Best piano teachers in Chicago: Top 1-on-1 piano teachers, costs & how to choose

Chicago is a city full of music. From the bluesy beats of the South Side to the sound of a pianist practicing in Wicker Park, music is everywhere. It’s a city that lives and breathes rhythm, making it a great place to start or continue your piano journey.

However, not everyone learns best in a crowded classroom. That’s where 1-on-1 piano lessons come in.

Whether you’re a beginner, a parent looking for a teacher, or returning to the keys, personalized lessons help you learn faster, stay motivated, and enjoy the process.

This guide is for anyone looking to start or restart their piano journey. We will walk you through how to choose the best piano teachers in Chicago, what private piano lessons cost, and which piano teachers in Chicago are worth checking out.

5 best piano teachers in Chicago

• Franzelle Hope Janagap with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of San Agustin
• Richard Maaño with 8+ years of experience
• Ana Manrique with a Master’s degree from the Central University of Catalonia
• Ahmad Samakie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music
• Katarra Parson with 8+ years of experience as a pianist and vocal coach

Best piano teachers in Chicago

Wiingy has built a strong network of 350+ expert piano teachers, each carefully vetted for skill and teaching experience.

The platform makes it easy to find a private piano teacher in Chicago – available for online or in-person lessons.

Whether you’re a complete beginner mastering your first keys or an experienced player aiming to perfect your technique, Wiingy has a skilled piano teacher for every level and style – classical, jazz, blues, pop, or contemporary.

Here are five top-rated private piano teachers at Wiingy in Chicago, each bringing their own unique strengths, teaching philosophy, and passion for helping students grow at the keys.

1. Franzelle Hope Janagap – Piano teacher with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Agustin

Franzelle Hope Janagap is a student-music educator and multi-talented musician with a strong foundation in the classical piano tradition. Her patient, personalized approach makes her an ideal guide for students at every level.

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Experience:

• Teaching Experience: 9+ years
• Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree in Music Education (Piano Emphasis, Minor in Voice) from University of San Agustin
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing:

• Hourly Rate: $27/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available

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Specialties:

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano
• Classical Piano
• Electric Keyboard

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Age & Skill Suitability:

• Age Groups: Kids to adults
• Skill Levels: Beginners to advanced

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Franzelle uses tools like PDF Sheet Music Libraries, Metronome Apps, Virtual Piano Apps, and Chord & Scale Reference Apps to deliver engaging, well-structured lessons.

2. Richard Maaño – Piano teacher with 8+ years of experience

Richard Maaño believes piano lessons are a fun and meaningful way to express yourself, build confidence, and nurture your love for music. For him, piano lessons bring more than just learning an instrument – they add rhythm, creativity, and a sense of calm to life.

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Experience

• Teaching Experience: 8+ years of experience
• Professional Background: Richard holds a Bachelor’s degree and specializes in chord theory, ear training, improvisation, piano technique, and performance skills.
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing

• Hourly Rate: $26/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available

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Specialties

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano
• Classical Piano
• Electric Keyboard
• Acoustic Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability

• Age Groups: Kids, Adults, All ages
• Skill Levels: Beginner to Intermediate

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Richard leverages a variety of tech tools, including interactive online platforms, video conferencing, and music software – to create personalized and immersive learning experiences.

3. Ana Manrique – Piano teacher with a Master’s from the Central University of Catalonia

Ana Manrique is a deeply empathetic and highly methodical music teacher. Her three-phase teaching methodology – diagnose, develop, and challenge – ensures that every student builds on a truly solid foundation without ever feeling pushed beyond their pace.

