Frequently Asked Questions

When is a good time to start private lessons?

We register students throughout the year and, usually, convenient after school times are available.  No two children develop in the same time frame.  Most are ready for private piano study by first grade - when they acquire reading skills.  We recommend that you bring in your child for an interview with one of our experienced teachers.  Adult students may obviously start at any time.  We have students in their late 70’s that are finally fulfilling a lifelong dream.  There is simply no age barrier to learning and enjoying the piano.

What teaching methods do you use at Five Hands Studio?

We use a variety of methods depending on each student’s meeds.  Our main focus for students is music fundamentals - rhythmic skills, note reading, theory, scales & chords, and a variety of repertoire.  One of our main methods is the FJH Piano Adventures Series, but we use Alfred, Bastien, Noona, Michael Aaron and other methods if we feel they will serve the student’s needs in a better way.  We do not use the Suzuki method for piano because we feel it is insufficient in teaching good music reading skills.  Supplementary to all methods used here is our own curriculum - which is given to students in addition to their books.  We base much of this upon the standards of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association.  Mastery of music fundamentals encourages students to enjoy music for the rest of their lives - long after they have left us.

Can adults learn to play the piano without any musical background?

Absolutely!  We have many adults who began studying piano with us who are now playing intermediate to advanced piano music.  Learning piano is a commitment and should be treated as such.  Like children, adults learn at various speeds.  Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.  It is our job to help adults identify theirs to help them progress at a steady rate.  We help adults set goals based upon their own desires.  We teach efficient ways to economize their limited time in order to reach these goals.

Can students learn how to play chords and popular music at Five Hands Studio?

Yes!  Part of our philosophy is that every students should be exposed to all styles of music.  There is such beauty in the subtle ideas and techniques in classical music, but there is such energy in the improvisations of blues and jazz!  Some want to be able to read chord symbols while they sing a pop song.  There is more than one way to express yourself!

Do I have to start lessons at the beginning of the year?

No.  Students may enroll at any time during the year.  Tuition is pro-rated and adjusted accordingly.  Students are measured against their own progress.  Our lessons are private - given on a one to one basis with their individual teacher, so students learn at their own pace.

When a student enrolls at Five Hands Studio, what exactly does this cover?

You will enjoy the value at Five Hands Studio.  Our curriculum, universal with all our teachers, allows for the consistent growth of students - even if lesson times or teachers need to be changed to accommodate a student’s schedule.  Students’ lessons are also supplemented with our curriculum.  Each student will receive a folder in which to keep their supplements as they are given.  The software in our computer lab is also instrumental in teaching theory, rhythm reading, note reading and ear training skills.  Parents of students have opportunities to attend group lessons - free of charge - so that they are better equipped to help their children succeed at their own lessons.  Recitals are also included as well.  Students receive all this and more for one low monthly payment!  Students may choose to take advantage of other optional performance opportunities such as Achievement in Music.  Five Hands Studio is also the Skokie, IL headquarters of the National Piano Guild - students may enroll in the Guild Auditions which are held annually. 

What is unique about Five Hands Studio?

What we offer here is not just music lessons.  We offer our approach to music study.  We feel that music is a language meant to be used by students in a natural, expressive way.  In order for our students to learn this language and enjoy it, we know that it depends upon their approach to study.  Our commitment, then, is to ensure that the teachers, students and their parents understand what efficient practice habits are.  We give free lessons to parents about how to guide their children.  We also have curriculum checkpoints and recitals throughout the year.  In a nutshell, we are teaching that discipline and delayed gratification are the qualities that enable people to succeed and be happy.  We teach this through the medium of music and the rewards are simply wonderful.  If it isn’t fun, something is amiss.  To compare the attributes of our studio versus others, click here.

Although we teach music lessons at our studio in Skokie, many of our students find that it is worthwhile and convenient to come here from Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles and North Chicago.  Some even come here from Naperville!  There is a good reason for this and we encourage you to come to our studio and see why.

Five Hands Studio is located at 5200 Mulford St. Skokie, IL  60077.

However, many of our students come for piano lessons from the surrounding communities of Lincolnwood, IL and Niles, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Evanston, Des Plaines, Wilmette and North Chicago.