Silbernik Music Academy
About
Irwin Silbernik has a true love for teaching. His compassionate and inspiring approach makes each student feel special, cared for, and successful.
Irwin majored in piano and instrumental music education at both DePaul University and the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. He played Timpani with the De Paul University Symphony Orchestra, which regularly performed in Chicago's Orchestra Hall.
Irwin received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois in 1974, and his Master's degree in Music Education a year later, in 1975.
While at the University of Illinois, Irwin studied piano with famed pianist Eugene List, and piano literature with Soulima Stravinsky (Igor Stravinsky's son).
While still working on his Master's degree, Irwin began teaching instrumental music in the Champaign/Urbana school systems.
After receiving his degrees, Irwin ran the music programs for a small town in western Illinois.
After teaching in public school systems, Irwin went to work at Karnes Music Company in Des Plaines, Illinois as a guitar and piano teacher.
In 2014, Irwin founded the Silbernik Music Academy in Highland Park, IL, and is now using his educational and performance experience to teach students of all levels.
The Silbernik Music Academy offers exceptional private Guitar Lessons, Piano Lessons, and Ukulele Lessons lessons to students of all ages, starting at age 7 and older. Lessons are available in-person or online.
Specialties
Musical styles
Guitar style
Has instrument
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Photos and videos
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I majored in piano and instrumental music education at DePaul University and the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana.
While studying at De Paul University, I played Timpani for the De Paul University Symphony Orchestra, which regularly performed in Chicago's Orchestra Hall.
I received my Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Illinois in 1974 and my Master's degree in Music Education a year later, in 1975.
I taught instrumental music (band & orchestra) in the Champaign/Urbana school systems while working on my Master's degree.
After receiving my degrees, I ran the music programs for a small town in western Illinois. This included band, orchestra, chorus, general music and private instrument lessons.
After teaching in public school systems, I went to work at Karnes Music Company in Des Plaines, Illinois as a guitar and piano instructor.
In addition to my teaching experience, I have years of experience playing in various venues in the Chicago area.
In 2014, I founded the Silbernik Music Academy in Highland Park, IL., and am now using my educational and performance experience to teach students of all levels.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I offer 30 minute lessons for $40.00, 45 minute lessons for $60.00 and one hour lessons for $80.00. Lessons are conducted online or in my home studio, located in Highland Park, IL.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have successfully worked with beginning and advanced students ranging from 8 year olds to adults.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for a teacher that loves to teach, and loves the age group that they are teaching.
Too many musicians teach to supplement their performance income, and not because they really want to.
Teaching is a skill. Just because someone is a great player, does not mean that they are going to be a good teacher. Look for someone that is teaching because they want to. Not because they have to.