Toni Esker
Assistant Professor of Music
Education
M.M., Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 2011
B.M., Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, 2005
Associated Academic Programs
Music“Studying music is vital to helping communities flourish because the art we create is part of who we are and who God made us to be. Singing and making music is a way we communicate our beliefs, our feelings, and also how we respond to events in our lives.”
Prof Toni Esker believes that singing requires a person to use the body as an instrument. “It is a very personal and vulnerable act. I want students to leave my classroom being confident with their own voice, musical ability, their purpose, and ultimately, who they are in Christ,” she said. “Studying music is significant for students who hope to have meaningful lives because it gives them an opportunity to self-reflect, grow in character, and boldly step out into the world and make a difference in the lives of others.”
A classically trained soprano in the opera and art song repertoire, Esker has extensive experience teaching music in the classroom as well as various repertoire to students of all ages and ability levels. “I enjoy sharing my voice with others as well as teaching students how to sing and become better musicians. I was shepherded into singing at a very young age and as I grew older, I realized that music was something I could not live without and also something God was calling me to do.”
What drew her to Trinity:
Esker was drawn to Trinity because of the community where she could meld her professional work with her Christian faith. “Trinity has proven to be a loving and supportive community where I can teach, make music, and help students discover how to use their musical gifts.”
Research interests:
Her research interests lie in the realm of sacred vocal repertoire. “As believers in all academic disciplines, we take part in worship in many different ways. Teaching choir and voice allows me to encounter students of various disciplines and I see first-hand how each voice is unique along with musical preference,” she said. “I hope to develop a resource of repertoire that will guide my students in leading and taking part in worship as they go forth from Trinity.”
When she’s not teaching:
When not teaching, Esker loves to relax. “I enjoy gardening, cooking, running, and being outdoors with my family.”
Role Work Composer Venue Year
Mimi* in La Bohème by Puccini; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Lakmé* in Lakmé by Delibes; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Gabriel* in The Creation by Haydn; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2015
Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte by Mozart; Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Giulietta in Tales of Hoffmann: Retold by Offenbach; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Flower Girl in Night Caps International: French Suite (World Premiere) by Cecconi-Botella; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Donna Elvira* in Don Giovanni by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Zerlina* in Don Giovanni by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Giulietta* in Les contes d’Hoffmann by Offenbach; Northwestern University, 2011
Zemfira in Aleko by Rachmaninoff; Northwestern University, 2011
First Spirit in The Magic Flute by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Bess* in Porgy and Bess by Gershwin; Northwestern University, 2011
Cunegonde* in Candide by Bernstein; Northwestern University, 2011
Gossip 1 in The Ghosts of Versailles by Corigliano; Northwestern University, 2010
Micaëla* in Carmen by Bizet; Northwestern University, 2010
Fiordiligi* in Cosí fan tutte by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2010
Susannah in Dessa Rose by Flaherty; Springfield Theater Center, 2009
Soprano Soloist in Mass in C Major by Schubert; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Soprano Soloist in Exsultate, jubilate by Mozart; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Sharon in Masterclass by McNally; Charleston Community Theater, 2004
Micaëla* in Carmen by Bizet; Eastern Illinois University, 2003
*Denotes scenes
SOLO RECITALS
Repertoire Venue Year
Lecture Recital, Dvořák, Handel, Copeland, Schubert; Judson University, Herrick Chapel, 2019
Buon Compleanno, Puccini, Gershwin; The Lake Estate, Wilmette, IL, 2018
Handel, Schumann, Faure; Covenant Village of Northbrook, IL, 2018
Dvořák, Puccini, Hahn, Lehár; Private Residence, Northbrook, IL, 2018
Chausson, Puccini, Mozart, Schumann, Gordon; Brookdale Oak Park, Oak Park, IL, 2017
