Piano Lessons in Orland Park, IL
Developing confidence & creativity through music
We fully acknowledge that each aspiring pianist is a unique individual. While it is true that everyone must begin in the same place, where you go from there is completely up to you. The flexible style of our instructors will foster your musical creativity, offering wisdom, and guiding your technique to levels of excellence. While the creative expression is strongly encouraged, we incorporate certain features across the board for all our students, especially in the beginning phases of instruction.
As an aspiring pianist, you have a unique reason for learning how to play this instrument. The teachers at The Music Connection personalize each lesson as we nurture your individual talent and help you achieve your goals.
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 Connection, 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.
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 Music Connection helps students excel in their craft while encouraging the occasional step outside the comfort zone to try something new.
Our Piano Teachers
The credentialed teachers at The Music Connection are experienced musicians who are passionate about the piano, and many of our teachers have professional performance experience. We can match you with the right teacher, whether you are a beginner student learning the basics, an intermediary student improving new skills, or an advanced student preparing for conservatory admission or professional performances.
Our experienced teachers also care about each student and provide a fun environment that nurtures learning. We customize lessons and provide well-rounded instruction for students of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, our teachers provide instruction on music theory and skills, such as technique, fundamentals, and expression.
Brenda Kenyon
Piano
Brenda Kenyon teaches piano. Brenda is a retired music teacher with 30 plus years of experience teaching music to children of all ages. Brenda has a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Pennsylvania at Mansfield and a Master of Music Education from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Janet Kuester
Piano
Janet Kuester teaches violin, viola and piano. She founded The Music Connection in 2004. Janet has more than four decades of experience teaching and performing. She received her music degree from DePaul University and is a certified Suzuki Piano and Violin Teacher.
Matt Piet
Piano
Matt Piet teaches piano. He is a professional pianist and vocalist with over a decade of experience teaching, composing, directing and performing. Matt studied Jazz at Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Matthew Kijowski
Piano
Matthew Kijowski teaches piano. He has years of teaching, performing and directing experience. Matthew began playing classical music at the age of six. He has a Bachelor of Music in Worship from North Park University where he received awards for both chamber music and solo classical piano.
Mirela Luarasi
Piano
Mirela Luarasi teaches piano. She is a professional pianist with over two decades of experience teaching and performing. Mirela has a graduate degree in Piano Performance from the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirana, Albania. Mirela performed as Concertmaster in classes of flute, violin, cello, and vocal performance.
Melissa
Piano
Melissa Finifrock teaches piano. She has over three decades of experience teaching and performing. Melissa has a Bachelor in Visual Arts and Spanish from NIU and a Master of Arts from Rockford University. Melissa taught elementary school for over a decade.
Brian Goodman
Piano, Guitar & Ukulele
Brian Goodman teaches piano, guitar and ukulele. He is a professional pianist with over a decade of experience teaching and performing. Brian has a Bachelor of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music. Brian has a strong foundation in classical pedagogy, jazz harmony/improvisation, and an extensive background in rock, blues, folk, soul, and bluegrass.
What you can expect
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 is the minimum age to start piano lessons at The Music Connection?
We invite children as young as 6 to begin piano lessons as long as they have reached three developmental milestones:
– An attention span that allows them to focus for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
– Adequate physical strength and dexterity to sit on the stool, reach the keys, see the music book, and play the instrument properly.
– Ability to read at or above a kindergarten level, recognize patterns and understand phonics.
We welcome you to contact us to learn more about our piano program. We can help you determine if your child is ready to take private piano lessons and find the appropriate placement and teacher.
What books do I need?
The Music Connection teachers evaluate each piano student individually. Once they have a better sense of your goals and aspirations, they can provide you with a list of recommended books and/or materials for you to purchase.
What type of piano should I purchase?
Practice is essential for progress, and every piano student needs consistent access to an acoustic piano or a digital keyboard. Your goals, living situation, and aesthetic preference determine which type of piano you should buy. Discuss these factors at your first lesson, and ask your piano teacher for an instrument recommendation.
How much practice do I need between lessons?
Talk to your teacher about your individual practice needs. Your goals, needs, and talent determine how much time you should spend practicing the piano at home each day. In general, students can expect to practice at least 30 minutes a day in order to reinforce existing skills and advance to the next level.
What should I do if I must miss a scheduled lesson?
Please contact The Music Connection by the close of business on the previous day to cancel and reschedule a lesson. Rescheduling a lesson is based on the teacher’s schedule availability. Canceled lessons can be made up via Group Lessons. Students are entitled to a 1 hour Group Lesson for each lesson canceled. Students may attend a Group Lesson provided by any teacher.
Why Come to The Music Connection for Piano Lessons?
Our goal is for each piano student to understand the proper keyboard technique. A strong foundation in the fundamentals helps you become a literate musician with the ability to read and write music. These skills support your ongoing piano study in the future and your lifelong appreciation for music.
Our teachers also nurture your creative expression. Lessons incorporate different musical styles, including classical, jazz, contemporary, and rock. Our goal is to make lessons fun and relevant as you learn proper technique and develop musical creativity.
We know that you have access to multiple options for your piano lessons. We are confident that The Music Connection remains unmatched in our student-centered approach to enjoyable piano lessons. We treat each student as an individual and customize lessons to match your needs, personality and goals. Additionally, our piano instructors are experienced, qualified, and passionate musicians and teachers. These factors together create the nurturing, creative atmosphere at The Music Connection.
Ready to Start Piano Lessons in Orland Park?
If you’re interested in trying piano lessons, there is no better time than now to start! Come learn from our experienced and passionate teachers and begin your piano journey with instruction that’s customized to you. Contact The Music Connection today to set up your first lesson!