My piano lessons have a slight different approach from traditional lessons. My main goal is to train good ears to capture the basic structure of melody and harmony, besides to teach piano skills. My students will learn how to play hundreds of songs from memory. 

I teach classical, pop, jazz, and improvisation. Beginner to advanced. All students receive a free trial lesson before registration. Young students who can not concentrate a 30-minute length of lesson time may not be accepted.  

Please feel free to contact me at 224-764-2229 chiekoyano@hotmail.com for more information.

The Studio 

Fee and Policy

40-minute lessons - $120 / month

Lesson fee is due by the end of pervious month. All students must receive 4 lessons every month. There is no weekday lesson on 5th weeks. 24-hour-or-more notice is required to have a makeup lesson. Please note lesson fee will be forfeited if the lesson is canceled within 24 hours. One time basis lessons also are available for $60/ 60 minutes.

Main Cores of Lesson

1. One song from published piano music

All students are required to learn how to read piano music. This expands a lot of possibilities. Various styles are available. Adult students who can already read and want to learn jazz may skip this section.

2. One song learning by ear

After finishing the basic theory and ear training, students will learn songs by ear. This will help to develop good ears and larger repertoire capability.

3. One Exercise - Scale, Intervals, Cadence, Arpeggio, Inversion, Transposing

Most exercises are created by me to emphasize ear training, in addition to develop technical skills.

4. Repertoire

Repetition is the key for a good player. I always come back to the songs my students learned in the past. I make a repertoire list for each student. Sometimes I call one of the songs in lessons.

Recitals are held at least twice a year. Spring recitals take place at my house in the style of a casual lunch party. Students are encouraged to play all songs from their repertoire. Winter recitals are held at a concert hall with a grand piano.  $25 is required to participate winter recitals.