Songs of Love, Hope, & Prayer, Rachmaninoff, Beach; Judson University, Elgin, IL, 2017
An Evening Recital with Ken Smith; Westminster Place, Evanston, IL, 2016
Strauss, Poulenc, Gounod, Rorem, Gordon
An Evening Recital with Ken Smith; Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, 2016
Strauss, Poulenc, Gounod, Rorem, Gordon
Schumann, Fauré, Rachmaninoff; Churin, Oak Park, IL, 2016
Le canzoni di Napoli, Neapolitan Songs; Cambridge, Skokie, IL, 2016
An Evening of Opera, Puccini, Mozart; The Lawn, Warrenville, IL, 2015
Lux, Wolf, Reger, Schubert; First United Methodist Church, Elmhurst, IL, 2015
Lux, Wolf, Reger, Schubert; First Baptist Church, Newton, IL, 2015
Songs Inspired By Nature, Strauss, Chausson; The Merion, Evanston, IL, 2015
Master’s Recital, Chausson, Beach, Rachmaninoff; Northwestern University, 2011
Senior Recital, Bizet, Nordoff, Chausson, Schubert; Eastern Illinois University, 2005
SOLO APPEARANCES
Repertoire Venue Year
Songs of Love, Schubert; St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis, IL, 2019
Caring for Words; Caring for Worlds; Trinity Christian College, 2018
V-Williams, Beach, Schumann
Heritage; Haydn; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Operatic Arias and Duets; Puccini, Bizet; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Messiah, Handel; Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst, IL, 2015
Mozart: A Vocal Family Affair; Mozart; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Donor Recital; Massenet, Offenbach; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
The Golden Age; Gershwin, Bernstein; Northwestern University, 2011
La Bonne Chanson; Fauré, Villa-Lobos; Tiny Mahler Orchestra, Alice Millar Chapel, 2011
La Bonne Chanson; Fauré, Villa-Lobos; Tiny Mahler Orchestra, Heaven Gallery, 2011
Opera Scenes; Mozart, Bizet; Northwestern University, 2010
Stabat Mater; Pergolesi; Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 2008
Messiah, Handel; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Gloria, Vivaldi; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
“Pianegeró la sorte mia,” Handel; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2004
Commencement Soloist; Eastern Illinois University, 2004
Commencement Soloist; Eastern Illinois University, 2003
PROFESSIONAL CHORAL EXPERIENCE
Chorus Year
Immaculate Conception Parish Choir; Elmhurst, IL, 2011- Present
Elmhurst Choral Union, 2019
Grant Park Chorus, Supplemental, 2016
Northwestern University Opera Chorus, 2009-2011
Northwestern University Chorus, 2009
Springfield Symphony Chorus, 2006-2008
Eastern Illinois University Oratorio Society, 2005
Eastern Illinois University Concert Choir, 2001-2004
Eastern Illinois University Mixed Chorus, 2001-2004
ADVANCED VOCAL TRAINING
Program Company Dates
Chicago Summer Opera, Young Artist; Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Masterclass with Andreas Mitisek, Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Young Artist; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh 2013
Masterclass with Brent McMunn; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Eugene Perry; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Andrew Kurtz; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Mary Dunleavy; Northwestern University, 2009
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Teachers of Singing: 2019-Present
American Choral Directors Association: 2019 – Present
Illinois Educator License, K-12 Music: 2005-Present
Illinois Music Educators Association: 2001-2009
Sigma Alpha Iota: 2003-2005
AWARDS
– Bel Canto Foundation, Bella Voce Award (2013), Quarter Finalist (2012, 2011)
– Northwestern University, School of Music Eckstein Fund (2009-2011)
– Northwestern University, Concerto Competition, Finalist (2010)
– NATS – Central Midwest, Graduate Division, Semi-finalist (2008)
– Eastern Illinois University, Concerto Competition, Winner (2005, 2003)
– Eastern Illinois University, Choral Conducting Award (2005)
– NATS Central Midwest, Senior Women’s Division, Winner (2004)
- + Expertise
-
Prof Toni Esker believes that singing requires a person to use the body as an instrument. “It is a very personal and vulnerable act. I want students to leave my classroom being confident with their own voice, musical ability, their purpose, and ultimately, who they are in Christ,” she said. “Studying music is significant for students who hope to have meaningful lives because it gives them an opportunity to self-reflect, grow in character, and boldly step out into the world and make a difference in the lives of others.”
