Piano Lessons in
South Elgin, IL
Our Approach to Piano Lessons at Music Education Center
We believe every student is unique and different in their own way. Therefore, why should lessons be any different? Each piano lesson is tailored to the individual student’s specific interests and needs.
While focusing on foundational elements such as proper technique, reading music, finger position etc., our teachers also help students learn songs they are familiar with. This includes movie theme music, popular songs on the radio, their favorite classical artist etc. This helps keep students motivated and pushing further to learn each week.
Our approach to
piano lessons
GET STARTED01 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 Music Education Center, 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.
02 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.
03 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), Music Education Center helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano Teachers:
Cyndi Crognale
Piano
Piano has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I began taking lessons when I was 5 years old, and my lessons were truly a highlight in my
Kathy Diem
Piano
Kathy has been playing piano for over 40 years and teaching for over 20. She is very active in her church choir and orchestra as an organist accompanist.
Aaron Marsala
Piano (Beginning & Intermediate), Drums & Percussion
Aaron is a multi-faceted percussionist as well as pianist. His study of music has taken him down many paths. Aaron obtained his Music Education and Music Performance degrees at the University of
Emanuel Perez
Piano
Emanuel attends South Elgin High School where he is active in the music program – he is the lead pianist in the Jazz Band. Emanuel has been playing piano for over 12
Grace Bestul
Piano
Grace has been playing the piano for ten years. She has also been learning to play the organ for four years. Grace enjoys sharing her knowledge of music with her students and
Victoria Vo
Piano
Victoria started taking private piano lessons at age 5 and developed a repertoire of pieces by Debussy, Chopin, Clementi, and a variety of popular culture songs. Victoria has played as an accompanist
Kelvin Lu
Piano
Kelvin has been playing the piano since age 6 and took private lessons throughout that time until starting college. In that span of 12 years, Kelvin played a great variety of pieces
Zak Reiter
Piano (Beginning & Intermediate), Voice, Guitar & Bass
Zak has played the guitar for over 9 years and classical guitar technique for over 5 and has been teaching for over 5 years. Zak has a degree from Judson University where
Krystina Belcina
Piano & Violin
Krystina has played both the piano and violin for more than 6 years. She has learned so much about expressing her creativity and love for music within her instruments and looks forward
Benjamin Gilbert
Cello & Piano
Ben started playing the cello when he was 10 years old and has continuously taken lessons for the last year and a half. Ben can be seen playing with the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO)
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
Frequently
Asked
Questions
GET STARTEDWhat Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?
The minimum age we recommend a student start piano lessons at Music Education Center is 5 years old. For younger students, we recommend an intro to the music program. Starting age will largely depend on the student when it comes to piano or keyboard. So, some students may need to wait longer than others to start. Contact us and we can help determine if your child is ready to start!
Why Take Piano Lessons at Music Education Center?
Piano lessons at Music Education Center provide teachers who instruct on a variety of styles from classical to popular music. Whether you want to learn Bach or Alicia Keys, our teachers are happy to help you become the pianist you want to be. Our piano faculty will show you the fundamentals of sight reading, technique and theory, but they will also incorporate your favorite songs into your lessons. You do not have to have a piano at home to take lessons. A simple electronic keyboard with a minimum of 61 keys will suffice for the first 6 months. Our piano teachers have warm personalities and enjoy sharing their love for the piano with you when you take piano lessons at Music Education Center .
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at Music Education Center 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. 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.
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!
What Will I Learn in Piano Lessons?
Our piano teachers understand that every student is an individual, with personal musical needs and goals. We make it a priority to tailor how we teach and what we teach to your individual needs.
If you enroll here for piano lessons, your teacher will ask you about your favorite type of music, and set goals to help accomplish whatever musical aspirations you have for yourself or your child. Together, you will develop a plan to achieve your goals! We love beginners, so even if you don’t know where to begin, we can help!