What makes Five Hands Studio unique?

We are the studio that involves the whole family, and adapts to the specific needs of students and their individual learning styles.  We support parents as we teach children that focused work results in fun.

Though families have different goals for their children, everyone wants music to be rewarding and fun.  We firmly believe that children need a curricular structure from their teachers and efficient practice habits that are reinforced at home.  This is the only way that we can guarantee that studying music will be fun - both now, as well as later on in their lives.  We offer a full classical curriculum, but we also adapt to those who have more interest in pop, blues or jazz.  The key is that we support families regarding the hills and valleys of student interest and progress. 

We are not the studio for everyone, but if you are a parent who likes being involved in your children’s development, we are a good fit for you.  We seek families that understand the value of being involved in their children’s practice habits at home.  We are a studio for those who appreciate having support when it’s needed.  Whether you have a musical background or not, we can help you motivate your children and guide the efficiency of their practice habits at home.  This is where the rubber meets the road!

1. ‣  All of our instructors are highly qualified and have degrees in music. Many are active performers in the Chicagoland area, performing in venues such as Millennium Park, the Park West and Vic theaters.  They have and collaborated with organizations such as the CSO and Dark Star Orchestra.
   

1. ‣  Each of our instructors has a unique style and area of expertise - this allows us to match each student with the best teacher FOR THEM!  They are all selected not only for their skills, but for their ability to interact well with children or adults.
   

1. ‣  We believe in giving students the fundamental building blocks for success while also providing ample opportunities for artistic expression.
   

Our Studio Philosophy

We are different from other music schools!  At Five Hands Studio, we assume that most children will find the prospect of taking music lessons to be a fun idea.  But we also realize that, after the initial excitement, they will soon discover that music lessons are just like homework!  This is where the real learning begins....and where parents and their students need extra support - which we specialize in providing.

Again, what makes us unique?

1. ‣  We emphasize the value of goal-setting by encouraging students to see measurable success in their performance, resulting from their daily practice habits.  We show them how to “divide and conquer” and focus on life skills.
   

1. ‣  Our philosophy of music education is based on the idea that efficient practice habits and self-discipline lead to greater enjoyment and fluency with the musical language, as well as any long term outcome goals.
   

1. ‣  We are committed to help students gain fluency with this new “language”.  To facilitate learning, we offer opportunities for student master classes and parent seminars.
   

1. ‣  The focus at Five Hands Studio is to keep teachers, parents and students aligned in their goals, as well as the reinforcement of students’ efficient practice habits.  This is essential to a student’s progress - perhaps more so than one’s innate talent.
   

Pioneer Press article about Five Hands Studio founder Rick Cinquemani.