Piano Lessons in Palatine, IL
Learn to play the Piano
Piano lessons are offered on a one-on-one basis with our highly qualified teachers and also through our group classes 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 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! Students will learn music reading, performance skills, improvisation skills, and theory skills.
Our Approach to Piano Lessons
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 Music Room, 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 Music Room helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
A Few of Our Piano Teachers
Our piano teachers hold credentials from illustrious universities, and they perform regularly with various nationwide and community groups outside of the private piano studio. This wide range of experience allows them to pass on a bigger and more well-rounded musical perspective to their students.
Meet all our instructors
Luke Chandler
Piano, Guitar, Trumpet
Luke Chandler received his BA in Music in 2006 from his hometown’s University of Texas at San Antonio and his MA in Music Therapy at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. He comes
Jenny Laabs
Piano, Brass
Jenny Laabs is a talented and versatile musician and educator. She received her bachelor of Music Education degree in 1984 from Concordia University in River Forest, IL. Jenny was the grade school…
Saori Tomura
Piano, Woodwinds (Flute), Voice
Mrs. Tomura, born in Japan, started taking piano and percussion lessons at the age of 3. At age 8, she became a finalist in the Yamaha Youth Piano Competition, and by age 9…
Matthew Nall
Piano
Matthew Nall, an Illinois native from Camp Point, holds music degrees from Illinois College and Western Illinois University. While at Illinois College he was a two-time recipient of the Ruth Bellatti Music Honors Scholarship, performed with the Walden Chamber Players,
Bob Thompson
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Ukulele, Piano
Bob Thompson’s first musical experience was in his early teens when he decided to take guitar lessons. He developed basic fundamentals in music theory by learning to play songs…
Steve Kaiser
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Piano
For nearly a decade, Steve Kaiser has enjoyed working with students of all ages, skill levels, and musical interests. As an instructor, he is committed to helping each student…
Nathan Smith
Woodwinds, Trumpet, Piano
Nathan Smith is a dedicated teacher and multi-instrumentalist. He has been teaching woodwinds for over 20 years. As a performer, he has covered many styles of music, from rock to classical, from jazz to noise.
Luke Maslanka
Woodwinds, Brass, Strings, Piano, Ukulele
Luke received his Bachelor of Music Education at Elmhurst College. He participated in their Wind Ensemble on his primary instrument, the bassoon, and in their Varsity Band on several of his secondary instruments.
Chris Ray
Bass, Piano, Ukulele, Guitar
Chris has been performing and teaching bass for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Music degree from Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree from DePaul University, both in Jazz Performance.
Janet Cramer
Drums, Bass, & Piano
Janet Cramer is an accomplished drummer and instructor with more than twenty-five years of experience. She obtained her Masters in Music degree from Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, before relocating to Chicago.
Laura Taylor
Piano
I have taught piano for over 25 years and have had the privilege to earn an Associate’s in Fine Arts, Piano Pedagogy, under the tutelage of Cathy Albergo, co-creator of the Celebrate Piano! series of method books, Intermediate Piano Repertoire, A Guide for Teaching, and many other titles.
Will Gingrich
Drums, Guitar, Piano, Bass
I have loved music education since childhood. My father was a teacher at the Old Town School of Folk Music, and I got started taking private lessons from him and group classes from the school.
Zarui (Zara) Vardanean
Voice, Piano
Zarui (Zara) Vardanean, an Honored Artist of the Republic of Moldova, has won numerous national and international vocal competitions. She holds her MFA in Music, specializing in voice, opera, and choir conducting, from the Academy of Music in Chișinău, Moldova, and her MA in Performing Arts Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
We offer a variety of plans to fit your budget
Weekly
30 mins
$170
Monthly
30 minute lessons are great for learning the basics and building a strong foundation.
GET STARTEDWeekly
45 mins
$245
Monthly
Fit for both beginners & intermediate students who need more than 30 minutes.
GET STARTEDWeekly
60 min
$320
Monthly
Longer lessons, perfect for motivated, intermediate or advanced musicians.
GET STARTEDWhat you can expect
Tell us about your musical goals.
Match with one of our expert instructors.
Play music! Parents get progress reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get StartedWhat’s a Good Age to Begin Piano Lessons?
We offer lessons to children in the Palatine and Northwest Chicago, IL, suburbs area beginning at age 4. Additionally, we offer lessons through the high school years and teach adults too! The piano is a wonderful versatile instrument that can bring joy through a lifetime a learning.
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 Music Room, 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.
Our Piano Teachers
All of the teachers at The Music Room 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!
Do I need a piano to learn the instrument?
No, you do not need a piano at home to take lessons. A simple full size electronic keyboard will suffice for the first 6 months. Contact us to learn more about keyboard rentals and pricing.
Are there piano recitals?
Absolutely! Our students have the opportunity to perform. Private students are given the opportunity to participate in two recitals per year, one in December and one in May.
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 why not get started today?