Piano Lessons | Park Ridge | Chicago Northwest

First, I like to get to know the student and the parent in an informal meet. I also describe my approach to teaching and some advice about setting up good practice habits.

The materials I use are customized to fit the learning style of the student as I get to know him/her better throughout the lesson times. Overall, the reading approach is a combination of interval reading with letter-note reading. This is the optimal way to learn to read music at the piano for whatever level is desired in the long-run. The student plays both classical and pop music and I include music theory.

As the student progresses, we dig deeper into musical interpretation and piano technique. The technique is an important part of what enables a student to express himself/herself, emotionally, through the sounds of the piano. Students learn about chord structure and form and advancing theory which sets the foundation for a variety of explorations whether those be classical, pop, rock or jazz.

I hold a B.A. in Music with a focus in Piano Pedagogy, which is the art of teaching piano. I also hold the degree Master of Music in Music Education from Northwestern University. I have studied piano pedagogy at Northeastern Illinois University - at both the bachelors and graduate levels- and at the International Piano Pedagogy Institute of Teacher's College, Columbia University in New York. I enjoy the continuing education of various piano workshops and seminars.

My lessons may be paid by the month, or for half of the studio year or for the full studio year. When paid in advance, a discount applies to the half and full year payments. Summer sessions are addressed differently with a couple of options to remain in commitment to learning piano while allowing for some of the freedoms that summer has to offer.

I started teaching piano straight out of college with a B.A. in Music, Piano Pedagogy. I taught in piano studios of downtown Chicago and in the Northwest neighborhoods. I eventaully grew and established my own successful piano studio for the Northwest Chicago area.

I have worked with students of all age groups from 4 and 1/2 years old through adult. I teach at all levels, beginners through advanced.

My students have performed sucessfully in traditional recitals, piano theme studio parties, piano ensemble festivals and Illinois State piano exams and contests. One of my students performed on WNIB radio station as the winner of a local piano contest.

My advice? Thanks for asking! Be ready to make a commitment to learning by having an acoustic piano or an excellent digital piano in your own home for regular practice. These can be rented or purchased. Discuss with your familiy the wonderful exprience that lies ahead as it is a full family commitment. Be sure that there are not overbookings on the familiy calendar for after-school activties; success in piano requires a consistent practice schedule and lots of parental support! (Unless you are an adult student, of course!) For success in learning and playing the piano, the familiy schedule must be well-balanced. Agreements about having no T.V., computers or other distracting noises or visuals on during practice times is supportive to this fanatastic goal! Yes! We are talking about learning to express one's self through beautiful music at the piano! Once all of this is covered, be sure to meet with the teacher in person before starting lessons. Practice well and enjoy!