Frequently Asked Questions

The free consultation is a 20-minute Zoom meeting that provides an opportunity for us to get acquainted, ask and answer questions, and discuss your goals for lessons. This is for prospective students only.

Yes. In-person (Chicago), virtual (Zoom), and hybrid lesson schedules are all available.

I teach eight levels:

Preparatory

Early Beginner

Beginner

Late Beginner

Early Intermediate

Intermediate

Late Intermediate

Early Advanced

Once students reach the advanced level, I generally refer them to colleagues who specialize in advanced concert repertoire.

Yes. Students who practice between lessons make faster progress, stay engaged, and get a greater return for their financial and time investments.

Yes. In order to make steady progress, piano students need to have access to an acoustic or digital piano.

Yes. Although I provide a core of pedagogical music, students choose their goal pieces. Students also select general, classical, or pop lessons, which helps to ensure we are focusing on the music they enjoy.

Yes. Students have the option to participate in a fall and a spring studio class each year. The goal for these programs is to provide students with community and positive performance experiences that focus on preparation rather than perfection.

Tuition is billed monthly. Students pay in advance for the month, which reserves their weekly time slot. Invoices are sent via email and can be paid online using the My Music Staff student portal. Both manual and autopay options are available. 

Monthly tuition is a flat rate regardless of how many lessons occur in a month. Five-lesson months include an extra lesson for no additional charge. These extra lessons serve as makeups for our school's holiday breaks. The holiday breaks for 2026 are June 29th - July 3rd, November 23rd - 27th, and December 22nd - January 1st. 

Your monthly tuition covers scheduled lessons, weekly practice guides, assigned JAM resources, studio classes, teacher prep time, and administrative services.

JAM resources are printable PDF copies of books and sheet music published by Jared Abel Music. Students must purchase any paperback books or music by other publishers.

I offer make-ups or credits for any scheduled lessons that I cancel. I do not offer make-ups or credits for student cancellations. However, if a student can't make it to their regular appointment, they may request a virtual or asynchronous lesson.

Students should not come to the school when they are sick. If an in-person student is ill but well enough to have a lesson, they may take a virtual lesson that day. Alternatively, any student who cancels due to illness may request an asynchronous lesson.

You can find more reviews on Google and Yelp. These testimonials describe my work over the years with both kids and adults. While I no longer offer lessons for children, these reviews still speak to my general skills as a teacher.

For any other questions about our school, please use the contact form.