At FaithSlaker Music in Chicago, we believe in nurturing not just musical abilities, but also personal growth and well-being. Our approach to teaching piano is deeply holistic, focusing on creating a supportive and engaging environment that fosters independence, confidence, and a love for learning. Join us for a musical journey that is joyful, enriching, and designed to develop lifelong skills. Whether you're starting fresh or continuing your musical education, we are here to inspire and support you every step of the way.

Free Educational Parent Session on setting up an ideal home environment for music study — coming soon!

Current Students:
For urgent matters, please text me between 10am and 7pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For all other inquiries, please email me for a quicker response. Thank you for your respect and your help in managing communication effectively.

celebrating musical achievements

CALENDAR

FALL

September 1: Tuition Due (Quarterly, or Yearly with 5% discount)
September 3 - 7: Summer Practice Challenges due to your teacher.
September 3: Lessons Begin!
September 6: No Lessons; (Family Wedding)
September 14: Fall Soiree, 6:00pm, (Eight Student Limit—sign up with me by September 7)
Let me know if you want to participate in the Sonata/Sonatina Festival in December! (Dates TBD)
September 21: Final deadline for Summer Practice Challenges
September 30-October 5: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
October 1: Summer Practice Challenge Awards Announced
October 20: Jazz Festival Registration Deadline
October 22-23: No Lessons
Oct 31 - Nov 2: No Lessons (Teaching Conference)
November 2: Hyde Park Music Teachers Student Recital, 3pm, Blackstone Library
November 11 - 16: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
November 17: Studio Recital! 5:30pm, PianoForte
November 24: Jazz Festival
Nov 25-30: No Lessons. Happy Thanksgiving!

Winter

December 1: Quarterly Payments Due
December 2-17: Lessons Online Only for Chicago Students (In-Person lessons in Oaxaca)
December 9-14: Parent Lessons instead of student lessons for all families with pianists under the age of 13.
December 15: Sonata-Sonatina Festival Registration Deadline
December 22 - January 4: No Lessons, Winter Break
January 5: Deadline for FREE TICKETS to see Jean-Ives Thibaudet play Debussy at the CSO
January 25: Winter Soiree, 6:00pm, (Six Student Limit—sign up by January 18)
January 13 - 18: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
February 1: Hyde Park Music Teacher Student Recital, 3pm, Blackstone Library
February 2: Sonata-Sonatina Festival (in person)
February 9: Sonata-Sonatina Gold Medal Recital
February 23: Black History Month Student Concert Sponsored by CAMTA
February 23: Chamber Music Day Workshop 1-4pm, Montgomery Place, Hyde Park.
February 24 - March 1: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
February 25: Savler Piano Contest Registratio Deadline

spring

March 1: Quarterly Payments Due
March 9: Savler Piano Contest
March 15: Savler Piano Contest Winners Recitals
March 16 - 22: No Lessons, Spring Break + MTNA Conference in Minneapolis
March 23: Harpsichord Workshop, 2pm Fulton Hall @UofC
April 26: Spring Soiree, 6:00pm, (Six Student Limit—sign up by April 19)
April 7 - 12: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
April 12: Hyde Park Music Teacher Student Recital, 3pm, Blackstone Library
May 1: Composition Festival Registration Deadline
May 18: Composition Festival Forum and Recital
May 19 - 24: No Lessons, Memorial Weekend Break
May 26 - 31: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
May 18: Composition Festival

Links and Resources:

For current students:

Current FaithSlaker Music Swap List
Policies and Procedures + Continuing Students Registration Form
Group Class Schedules:

Beginners: Fridays 4:15 - 4:45pm
Book 1: Fridays 5-6pm
Book 2: Saturdays 12 - 1:15pm
Intermediate Group: Fridays 6:15 - 7:30pm

Suzuki Piano Book 1 Recording for download.
Suzuki Piano Book 2 Recording for download.
Suzuki Piano Book 3 Recording for download.
Suzuki Piano Book 4 Recording for download.

Suzuki, Royal Conservatory, and Manuscript Paper Books for purchase.
Magnetic Staff to purchase.
Please familiarize yourself with our studio’s Recital Procedures.
Scholarships: The Music for All Program

For Prospective Students:

Lessons for Adults (non-Suzuki)
Lessons for Children (Suzuki or non-Suzuki)
Suzuki Lessons Overview
Suzuki Piano Book 1 Recording for download.
My Suzuki Teaching Philosophy.
My Background.
When we’re ready to start, register for lessons here.

for music institute of chicago students:

Music Institute Fall Scheduling Form
Link to Music Institute Academic Calendar
Music Institute of Chicago Suzuki Family Resources Page.

additional resources:

Basic Rules for Piano Care.
How to properly clean your piano. Steinway Piano Cleaning.
Books I Recommend: READ!
SUZUKI GRADUATIONS GALLERY : Congratulations to all students in this Gallery for their perseverance, commitment, and true musicality!
FAQ

Which Musical Era best describes your personality? Take the quiz, designed by a group of my advanced level students.
For Up-To-Date information, pictures and Live-Streaming of events, see the FaithSlaker Music Facebook page.

FaithSlaker Music is on Yelp! Feel free to check it out and leave a review HERE!
FaithSlaker Music was voted as one of the top 18 places to get piano lessons in Chicago in 2022! See it here!
FaithSlaker Music was voted by EXPERTISE.COM one of the top 20 places for piano lessons in Chicago, 2019!
Testimonials.

Journal Article: American Suzuki Journal Vol 52, No.1: A Year in Oaxaca