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Experience:

• Teaching Experience: Extensive experience teaching children and adults
• Professional Background: Degree in Music and Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Central University of Catalonia
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing:

• Hourly Rate: $26/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available

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Specialties:

• Music Theory & Chord Theory
• Ear Training & Rhythm
• Piano Repertoire & Finger Placement
• Chord Progressions & Inversions

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Age & Skill Suitability:

• Age Groups: Kids to adults
• Skill Levels: Beginners to intermediate

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Ana uses Chord & Scale Reference Apps, Ear Training Software, PDF Sheet Music Libraries, and Metronome Apps to deliver interactive, carefully structured lessons.

4. Ahmad Samakie – Piano teacher and active singer and composer

Ahmad Samakie is a pianist, singer, and composer who emphasizes creativity and expression in his teaching. His ear training approach is performance-driven, helping students develop their ear through real music and confident musical decisions.

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Experience:

• Teaching Experience: 4+ years
• Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing:

• Hourly Rate: $33/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available

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Specialties:

• Grand Piano
• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano
• Jazz Piano
• Classical Piano
• Electric Keyboard
• Acoustic Piano

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Age & Skill Suitability:

• Age Groups: Kids to adults
• Skill Levels: Beginners to intermediate

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Ahmad uses Looping Software, DAWs, and Ear Training Software to create immersive, creativity-focused lessons. He allows students to pick their own pieces – finding that genuine engagement with music you love is the fastest route to developing a strong ear.

5. Katarra Parson – Piano teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Music

Katarra Parson has a dual background in both piano and voice. This gives her a unique, holistic perspective on ear training. She understands how musical hearing connects both the instrument and the singing voice.

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Experience:

• Teaching Experience: 8+ years
• Professional Background: Bachelor’s degree in Music
• Rating: 4.8/5

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Pricing:

• Hourly Rate: $36/hr
• Trial Lesson: Yes, a free trial lesson is available

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Specialties:

• Player Piano
• Digital Piano
• Upright Piano
• Electric Keyboard

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Age & Skill Suitability:

• Age Groups: Kids to adults
• Skill Levels: Beginners to intermediate

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Teaching Style

• Approach: Katarra uses Piano Tuner Apps, DAWs, Backing Track Libraries, Ear Training Software, Chord & Scale Reference Apps, and Virtual Piano Apps to create rich, multi-sensory lessons.

Inside a 1-on-1 piano lessons: Real student stories

Wondering what piano lessons actually feel like in practice? These stories show how developing your musical ear can completely change the way you experience and play music.

– “From awkward left-hand chords to confident coordination” – Emily’s piano breakthrough

Emily, a dedicated professional with a packed schedule, found left-hand chord transitions frustrating and often lost rhythm. With Stephan’s help, she focused on muscle memory, smart fingering, and interpreting musical structure.

Despite limited time, short and targeted practice sessions helped her play with more ease and confidence.

What you’ll learn: Building left-hand coordination through repetition, Mastering tricky transitions with deliberate fingering, Using short focused practice to progress even with a busy schedule

– “From timing struggles to steady rhythm” – Taylor’s piano rhythm transformation

Taylor struggled with rhythm inconsistencies, especially in upbeat pieces like “Dino, My Pet Dinosaur.” With Bardiya’s guidance, she learned to use a metronome effectively, isolate difficult measures, and strengthen her fingers with scale routines.

Practicing singing along with familiar tunes like “Old MacDonald” boosted her timing and musical confidence.

What you’ll learn: Improving rhythm using a metronome, Isolating tricky bars for faster mastery, Strengthening fingers with scales and arpeggios, Singing with piano to lock in timing

Piano lesson costs in Chicago

Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in elite instruction, Chicago offers a wide range of piano lesson options.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to pay and what you’ll get at each price point.

Option	Price Range	Format	Best For
Budget-friendly piano teachers	$15-$60/hr	Online/In-person	Beginners, casual learners
Mid-level private piano teachers	$60-$120/hr	Online/In-person	Intermediate players, exam prep
High-end/celebrity piano teachers	$150-$350/hr	Online/In-person	Advanced students, professionals

Wiingy offers a free trial lesson, no long-term contracts, and flexible scheduling – all while providing access to budget-friendly private piano lessons in Chicago starting at just $15/hr, making high-quality learning more accessible than ever.