A classically trained soprano in the opera and art song repertoire, Esker has extensive experience teaching music in the classroom as well as various repertoire to students of all ages and ability levels. “I enjoy sharing my voice with others as well as teaching students how to sing and become better musicians. I was shepherded into singing at a very young age and as I grew older, I realized that music was something I could not live without and also something God was calling me to do.”
What drew her to Trinity:
Esker was drawn to Trinity because of the community where she could meld her professional work with her Christian faith. “Trinity has proven to be a loving and supportive community where I can teach, make music, and help students discover how to use their musical gifts.”Research interests:
Her research interests lie in the realm of sacred vocal repertoire. “As believers in all academic disciplines, we take part in worship in many different ways. Teaching choir and voice allows me to encounter students of various disciplines and I see first-hand how each voice is unique along with musical preference,” she said. “I hope to develop a resource of repertoire that will guide my students in leading and taking part in worship as they go forth from Trinity.”When she’s not teaching:
When not teaching, Esker loves to relax. “I enjoy gardening, cooking, running, and being outdoors with my family.” - + Performances
-
Role Work Composer Venue Year
Mimi* in La Bohème by Puccini; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Lakmé* in Lakmé by Delibes; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Gabriel* in The Creation by Haydn; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2015
Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte by Mozart; Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Giulietta in Tales of Hoffmann: Retold by Offenbach; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Flower Girl in Night Caps International: French Suite (World Premiere) by Cecconi-Botella; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Donna Elvira* in Don Giovanni by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Zerlina* in Don Giovanni by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Giulietta* in Les contes d’Hoffmann by Offenbach; Northwestern University, 2011
Zemfira in Aleko by Rachmaninoff; Northwestern University, 2011
First Spirit in The Magic Flute by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2011
Bess* in Porgy and Bess by Gershwin; Northwestern University, 2011
Cunegonde* in Candide by Bernstein; Northwestern University, 2011
Gossip 1 in The Ghosts of Versailles by Corigliano; Northwestern University, 2010
Micaëla* in Carmen by Bizet; Northwestern University, 2010
Fiordiligi* in Cosí fan tutte by Mozart; Northwestern University, 2010
Susannah in Dessa Rose by Flaherty; Springfield Theater Center, 2009
Soprano Soloist in Mass in C Major by Schubert; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Soprano Soloist in Exsultate, jubilate by Mozart; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Sharon in Masterclass by McNally; Charleston Community Theater, 2004
Micaëla* in Carmen by Bizet; Eastern Illinois University, 2003
*Denotes scenes
SOLO RECITALS
Repertoire Venue Year
Lecture Recital, Dvořák, Handel, Copeland, Schubert; Judson University, Herrick Chapel, 2019
Buon Compleanno, Puccini, Gershwin; The Lake Estate, Wilmette, IL, 2018
Handel, Schumann, Faure; Covenant Village of Northbrook, IL, 2018
Dvořák, Puccini, Hahn, Lehár; Private Residence, Northbrook, IL, 2018
Chausson, Puccini, Mozart, Schumann, Gordon; Brookdale Oak Park, Oak Park, IL, 2017
Songs of Love, Hope, & Prayer, Rachmaninoff, Beach; Judson University, Elgin, IL, 2017
An Evening Recital with Ken Smith; Westminster Place, Evanston, IL, 2016
Strauss, Poulenc, Gounod, Rorem, GordonAn Evening Recital with Ken Smith; Trinity Christian College, Palos Heights, IL, 2016
