise with young learners. From the time she was 9 years old until she graduated high school, Emma learned piano through weekly lessons from her dad. This education gave Emma a strong foundation in music theory and exposed her to playing many genres of music, from classical to blues to pop.
Since then, Emma has kept her music-reading skills sharp as a soprano member of multiple choirs, including award-winning A Capella group The Notochords of Virginia Commonwealth University. More recently, Emma has volunteered her time on church worship teams as both a vocalist and keyboard player.
As an instructor, Emma’s goals are to help beginner students learn how to read sheet music, develop strong practice habits, and build an understanding of music theory.
Since then, Emma has kept her music-reading skills sharp as a soprano member of multiple choirs, including award-winning A Capella group The Notochords of Virginia Commonwealth University. More recently, Emma has volunteered her time on church worship teams as both a vocalist and keyboard player.
As an instructor, Emma’s goals are to help beginner students learn how to read sheet music, develop strong practice habits, and build an understanding of music theory.
Willie Paige
Guitar, Bass, & Ukulele
Willie's Music Experience
With over 50 years of experience, Willie credits his mother, Viola, a featured soprano soloist with the Holy David M.B. Church Gospel Chorus, as his very first musical influence.
Willie began taking guitar lessons at 13 years old and, by the age of 16, was fully immersed in the Chicago Blues scene as well as performing with various rock bands throughout Illinois.
While a student at Chicago's famed Moody Bible Institute, Willie was part of a contemporary Christian rock band called Intercessor. It was during his time with that band that he began producing and launched Crazy Christian Studios, now known as Crazy Christian Productions. It was at this time that Willie launched his career as an instructor, teaching guitar, bass guitar, and voice.
Willie has a deep love and appreciation for seeing his students grow and mature in their craft and looks forward to continuing to share his expertise in these fields with his students.
Willie began taking guitar lessons at 13 years old and, by the age of 16, was fully immersed in the Chicago Blues scene as well as performing with various rock bands throughout Illinois.
While a student at Chicago's famed Moody Bible Institute, Willie was part of a contemporary Christian rock band called Intercessor. It was during his time with that band that he began producing and launched Crazy Christian Studios, now known as Crazy Christian Productions. It was at this time that Willie launched his career as an instructor, teaching guitar, bass guitar, and voice.
Willie has a deep love and appreciation for seeing his students grow and mature in their craft and looks forward to continuing to share his expertise in these fields with his students.