Piano Lessons in Northbrook, IL
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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!
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 & Goals
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.

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

Fidel Leal
Piano
Fidel Leal was born in Cuba, where he started studying piano at the age of seven. He received his Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude in 2013 from the Higher Institute of

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
Piano & Voice
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

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
We offer a variety of plans to fit your schedule & budget
Professional Faculty:
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.
30 minutes – $42/$40
45 minutes – $59/$57
60 minutes – $77/$75
Artist Faculty:
Our Artist Faculty are select music instructors in high demand, with extensive experience and/or exceptional artistic accomplishments. First family member/additional members.
30 minutes – $47/$45
45 minutes – $66/$64
60 minutes – $86/$84
Single lessons:
If you can’t commit to a regular lesson time, or just need a couple of lessons to prepare for an audition, single lessons are available. Professional faculty/Artist faculty.
30 minutes – PF/$47, AF/$52
45 minutes – PF/$68, AF/$78
60 minutes – PF/$87, AF/$104
What you can expect
1. Together we explore student musical goals.
2.We match students with one of our expert instructors.
3.Start attending lessons! Parents can receive progress reports each week.
Common Questions

Yun C. | Parent
“My daughter’s piano teacher is great. She is talented technically meanwhile very patient /inspiring.”