Strauss, Poulenc, Gounod, Rorem, GordonSchumann, Fauré, Rachmaninoff; Churin, Oak Park, IL, 2016
Le canzoni di Napoli, Neapolitan Songs; Cambridge, Skokie, IL, 2016
An Evening of Opera, Puccini, Mozart; The Lawn, Warrenville, IL, 2015
Lux, Wolf, Reger, Schubert; First United Methodist Church, Elmhurst, IL, 2015
Lux, Wolf, Reger, Schubert; First Baptist Church, Newton, IL, 2015
Songs Inspired By Nature, Strauss, Chausson; The Merion, Evanston, IL, 2015
Master’s Recital, Chausson, Beach, Rachmaninoff; Northwestern University, 2011
Senior Recital, Bizet, Nordoff, Chausson, Schubert; Eastern Illinois University, 2005
SOLO APPEARANCES
Repertoire Venue Year
Songs of Love, Schubert; St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis, IL, 2019
Caring for Words; Caring for Worlds; Trinity Christian College, 2018
V-Williams, Beach, SchumannHeritage; Haydn; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Operatic Arias and Duets; Puccini, Bizet; First Presbyterian Church, Arlington Heights, 2016
Messiah, Handel; Immaculate Conception Parish, Elmhurst, IL, 2015
Mozart: A Vocal Family Affair; Mozart; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Donor Recital; Massenet, Offenbach; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
The Golden Age; Gershwin, Bernstein; Northwestern University, 2011
La Bonne Chanson; Fauré, Villa-Lobos; Tiny Mahler Orchestra, Alice Millar Chapel, 2011
La Bonne Chanson; Fauré, Villa-Lobos; Tiny Mahler Orchestra, Heaven Gallery, 2011
Opera Scenes; Mozart, Bizet; Northwestern University, 2010
Stabat Mater; Pergolesi; Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, 2008
Messiah, Handel; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
Gloria, Vivaldi; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2005
“Pianegeró la sorte mia,” Handel; Eastern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, 2004
Commencement Soloist; Eastern Illinois University, 2004
Commencement Soloist; Eastern Illinois University, 2003
PROFESSIONAL CHORAL EXPERIENCE
Chorus Year
Immaculate Conception Parish Choir; Elmhurst, IL, 2011- Present
Elmhurst Choral Union, 2019
Grant Park Chorus, Supplemental, 2016
Northwestern University Opera Chorus, 2009-2011
Northwestern University Chorus, 2009
Springfield Symphony Chorus, 2006-2008
Eastern Illinois University Oratorio Society, 2005
Eastern Illinois University Concert Choir, 2001-2004
Eastern Illinois University Mixed Chorus, 2001-2004
ADVANCED VOCAL TRAINING
Program Company Dates
Chicago Summer Opera, Young Artist; Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Masterclass with Andreas Mitisek, Chicago Summer Opera, 2014
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, Young Artist; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh 2013
Masterclass with Brent McMunn; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Eugene Perry; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Andrew Kurtz; Opera Theater of Pittsburgh, 2013
Masterclass with Mary Dunleavy; Northwestern University, 2009
- + Awards and Professional Memberships
-
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
National Association of Teachers of Singing: 2019-Present
American Choral Directors Association: 2019 – Present
Illinois Educator License, K-12 Music: 2005-Present
Illinois Music Educators Association: 2001-2009
Sigma Alpha Iota: 2003-2005
AWARDS
– Bel Canto Foundation, Bella Voce Award (2013), Quarter Finalist (2012, 2011)
– Northwestern University, School of Music Eckstein Fund (2009-2011)
– Northwestern University, Concerto Competition, Finalist (2010)
– NATS – Central Midwest, Graduate Division, Semi-finalist (2008)
– Eastern Illinois University, Concerto Competition, Winner (2005, 2003)
– Eastern Illinois University, Choral Conducting Award (2005)
– NATS Central Midwest, Senior Women’s Division, Winner (2004)