At FaithSlaker Music in Chicago, we believe in nurturing not just musical abilities, but also personal growth, discipline, and a lifelong love of learning. Our approach to piano education is deeply holistic, providing a structured, long-term foundation in a supportive and engaging environment. We guide students toward independence, confidence, and artistry, ensuring they develop skills that extend far beyond the piano. Suzuki study is a journey that unfolds over years, fostering deep musicianship and character. Whether you're beginning your first steps or continuing a committed musical education, we are here to support and inspire 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

Winter

December 1: Quarterly Payments Due
December 2-17: Lessons Online Only for Chicago Students (In-Person lessons in Oaxaca)
December 15: Sonata-Sonatina Festival Registration Deadline
December 18 - January 4: No Lessons, Winter Break
January 5: Deadline for FREE TICKETS to see Jean-Ives Thibaudet play Debussy at the CSO
January 13 - 18: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons
January 19, 3pm: Jean-Ives Thibaudet plays Debussy Preludes at the CSO (see me for free tickets)
January 25: Winter Soiree, 6:00pm, (Eight Student Limit (with one guest per performer)—sign up by January 18)
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 19: Royal Conservatory Assessment Registration Deadline
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 17-29: Spring Break (lessons by appointment only), Suzuki Conference in Atlanta
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 26 - 31: Group Classes instead of Private Lessons

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