Find a private music instructor near Palatine, IL

Top 10 Private Music Instructors near Palatine, IL

Avatar for Jarvis Piano Studio - Play by Ear & Improvise
Avatar for Jarvis Piano Studio - Play by Ear & Improvise
7.
Jarvis Piano Studio - Play by Ear & Improvise
7.
Jarvis Piano Studio - Play by Ear & Improvise

5.0

(1)

5.0

(1)

Piano Lessons

  • Serves Palatine, IL
I don’t teach standard piano lessons. Why? They’re the wrong way to learn music. Most people get stuck robotically reading sheet music—never grasping how or why the music works. I suspect that’s why so many beginners quit within a handful of months. And even those who stick with it often end up unable to play a single song from memory years later. How are my lessons different? I focus on the language of music—how it’s built from the ground up. You’ll learn the chord progressions, melodies, and musical forms that shape the music you’ve loved your whole life. This methodology is the most effective (I haven’t had a single student quit lessons out of boredom or lack of motivation with this approach), the most fun, and it gives you a strong foundation to: • Listen to songs and play them back by ear instantly • Read and interpret sheet music more beautifully • Sight-read sheet music much faster • Improvise and jam with your friends • Memorize pieces not for a few weeks, but for a lifetime • After mastering the building blocks, learn any genre you want with ease—jazz, classical, pop, soul, you name it And by the way, I’m not reinventing the wheel here. The way I teach is how great musicians of Western music history have learned for centuries. It was standard practice in the European classical tradition (not to mention many pianists in jazz and popular music) to be able to improvise, play by ear, and beautifully interpret a piece of written music. The reason this somehow stopped being the standard methodology for learning the piano is a longer conversation for another time. Here’s my bio with some information on my career: Pianist Harrison Batten Jarvis experienced his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of sixteen and was subsequently named to CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.” He has soloed with orchestras at Lincoln Center in New York City, at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and with the Etobicoke Philharmonic in Toronto. He holds degrees from the Royal Conservatory of Music (A.R.C.T.) and Bard College Conservatory (B.Mus in piano performance and B.A. in written arts). Outside of classical piano, Harrison is a writer, songwriter, composer, and multi-disciplinary artist. He has collaborated on numerous headline art exhibitions at major galleries, including the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, UK, and Kunsthalle Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. His former teachers have been named to the Order of Canada (André Laplante), been a finalist for the National Book Award (Jenny Xie), won a Pulitzer Prize (Elizabeth Frank), and had a composition played in honour of the 2020 Presidential inauguration (Joan Tower). Their pedagogical lineages trace back to many great artists and musicians, such as Franz Liszt and Ludwig van Beethoven.See more
I don’t teach standard piano lessons. Why? They’re the wrong way to learn music. Most people get stuck robotically reading sheet music—never grasping how or why the music works. I suspect that’s why so many beginners quit within a handful of months. And even those who stick with it often end up unable to play a single song from memory years later. How are my lessons different? I focus on the language of music—how it’s built from the ground up. You’ll learn the chord progressions, melodies, and musical forms that shape the music you’ve loved your whole life. This methodology is the most effective (I haven’t had a single student quit lessons out of boredom or lack of motivation with this approach), the most fun, and it gives you a strong foundation to: • Listen to songs and play them back by ear instantly • Read and interpret sheet music more beautifully • Sight-read sheet music much faster • Improvise and jam with your friends • Memorize pieces not for a few weeks, but for a lifetime • After mastering the building blocks, learn any genre you want with ease—jazz, classical, pop, soul, you name it And by the way, I’m not reinventing the wheel here. The way I teach is how great musicians of Western music history have learned for centuries. It was standard practice in the European classical tradition (not to mention many pianists in jazz and popular music) to be able to improvise, play by ear, and beautifully interpret a piece of written music. The reason this somehow stopped being the standard methodology for learning the piano is a longer conversation for another time. Here’s my bio with some information on my career: Pianist Harrison Batten Jarvis experienced his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of sixteen and was subsequently named to CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30.” He has soloed with orchestras at Lincoln Center in New York City, at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, and with the Etobicoke Philharmonic in Toronto. He holds degrees from the Royal Conservatory of Music (A.R.C.T.) and Bard College Conservatory (B.Mus in piano performance and B.A. in written arts). Outside of classical piano, Harrison is a writer, songwriter, composer, and multi-disciplinary artist. He has collaborated on numerous headline art exhibitions at major galleries, including the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London, UK, and Kunsthalle Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland. His former teachers have been named to the Order of Canada (André Laplante), been a finalist for the National Book Award (Jenny Xie), won a Pulitzer Prize (Elizabeth Frank), and had a composition played in honour of the 2020 Presidential inauguration (Joan Tower). Their pedagogical lineages trace back to many great artists and musicians, such as Franz Liszt and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How much are singing lessons?

