Trusted by Students, Families & Schools Across Central Illinois
Real Stories. Real Growth. Real Results.
At Chris K Music, music is about more than learning notes—it’s about building confidence, developing lifelong skills, and discovering the joy of making music.
For more than 25 years, Chris Keniley has helped hundreds of students of all ages grow as musicians through personalized instruction, encouragement, and a passion for teaching. Whether you’re taking your very first lesson, preparing for school band, joining a worship team, learning an instrument for fun, or advancing your musical career, every lesson is tailored to your goals.
The greatest measure of success isn’t just the music students learn—it’s the confidence they gain, the opportunities they earn, and the lifelong love of music they develop.
Why Families Choose Chris K Music
🎵 25+ Years of Teaching & Performance Experience
🎓 Hundreds of Students Successfully Taught
🎹 Lessons for Ages 5+ — Beginners Through Advanced
🥁 Instruction on Piano, Drums, Guitar, Voice, Strings, Brass, Woodwinds & More
🎼 Private Lessons • Worship Music • School Band Preparation • Marching Band • Music Theory
💻 In-Person Lessons in Mattoon, Illinois & Online Lessons Nationwide
⭐ Trusted by Parents, Students, Band Directors, Pastors, Worship Leaders, and Schools Throughout Central Illinois
What Students, Parents & Music Educators Are Saying
Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of the students, families, educators, and churches who have trusted Chris K Music. Their stories reflect the supportive, flexible, and personalized approach that has helped musicians of every age reach their goals.
Read their experiences below.What Students & Families Are Saying
For more than 25 years, Chris K Music has helped students of all ages build confidence, develop musical skills, and discover a lifelong love of music. Here’s what students, parents, pastors, worship leaders, and band directors have to say.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Highly Recommend!”
“Chris is a wonderful teacher and a kind and compassionate person. We’ve been taking lessons from Chris for many years! Highly recommend!”
— Lea Northam
Parent • Mattoon, IL
“Chris is an amazing music teacher. He is also a great role model and a godly man. He has been a tremendous influence on my son, helping him grow as a drummer while also building his confidence and self-esteem. Chris is also very flexible with scheduling lessons.”
— Melissa Caywood
Parent • Mattoon, IL
“Easy to work with, and my son has improved so much in his saxophone skills.”
— Kevin Cook
Parent • Mattoon, IL
“Charlie loves taking lessons here! Piano and saxophone so far—and probably more in the future!”
— Andy Gaines
Parent • Charleston, IL
Building Confidence Through Music
“Our son has been taking drum lessons from Chris since he was five years old. By age ten, he was the lead drummer for our church band. Chris has gone above and beyond—from helping set up a drum kit in our home to encouraging him to compose music and tackle pieces he never imagined he could play. Chris is a kind, caring instructor who truly helps students discover and develop their musical talents.”
— Shad Huddleston
Parent • Mattoon, IL
“My daughter has been taking lessons with Chris for five years. He’s patient and always takes the time to explain concepts until she understands them. He continually challenges her to grow while building her confidence as a musician. His love for music and teaching shines through everything he does.”
— Jasmine Ballard
Parent • Mattoon, IL
“My kids started lessons just a month ago. They’ve already learned so much and are excited to practice and show everyone what they’ve learned. Chris explains concepts in multiple ways so students with different learning styles can succeed. He has made learning guitar and piano exciting for my kids.”
— Brandy Moore Price
Parent
“My oldest son has been taking lessons with Chris for over a year. He has gained tremendous confidence as a percussionist. Chris continually challenges him while helping him develop skills on snare, bells, and drum set. We were so impressed that when my younger son wanted to learn guitar, we immediately called Chris.”
— Alex Boyer (Snowden)
Parent • Mattoon, IL
Worship & Ministry
“Chris was instrumental in developing our son Blake into a well-rounded drummer. At a young age he was able to serve in our worship ministry and confidently play with a metronome. Chris, we can’t thank you enough!”
— Carolyn Yoder
Associate Pastor & Worship Leader, Vineyard Church • Sullivan, IL
“Chris K sparked a renewed interest in music for our children. They are learning to use their musical gifts to glorify God. Chris is fun, patient, and able to teach a wide variety of instruments and vocals.”
— Brent Zabka
Parent • Charleston, IL
“Mr. Keniley is an amazing man of God. He helped me discover my passion for leading worship through music. He’s an outstanding teacher and mentor who works at a pace that fits each student. I highly recommend him.”
— Jackie Boyd
Former Piano, Voice & Guitar Student
“Before college I studied voice and guitar with Chris. I’m now a Worship Ministry major, and what I learned from him prepared me for everything I do today. He’s more than a teacher—he’s a mentor who truly invests in his students.”
— Tyler Whetsell
Former Guitar & Voice Student
“Chris became more than my instructor—he became a mentor and friend. He genuinely cares about helping students grow both musically and personally.”
— MJ Brand
Former Drumline & Worship Student
Band Directors & Community Leaders
“Chris has the bases covered—regardless of the student’s level, musical style, or learning style. His ability to customize instruction and make music come alive is his greatest strength.”
— Brent Budd
Pastor, First Christian Church • Arcola, IL
“I have worked with Chris for three years, and he has been a tremendous asset to our band program. He created two marching shows for us and was always willing to adapt them throughout the season. I have referred many students to him for lessons and have consistently seen tremendous improvement in both technique and enjoyment of music.”
— Emily Henderson
Band Director
Parents Love the Experience
“Chris has done a great job with my three children. He keeps them excited about music and lets them choose music they’re interested in. He’s flexible and wonderful to work with.”
— Charity Gingerich
Parent
“Chris is fabulous! He’s patient with my daughter and is a great encourager. During COVID he made virtual lessons seamless through FaceTime. I highly recommend him.”
— Allison Williams Biggs
Parent
“We’ve taken piano and saxophone lessons with Chris for about three years. He’s personable, wonderful with younger kids, and includes students in planning their own musical growth. Highly recommended!”
— Hannah Lawson
Parent
“Chris K is great! My children have taken lessons for several years, and he has also tuned our piano. He’s friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and provides excellent service at a reasonable price.”
— Kelly Hardy
Parent • Charleston, IL
“We highly recommend Chris K Music! Between instrument repair and music lessons, we’ve had nothing but great experiences. Watching our daughter’s confidence and musical ability grow has been incredible.”
— Breanne Reinhard
Parent • Arcola, IL
Students Say…
“I’ve taken piano lessons with Chris for several years. He’s flexible with scheduling and has helped me grow through both in-person and online lessons. As I’ve improved, he’s allowed me to pursue the music I’m interested in while guiding me every step of the way.”
— Ariana Cherry
Student
“Chris is very knowledgeable, flexible with scheduling, and an incredible musician. He also repairs almost any instrument. I highly recommend him.”
— Marilyn Yutzy Miller
Student
“Chris is an awesome teacher! He’s patient and easygoing.”
— Kim Christensen
Parent
“Chris taught me percussion throughout middle and high school, helping me succeed in marching band, concert band, and jazz band. He’s easygoing, incredibly knowledgeable, and willing to teach what students want to learn.”
— Chase Armstrong
Former Student