Piano

Private piano lessons in Chicago for Children, Teens, and Adults!

Whether you're a parent looking for your child's first piano teacher, a teen preparing for a competition, or an adult who has always wanted to play, at MIC, we see the musician in you!

With more than 50 piano teachers and over 600 private piano students, the Music Institute of Chicago is one of the areas' largest homes for piano study.  We offer private lessons for beginners through advanced pianists at campuses across Chicagoland, including downtown Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Hinsdale.

 Inquire About Piano Lessons and Classes at MIC

Learn to play the piano with private piano lessons or expand your knowledge with piano group classes. Our piano instructors are both nurturing and challenging, teaching beginning through advanced repertoire for students of all levels and abilities. Traditional and Suzuki instruction are offered, as are improvisation classes. Pianists are also encouraged to participate in MIC’s music theory and chamber music program.

Adult piano lessons, youth piano lessons, group piano classes, and private piano lessons are all available at MIC.

Why take piano lessons at MIC?

• The right teacher for you. With more than 50 piano faculty, we can match every student with a teacher who fits their age, level, goals, and schedule.
• Traditional or Suzuki. Choose the approach that suits your family, or ask us to help you decide.
• Classical and beyond. Study classical repertoire, explore improvisation, or play the music you love.
• Places to perform. Recitals at Nichols Concert Hall in downtown Evanston, chamber music groups, Adult Piano Camp, and the internationally known Chicago Duo Piano Festival, give pianists real goals to work toward.
• Close to home. Lessons are offered at campuses across Chicagoland, including downtown Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Hinsdale.

What you'll learn

Every lesson is built around the student. Most piano students are working on:

• Technique: posture, hand position, and a beautiful, controlled sound.
• Reading music: notes, rhythm, and sight-reading with confidence.
• Musicianship and music theory: understanding how music works helps make learning new pieces easier.
• Repertoire: pieces that inspire you, from first songs to major works.
• Performance: playing with confidence for family, friends, and audiences

Lessons for every pianist

Young beginners
Our teachers know how to make the first lessons fun while building a strong foundation. Families with very young children can also explore RCM Smart Start, our early childhood music program for ages 0-5

Kids and teens
Students grow at their own pace, with opportunities to perform, compete, learn music theory, take RCM exams, and join chamber music groups as they advance.

Adults
It's never to late to start playing piano. Our thriving adult piano student population is growing rapidly. Many of our adult students are beginners. Others are returning to the piano after years away, and some join our Adult Piano Camp, and chamber music groups.

Advanced students
Serious young pianists can study with distinguished faculty, take part in the Chicago Duo Piano Festival, or audition for our pre-college conservatory, The Academy.

Make music. Make friends. Build confidence.

At MIC, private piano lessons are one part of nurturing the whole musician, alongside practice, music theory, ensembles, and performance. Pianists can play chamber music with other students, perform in recitals at Nichols Concert Hall in downtown Evanston, and join a community of musicians who encourage and support one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

How young can my child start piano lessons?
Children can begin private piano lessons as young as age 4. We recommend RCM Smart Start for all children ages 0-5.

Do I need a piano at home?
Yes. Students need an instrument to practice on. You can request a listing of donated pianos that might suit your family. Your teacher can advise you on what to look for.

I am an adult beginner. Is that OK?
Absolutely! Adult students are a big part of our piano community, and your teacher will meet you where you are.

How much do piano lessons cost?
Tuition depends on a number of factors, including lesson length. When you inquire, ask about current tuition and financial aid options.

When can I start?
Registration is open year-round, so you can begin at any time.

Ready to play piano? Tell us a little about yourself or your student, and we'll match you with the right piano teacher.

 Inquire About Piano Lessons and Classes at MIC