Online vs in-person piano teachers in Chicago

Trying to decide between online or in-person piano lessons? Both formats offer unique advantages, especially in a fast-paced city like Chicago. Here’s how they compare:

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Convenient, more affordable, easy scheduling	May lack hands-on corrections and studio environment
In-person	Real-time feedback, better posture/hand position guidance	Less flexible, commute time, often costlier

Why work with a piano teacher in Chicago

Chicago has long been a cradle of musical genius – from Muddy Waters and Nat King Cole to Herbie Hancock and the world-renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Whether you’re practicing in a Logan Square apartment or dreaming of performing at Symphony Center, this city breeds talent – but also demands dedication. And that’s exactly where 1-on-1 piano teaching comes in.

Here’s why private piano lessons in Chicago are a game-changer:

• Customized exercises and repertoire designed to help you prepare for prestigious programs at schools like DePaul’s School of Music, Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music, or Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. In a competitive city, your training needs to be tailored.
• Real-time feedback on your playing style and technique, which is crucial when working toward auditions for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, local jazz ensembles, or showcases at venues like Millennium Park or the Green Mill.
• Learn at your own pace with scheduling that fits your Chicago life – whether you’re a student juggling conservatory prep, a professional carving out weekend time, or a parent fitting in evening lessons for your child.
• Confidence-building in a supportive, judgment-free space – especially valuable in a city where self-doubt can creep in. Great teachers create a space where you can make mistakes, take risks, and grow.

Whether you’re working toward your first recital at a local Chicago venue or building toward larger ambitions like performing at the Chicago Cultural Center, having the right piano teacher makes all the difference.

How to choose the right piano teacher in Chicago

With so many music schools, conservatories, and independent instructors offering lessons in Chicago, it can be hard to know where to start.

Choosing the right piano teacher isn’t just about skill – it’s about finding someone who understands your goals, your style, and your Chicago lifestyle.

Here’s what to look for:

• Experience with your level – Whether you’re a total beginner in Evanston, a returning adult in Hyde Park, or a competitive high school student in Lincoln Park preparing for RCM or ABRSM exams, you need someone who has successfully taught students just like you.
• Style match – Want to master classical technique like a conservatory student? Improvise blues like Buddy Guy? Or play modern pop like a Chicago open-mic star? Look for piano teachers who specialize in the genres that inspire you – and who understand the demands of performing in Chicago venues, from the Green Mill to Symphony Center.
• Lesson format – In a city with unpredictable winters and busy schedules, flexibility matters. Online piano lessons let you learn from your Pilsen studio or Streeterville apartment. In-person sessions are great if you want hands-on guidance with pedaling, posture, or acoustic touch.
• Flexibility – Life in Chicago is unpredictable (hello, polar vortex and packed L trains). Go with piano teachers who offer trial lessons and make rescheduling easy. Many Wiingy teachers work with performers, students, and professionals, so they know how to accommodate your calendar.

Pro tip: All piano teachers at Wiingy are expert-vetted and offer a free trial. For all your different needs, you’ll find someone who fits well and understands what it takes to succeed in Chicago.

How to get started with a piano teacher on Wiingy

Getting started is easier than you think. Follow these three simple steps to find the perfect piano teacher and begin your piano journey today.

• Browse piano teachers in Chicago
• Book a free trial – Test the vibe before committing
• Start playing piano – Learn from a piano teacher who understands your pace and passion

Conclusion

Chicago’s piano scene is as vibrant as its skyline – and whether you dream of playing Chopin at a recital, improvising blues at a South Side club, or just want to play your favorite songs at home, the right 1-on-1 piano teacher in Chicago can help you get there.

Start your journey today with a trusted piano teacher on Wiingy and unlock your musical side.

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