Piano Lessons in Northbrook, IL
Our Approach to Piano Lessons at The Christopher Laughlin School of Music
Piano lessons are offered on a one-on-one basis with our highly qualified teachers and also through our group and pairs lessons. During private music lessons, the student will develop a plan for individual learning with their teachers.
Each teacher will work with the students to come up with a repertoire suitable for their optimum learning. Some students excel at classical learning, studying the masters from all time periods of music (Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.). Other students wish to integrate elements of pop music, church music, jazz music, or all of the above!
Our approach to
piano lessons
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Piano Lessons Should Be Fun!
We know that an interest in piano may be what first brings you into our school – but having fun is what keeps you coming back! Here at The Christopher Laughlin School of Music, our goal is for every student to LOVE their music lessons as they embark on a rewarding journey of progress and discovery. We put the “fun” in fundamentals!
Our knowledgeable staff blends a high standard of music education with a creative, student-focused approach that gives students space to discover and nurture their passion for music and the piano. Whether it’s your first time at the keys or you’re a seasoned pianist, our teachers are ready to help you progress quickly toward your goals – while having fun along the way.
We Emphasize Healthy Technique
Healthy technique is critical to lifelong enjoyment of the piano. Our first priority is teaching strong fundamentals, including hand, wrist and arm technique, bench position, and pedaling. We believe that full-body instruction is essential to musicianship and safeguards students from injury.
Once the fundamentals are in place, you and your teacher can craft the story you want your music to tell. Our qualified teachers will assist you in developing musicianship and exploring nuance through dynamics, pausing, phrasing, and varying tempos. Learn with us as we infuse elements of music theory and music history into our well-rounded approach to fostering musical excellence.
We Care About Your Musical Interests
There is no one-size-fits-all method of piano instruction. Regardless of ability or prior experience, our teachers take an individualized approach to each of our students – underpinned by detailed individual assessments, a personalized learning plan, and one-on-one guidance throughout your musical journey.
While fundamentals and technique are essential, our ultimate goal is to equip students to begin exploring their own personal musical style and interests. Your teacher will work with you to understand where you want to go, and craft a unique plan to get you there. Whether your style is classical or pop (or anything in between), The Christopher Laughlin School of Music helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our piano teachers
Each lesson plan is created by your instructor and catered to each student’s specific needs.
Nataliia Kuryliak
Piano
Nataliia Kuryliak, born in the village of Koropets in Western Ukraine, has had a passion for music since childhood. She began studying piano and vocals at a young age with great enthusiasm…
Weiwen Ma
Piano
B.M., Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music Weiwen Ma is a native of Shanghai, China. As a young child she was invited to perform numerous concerts at China’s…
Audie Lomboy
Piano & Voice
B.A., Loyola University, Chicago. Audie received his B.A. in music from Loyola University Chicago, where his emphasis was in vocal performance. He has sung both as a soloist and chorister in everything from…
Keith Murphy
Piano
D.M.A., M.M.A. and M.M., Yale University. B.A. University of Chicago. Dr. Keith Murphy has taught piano at the Laughlin School since 2008 and previously taught piano and accompanied middle and high school students…
Lesley Goodman
Voice & Piano
Lesley Goodman has been teaching private piano and voice lessons for over 20 years while maintaining a career as a singer in Chicago and abroad. She received a music degree in Vocal…
Miquel Fuentes
Piano, Cello
Miquel Fuentes, B.M., Conservatori Superior de Música del Liceu – Barcelona, is a cellist and pianist. He received honorary mention at the Casals International Award, and first place at the Vigo Strings Competition.
Atheer Youkhana
Piano
Atheer Daniel Youkhana is a professional pianist with nearly two decades of performing and teaching experience. Currently a graduate student at Northeastern Illinois University pursuing a Master of Arts in Music degree in Applied Pedagogy
Laurel Pals
Piano
Laurel grew up outside Grand Rapids, Michigan and started piano at the age of 5. She attended Grand Valley State University and studied piano, violin, voice, and composition, with an emphasis in musicology. After college Laurel studied the Lovetri voice method and wrote and recorded several songs.
How it works
Together we explore student musical goals.
We match students with one of our expert instructors.
Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
We Offer A Variety of Plans to Fit
Your Schedule & Budget
PROFESSIONAL FACULTY
Starting at
$45
for
30 mins Lesson
$64 for 45 mins
$84 for 60 mins
Professional Faculty are all full-time experienced musicians and instructors who hold, at a minimum, a bachelors degree in music. First family member/additional members.
GET STARTEDARTIST FACULTY
Starting at
$50
for
30 mins Lesson
$71 for 45 mins
$92 for 60 mins
Our Artist Faculty are select music instructors in high demand, with extensive experience and/or exceptional artistic accomplishments. First family member/additional members.
GET STARTEDFrequently
Asked
Questions
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What’s a Good Age to Begin Piano Lessons?
We offer lessons to children and adults in Northbrook, IL, and surrounding cities.
Certain aspects of piano technique, such as interval reach, can be physically challenging to a young child. At the same time, there are plenty of basics to learn before large interval reach is necessary.
At The Christopher Laughlin School of Music, we suggest beginning instruction no younger than age four. Have no fear: beginning at this young age will give your child plenty of time to progress in their keyboarding skills.
So, if you have the desire to learn, we have the desire to teach you—no matter your age.
How Qualified Are Your Piano Teachers?
All of the teachers at The Christopher Laughlin School of Music hold university degrees in music and are experts in their field. Our piano faculty have received their musical education from such prestigious institutions all over the country.
Do I Have to Know How to Read Music?
No. Beginners are welcome! Our lesson plans aim to educate, engage and inspire students.
Do I Need a Piano to Start Taking Lessons?
No. You do not need a piano to start piano lessons, however, we do recommend having a digital piano keyboard in your home to practice between lessons. Also, keyboards are much more economical and require less commitment upfront when it comes to ongoing maintenance and moving costs.
Are There Piano Recitals?
Absolutely! We offer two yearly recitals and our Student Showcase Concert.
We also actively facilitate our students’ participation in outside performances and competitions, such as the Society of American Musicians competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing Competitions, along with several area youth theater programs and local high school variety shows.
So, What Are You Waiting for?
If you’re ready to jump into the world of keyboarding, we are excited to match you with a teacher that can get you started on your musical journey. Nothing will enable you to progress more effectively than a one-on-one partnership with an inspiring piano professional. Let us help you explore and build your abilities in a setting that is comfortable for you. You never know how far you can go until you take that first step, so get started today!