RICK THACKER
Owner & Luthier
The violin has been a part of Rick’s life since he started
private lessons at age three. He later added the viola, and
taught both for over a decade.
Rick played in many ensembles, most notably as Concertmaster
for the Advanced Ensemble at Chicago School of Violin Making.
In addition, he currently conducts multiple string ensembles
of various abilities. He has received teacher training in the
Suzuki Method and other pedagogy courses.
Rick's love for stringed instruments eventually consummated
with his graduation from the Chicago School of Violin Making.
He has built several fine instruments, including the violin he
gifted to his wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding day. He has had
the opportunity to do apprenticeships with AFVBM members, and VSA
medal-winning luthiers.
Rick & Elizabeth’s passion is to “Share Joy through Music”
by providing the best in instruments and music education to their
community. Plum Grove is based around the belief that anyone and
everyone can enjoy the gift of music.
ALEXIS THACKER
Vice President
Literally hundreds of children have benefited from Alexis’
understanding of how to make music education fun!
After studying classical piano for years and practicing
for hours daily, she went on to study theory, music history,
and pedagogy, receiving her certification through Ohio State
University. She is also certified in pedagogy through the
Ezekiel School of Music.
She ran a successful piano studio with over 60 students,
taught general music in schools, and was a summer camp
director before joining Plum Grove in 2014.
Her creativity has led her to invent many of her own
motivations and competitions for the students. She
challenges them to go beyond what they thought they could do.
The Plum Grove Education Center is a place that is alive
and buzzing with excitement due to her special touch of
fun on all the activities that take place.
Office Staff
PAM SWETS
Office Manager
Pam has worked in managing ranging from finances, homeschooling, and volunteer programs in the Church.
She volunteered at Awana for their ministry services, small groups, and funerals. Pam was also a travel agent before
giving her a vast repertoire of organizational skills. Aside from office managing at Plum Grove Music, Pam her and
husband are owners of Team Combat Live Laser Tag.
KEELIE GILBERT
Lesson Coordinator
Keelie studied music at Boyce College, and is now pursuing her music education degree at Valparaiso University.
She has also performed in several orchestras, currently she is playing cello for the Valparaiso University Orchestra.
ANTHONY WONAITIS
Director of Marketing
Anthony was placed on the Dean's list while obtaining his Bachelor's degree in music business from Lewis University.
He has been apart of LWC Classical guitar ensemble and awarded the Andres Segovia Award.
Anthony has also been apart of numerous ensembles throughout college such as Lewis University's
Percussion Ensemble and Recording Ensemble. He has worked in the past doing marketing for record label Thrill
Jockey Records as well as for his own recording studio. He has also in charge of teaching music programs involving Guitar and Ukulele.
