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Piano lessons near me in Aurora, IL
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Piano lessons in Aurora for kids, adults, and beginners
Highlights from recent piano classes near Aurora
Learners in West Side, Phillips Park, Pigeon Hill and more
Megan taught 25 days ago
Megan and Ross reviewed "Lavender's Blue," focusing on dynamics and pedal usage, and then worked on exercises from Hannon to improve finger dexterity and understanding of intervals. Ross was assigned to practice "Kumbria" with hands together and to continue practicing the Hannon exercise, focusing on smooth transitions and proper finger placement. Megan also assigned written homework on sixths.
Time Signatures
Dotted Quarter Note
Eighth Note
Intervals
Mezzo Forte (mf)
Hannon Exercises
Elizabeth taught 26 days ago
During a recent piano lesson, Elizabeth worked with Princess Sophia to refine her playing, focusing on finger dexterity, wrist movement, and note duration. Sophia engaged with scales, melodies, and songs such as "Fred the Fish" and "Old McDonald," receiving Elizabeth's feedback on her hand position and timing. For their next steps, "Fred the Fish" on pages 40 and 41 was identified for additional practice.
Butterfly Motion (Piano Hand Position)
Rhythm (Floating vs. Sinking)
Middle C
Note Duration (Minims)
Ryan taught 26 days ago
Ryan Krause and Christian worked on piano scales, arpeggios, and a musical piece focusing on rhythm and tempo. Christian practiced specific techniques to improve finger movements and transitions in scales and arpeggios, and addressed rhythmic issues in the piece by increasing tempo. They scheduled an additional lesson for tomorrow to continue working on the piece and agreed to move future lessons to Fridays.
Mirroring Hands (Piano Scales/Arpeggios)
Tempo & Rhythm (Syncopated Music)
Finger Release (Arpeggios)
Wrist Movement (Piano Technique)
Practicing in Sections (Octaves)
Elizabeth taught 27 days ago
During a recent piano lesson, Elizabeth collaborated with Autumn on her pieces, "At the Crossroads" and "Sweet Caroline." The focus of their work was on refining rhythm, understanding key signatures, and improving technique. Autumn received specific advice to verify a potential sheet music error in "At the Crossroads" with her band teacher and to practice both musical selections diligently with a metronome. They also made an administrative change, agreeing to move to half-hour weekly lessons.
Accidentals in Music
B Flat Major Scale Fingering (Left Hand)
Rhythm & Timing with Eighth Notes
Flexible Wrist Technique (Piano)
Metronome Practice
Elizabeth taught 28 days ago
Elizabeth and Ali recently dedicated a piano lesson to refining core skills, including rhythm, note reading, and coordination. Ali focused on mastering harmonic intervals, dotted half notes, and dynamics while working through pieces such as "Good King Wenceslas," "Jingle Bells," and "Rockets." Elizabeth offered valuable advice, emphasizing the importance of accurate counting, balancing the melody between the hands, and practicing slowly to eliminate any hesitations.
Dotted Half Note
Slur (Legato)
Tied Notes
Dynamics (Forte & Piano)
Melody Shifting Hands
Ryan taught 29 days ago
Ryan worked with a student from Oakhurst on piano technique, focusing on scales, arpeggios, and musicality. The learner received feedback on finger positioning and was introduced to the concept of retardando to improve transitions in a new piece. Ryan assigned them to practice the A major scale, focusing on technique, and to work on the new piece, incorporating dynamic markings and staccato notes.
Curved Finger Technique
Arm Weight Application
Retardando (Musical Term)
Staccato Articulation
Dynamic Markings (Piano/Forte)
Ties vs. Slurs
Aurora's Forged Keys: A Lasting Piano Legacy
Aurora, Illinois, the second-largest city in the state, boasts a captivating history intertwined with the world of pianos, extending from manufacturing and education to vibrant cultural expressions. This "City of Lights" has nurtured a deep appreciation for music, with the piano playing a significant role in its past and present.
In 1891, Harry Sadler established the Aurora Piano Manufacturing Company, a testament to the city's burgeoning industrial landscape. This factory, located near Douglas and Ashland Streets (the building still stands today), produced pianos that found their way into homes across the region. Ron Sadler, a descendant of the founder, explains that having a local piano factory was a common phenomenon in towns like Aurora during that era, primarily due to the considerable effort involved in transporting such large instruments. The rise of radio and phonograph records eventually led to the decline of the piano's popularity and the closure of the factory after World War II, but the Sadler family's connection to music continued through their music store, Sadler's Music.
A Legacy Forged in Wood and Wire
While many cities have a music scene, very few can claim to have physically built the instruments themselves. Aurora's unique piano history provides a rich foundation for today's musicians. This legacy of craftsmanship and commerce ensures that every resource a modern pianist needs is right at their doorstep.
- Aurora Piano Manufacturing Company: Founded in 1891 by Harry Sadler, this historic company built its factory right here in Aurora. For over a decade, craftsmen forged pianos that found their way into homes across the region, making Aurora a centre of piano production.
- Sadler's Piano Legacy: The family's deep connection to the piano industry continued long after the factory closed. Ron Sadler, a descendant of the founding family, transitioned the business into music retail and service, representing a direct, living link to the city's manufacturing past and profoundly impacting the region's music industry.
- Cordogan's Pianoland: Located near Aurora, this institution stands as a modern hub for piano enthusiasts. As one of the area's most significant piano dealers, it carries on the tradition of providing high-quality piano sales and service, a vital resource for anyone from a beginner seeking their first upright piano to a professional needing a concert grand piano.
- Music & Arts: Serving the practical needs of new students, this store makes the instrument accessible. It provides crucial services like piano rentals and sales, along with beginner piano lessons, ensuring anyone can start their journey with the keyboard.
Today, Aurora remains a hub for piano enthusiasts. The city and its surrounding areas offer a wide array of options for those seeking to learn or enjoy the instrument. The Paramount School of the Arts provides private lessons for students aged 10 and above, while Musical Expressions, located nearby in Naperville, offers instruction for various instruments, including piano. Cordogan's Pianoland, a large piano store situated near Aurora, caters to those looking to purchase new or used pianos or require services such as moving, repair, and tuning. Additionally, businesses like PM Music Centre offer instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and lessons.
The city's vibrant arts scene regularly features piano performances and events. The Venue in downtown Aurora is a renowned live music performance space that hosts a diverse range of local and national acts, including those that showcase piano music. Their excellent sound system, comfortable seating, and innovative programming make it a popular destination for music lovers. Aurora's rich history and ongoing commitment to music education and community involvement demonstrate a deep and lasting relationship with the piano, ensuring its continued presence in the city's cultural landscape.
Frequently asked questions
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