Singing lessons cost $50 per hour, on average. Hourly rates can range anywhere from $40-$80. However, some vocal instructors may charge flat rates or offer packages. They may also offer 30-minute lessons for a lower price. Or, they might require monthly tuition for ongoing classes. It depends on the voice coach. 

Contact vocal instructors near you to get a sense of how much singing lessons cost in your area.

How much are cello lessons?

Cello lessons are a great way to anchor and guide your cello practice, regardless of your skill level. From top symphony performers to first-time music students in elementary school, cello lessons correct your flaws and help your strengths shine. The cost of cello lessons will vary, depending on the reputation and experience of your teacher, the length and frequency of your lessons, and where you live. Students who have regularly scheduled lessons and pay in advance often pay less per lesson than drop-in students who schedule lessons as needed. Here are some examples of average cello lesson costs:

  • 30-minute cello lesson: $30, when a minimum of 4 lessons per month are pre-paid.
    • Cost for drop-in lesson: $35.
  • 45-minute cello lesson: $35, when a minimum of 4 lessons per month are pre-paid.
    • Cost for drop-in lesson: $40-$45.
  • 60-minute cello lesson: $40, when a minimum of 4 lessons per month are pre-paid.
    • Cost for drop-in lesson: $50-$55.

How hard is it to learn to play the cello?

Taking cello lessons can be a rewarding experience for students young and old. The rich sound of the cello is well-loved in classical music and is found in all genres of contemporary music from modern folk to rock. As with any instrument, how hard it is to learn to play cello depends on the practice and dedication you put into it. It’s true that some people are naturally more adept at learning instruments than others, but with lessons and a daily commitment, you too can learn to play the cello.

Cello lessons can be a smart investment, especially for new players. Even professional cellists benefit greatly from ongoing training, but for those new to cello it’s especially important for forming a strong foundation for playing. From the proper posture to understanding finger positions, regular cello lessons give you a benchmark to measure your daily practice against. With a professional cello teacher guiding you, the sky’s the limit.

What are singing lessons like?

Every voice coach may have a different style of teaching, but here are a few things you'll likely experience during a singing lesson: 

  • Explaining to the instructor what you want to improve on.
  • Going through a few breathing and riff exercises.
  • Receiving constructive feedback and criticism from the instructor.

Before your first voice lesson, you can ask your instructor what you should expect and how to prepare.

How many singing lessons do I need?

It depends on what you’re hoping to accomplish with your singing lessons. Consult a highly rated vocal instructor to determine how many lessons you should take — and how often you should take them.

Do singing lessons actually work?

Yes, many students who’ve taken singing lessons say that their singing has gotten better. To find out if voice coaches near you have successfully taught others how to sing, read their customer reviews on Thumbtack.

What is a good age to start vocal lessons?

Whether you’re a novice or experienced singer, it’s never too late to start taking vocal lessons.

If you’re thinking about signing up your child for voice lessons, keep in mind that some instructors recommend waiting until their voice settles after puberty. Talk to voice coaches near you to find out if now's the time for you (or your child) to start taking lessons.

Where can you get singing lessons?

You can receive singing lessons from a vocal instructor or voice coach on Thumbtack. Some instructors offer virtual lessons, while others may require you to come into a studio for instruction. 

How can I find a good voice teacher?

Use Thumbtack to find a good, top-rated voice teacher near you. With Thumbtack, you can view the teachers’ profiles, read their client testimonials and check their ratings. To ensure you hire the best instructor, ask them questions about their credentials and success with other students. You should also get cost estimates from at least three instructors before you make your decision.

There are 8 five star Private Music Instructors in Palatine, IL on Thumbtack.

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