Piano Lessons for beginner students in Chicago, IL

🎶 Start your musical journey today!

The world needs artists, not robots.

Why we do things differently.

I quit piano lessons in 9th grade. I hated practicing and I didn’t feel like I was good at piano. When I became a teacher I tried to prevent my students from feeling the same sort of frustration but I started to see the cycle repeat.

I noticed that they waited for me to tell them what to do. Students waited for me to tell them when to sit, when to open their book, when to turn the page, when to start, when to stop. It was boring and inefficient. No wonder practice at home felt awful. They couldn’t actually play on their own.

I believed in the potential of my students, so this confused me. They are capable! Smart! Creative! Why are they bored when they could be playing their favorite songs?

Learned helplessness. When piano teachers don’t allow students to make choices, struggle, or set goals, students never believe they can do those things.

This is unacceptable (and probably why 80% of piano students quit).

So we got to work building a piano program that answered this question: How can we help students take ownership so they actually enjoy the piano learning process?

The results were fascinating. Not only can students learn in our self-led format… they make more progress with less stress. Why? Because they prove to themselves that they have the tools to reach their goals. That’s the definition of confidence :)

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for his lifetime. We can’t do the learning for our kids, but we can give them the tools and environment where they can learn for themselves.

At the end of the day, students who can learn for themselves are the ones who will take music into their lives forever. They’re also the ones most likely to change the world.

I can’t wait to show you how.

Molly Lehr, Founder

What parents are saying…

  • Here’s the good news: You don’t have to practice for hours a day to see progress. We’ll show you how to make the most of just 15–30 minutes of practice a day to build amazing skills and confidence. The piano lab program is a 12-month program, giving your child enough time to see and feel success.

  • It’s normal for enthusiasm to ebb and flow. You should actually expect it! Our unique, engaging curriculum keeps lessons fresh and fun! Plus, our teachers are skilled at reigniting that spark when your child’s excitement dips.

  • Our format combines the best of individual attention with the benefits of collaborative learning. Students work through tailored curriculum during class while being inspired by peers in a supportive and fun environment.

  • We get it—group learning might sound intimidating at first. But here’s the truth: success loves company. Our small group format creates a positive energy where students inspire and motivate each other. Plus, you still get plenty of personalized attention from our world-class instructors.

  • Absolutely! Every child works at their own station on their own projects and receives individualized guidance during the session. Our teachers are specifically trained to balance group dynamics with personalized support.

  • Let us stop you right there. Our classes are specifically designed to meet students at their level and our expert teachers are there to make sure no one gets left behind. Our lab groups are intentionally small, ensuring every student feels included and supported. 

  • No piano? No problem! A keyboard is a great starting point. We’re happy to recommend affordable options that fit your space and budget.

  • Beyond. At Red Cloud, we are obsessed with the craft of teaching and give our teachers the tools to be exceptional with regular training and daily coaching. They are trained in child development, classroom management, and all things music education. Red Cloud Teachers are not only experienced musicians but also care deeply about sharing music with the next generation. (Bonus: They’re pretty great cheerleaders too!)

  • We’re not just teaching piano—we’re creating musicians. Our students don’t just learn to play; they develop skills that stick with them for life. Plus, our Piano Lab offers a collaborative environment where creativity thrives.

Common Questions

Your child will love learning piano like this.

The Piano Lab is one engaging hour each week where beginners learn music through a combination of…

Group Learning.

Piano is no longer the loneliest instrument to learn. Students make friends and gather inspiration from labmates as they do ear-training exercises, play rhythm and note-reading games, and perform for each other.

Independent Work.

Flashcards, sorting games, and worksheets help students level up on music theory, composition, and music literacy.

Independent Playing*

*The hallmark of the Piano Lab! Our one-of-a-kind practice curriculum helps students take charge of their own learning. They work on their own music at their own pace. Students learn all their music at the lab so when they go home to practice, it’s just rehearsal.

Now in 2 Locations!

NEW!

Irving Park

3808 W. Irving Park Rd

On Irving Park Road across from Independence Park. Now enrolling new students!

Logan Square

2506 N. California Ave

Our flagship location in the heart of Logan Square.