MR. JOEL DEFAYETTE (PHD)

Joel graduated from the University of North Texas with Bachelor of Music
Education with a concentration in Voice in 1998. Originally from Dallas, Tx, Joel
has taught general music/choir for both public/private middle school students and private voice/piano from students aged 8 to adults for over 23 years as well as a participate as a school’s Cantor and Liturgical Music Coordinator. Joel completed his Master of Music Education at VanderCook College of Music in 2011.

Before moving to Chicago in 2015,
Joel performed with the Dallas Symphony Chorus for 5 years and served 2 years as Bass Section
Leader. Joel has also served as an Instructional Special Teams Lead, as well member of the Steering Committee Accreditation for Fine Arts.

Joel is currently teaching middle school music
at Bennett Day School. He is also pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in Higher Education at DePaul University Lincoln Park campus. Joel received the Dallas Work of Heart for Excellence Teaching in Catholic Education Award in 2007 and he was inducted in the DePaul’s Chapter Golden Key Honour Society in 2018.

Joel’s philosophy on the importance of sharing music:
“Music brings a connection with all people regardless of their background. It is the common language to reach our souls and explore all genres of music with open minds and hearts.”

A quote I live by:
“Music is a language that doesn’t speak in particular words. It speaks in emotions, and if it’s in the bones, it’s in the bones.”

― Keith Richards

Joel looks forward to working with all students in voice, woodwinds, and beginning piano.