Top Pro
Russakoff Music Studio
Top Pro

Russakoff Music Studio

5.0Exceptional(13)
Homewood, IL & Online

About

Hi!

I’ve been teaching for 40 years and teach all levels from beginner to college level. I have the bachelor’s and master’s in piano performance and have studied with concert artists throughout my life. At age 16, I performed with the New Orleans Symphony. In addition, I’ve written 3 music theory workbooks that I use with students.

To me teaching is not the “filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire”.

There is a great deal of info about the effect of music and the brain on my website as well as other information about my studio.

You must have a keyboard or a piano to begin lessons. If you are outside of the south suburban area of Chicago, lessons will be online. (If this applies to you, be sure to put “online lessons” in your request.)

Phone: 708-218-1223

Email: [email protected]

Website: RussakoffMusic.mymusicstaff.com


Highlights

Current Top Pro
Hired 13 times
1 employee
42 years in business
Serves Homewood, IL
Offers online services

Payment methods

Zelle

Specialties

Years experience

No formal training, No formal training; some self-taught experience, 0 – 2 years experience, 2 – 4 years experience, 4+ years of experience

Able to read music

Student can read music, Student cannot read music

Lesson length

30 minutes

Student's age

5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Student has instrument

Students who have a piano, Students who have a keyboard

Interested musical styles

Classical

Reviews

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JQ

joyce Q.

Cynthia has been a great help to my child over the past few lessons. Even in a short time, she provided clear guidance and helped prepare for a band competition. We appreciate her support and encouragement.
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April 08, 2026

SH

suzanne H.

Cynthia is very passionate about music and eager to share her knowledge. I did not start taking piano lessons until I was an adult and Cynthia has been patient while making it challenging for me.
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April 08, 2026

HLC

Hettie L C.

I found Ms. Russakoff to be a great instructor. She explains the lessons in a way that helps you to understand. She allows you to learn the piece without feeling rushed. She has you repeat it but also adds complementary pieces that give you enough variety so your piano skills improve. She teaches piano based on your ability to learn. As an older student I felt awkward. But Ms. Russakoff helps you to find a learning pace which improves your ability and comfort learning piano.
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April 08, 2026

TC

Tiffany C.

We love Russakoff Music studio. She is a top-notch teacher who adapts to the students pace. My 6 year old started taking leasons as a beginner and picked up on everything right away. I was happy about the private environment so there were no distractions. The lessons are structured and broken down into simple, manageable steps, making learning fast and fun. She also includes other learning tools to help with understanding concepts. Were so glad we chose this piano studio.
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December 06, 2025

TA

tunde A.

Very good teaching methods! Hands on learning, listens to students concerns!
Highly Recommend!
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December 05, 2025

DR

diego R.

The one on one lesson time was very helpful. Cynthia is a very thorough snd patient teacher and she is flexible in her curriculum.
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December 05, 2025

Frequently asked questions

I take students through every step in learning to play the piano. Note reading, rhythm, finger technique, repertoire, performance.  

I have both a bachelor's and master's degree in piano performance  

At 16 I debuted with the New Orleans Philharmonic. 

I've studied with concert artists

 Over 35 years experience in teaching   

Currently the rate is $36 per half hr lesson, $144 month.
I work with children and adults at all levels. Most students have been studying with me for years.
My students perform in a yearly recital that is recorded and edited professionally. It can be kept forever and shared with family and friends. Not everyone is required to participate in the recital.

I would advise that they make sure the teacher has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in music and that they teach note reading from the beginning. Learning to play without that causes lifelong difficulties in progressing.

They need to make sure they are serious about wanting lessons. They need to make sure they have a piano or a keyboard.

Services offered

Piano