Elif Allenfort Piano Studio
4 hires on Lessons.com
About this pro
I have 20 years of experience as a professional pianist and instructor. I hold Bachelors degrees from two Universities as well as Masters and post-masters (Artist Diploma) degrees. I have been teaching both private and group pianoO lessons for 18 years in US. I worked as Piano Department Head for number of years at an established music school and currently hold a position at Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College as well as my own private studio. I feel privileged to share my knowledge with my students and I love seeing them progress, achieve their goals in music.
I am a professional pianist. I work in all fields of my profession; I teach, I play, I give both solo and chamber music concerts, I provide professional accompaniment and I also work as a church pianist. I think it is important to have a teacher who is a good performer as well. I like to work in all aspects of my profession which helps me to grow as a musician.
The joy of teaching! Music is my passion and teaching is an extension of it. I prepare students for competitions and to see them succeed makes me very proud as a teacher. Each semester, I hold a Studio Recital for my students to perform and it is very rewarding to see the students’ progress.
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Credentials
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
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Phone verified
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My older daughter has been learning piano from Ms.Elif for a year and half. She adores Ms. Elif. She is learning a great deal from her. We are really happy that we found her here.
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Had a trial lesson; understands student needs and proposes a rough curriculum on the spot. Her years of expertise are exhibited through her knowledge and performance.
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Elif is a very effective teacher. I had never taken a piano lesson before, even though I had played French horn in high school I thought it would be really difficult for me as an adult to learn how to play piano, with my inexperience using both hands and with bass clef music reading. But after only a few months I am amazed by how fast I am learning and how much I can play now under Elif's instruction. She is so pleasant and easy to work with. I would highly recommend her.
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Elif is a very skilled piano teacher for our son, who came to her already knowing piano but still wanting to better his skills. Lessons are in her beautiful home, set up specifically for piano lessons. Elif is able to listen to and watch his playing, determine what skills he needs, and how to stretch his innate abilities. My son enjoys his lessons very much--which is saying a lot! He leaves feeling enthusiastic about what he just learned, and excited about trying it out. We are very grateful to have found her, and highly recommend her as often as we can.
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FAQs
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I always offer free trial lessons to meet with new students. This allows us to not only determine the students level but also to see if we are a good match. Music is an endless field. I practice everyday as much as I possibly can and read about music to always further my education. I also follow most classical and jazz concerts in Chicago area.I believe that it is important for students to find the "right" teacher for themselves. At the trial lesson, I typically determine the students level and decide which material to use. With beginner level students, I recommend to start with a 30 minute lesson. After several months, if the students progress is good, we typically switch to 45 minutes or 1 hour lessons.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Music is an endless field. I practice everyday as much as I possibly can and read about music to always further my education. I also follow most classical and jazz concerts in Chicago area.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I kindly ask that the students pay at the beginning of each month. I also offer make up lessons for missed lessons with a 24 hour notice.
How did you get started teaching?
I've always wanted to be a pianist, ever since I was a little girl. I think I was one of those lucky individuals who knew what they wanted to be at a very early age. There is nothing else I would rather do in this world and I love teaching!
What types of students have you worked with?
Teaching, accompaniment, performing. In addition to my private studio teaching position at Sherwood Community Music School, I work as a pianist at Lake Shore Unitarian Society in Winnetka IL. I provide professional accompaniment at a high level. I have a vast repertoire of both solo and chamber music.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I prepare students for competitions and to see them succeed makes me very proud as a teacher.