Helping Parents Raise Smart Kids Through Music.

Skokie music lessons in-person AND online!

Five Hands Studio Online Music School In Skokie IL

Get the Most out of Your Lessons

10 Guidelines to Musical Success at Any Age

Playing an instrument and creating music can be one of the greatest joys in life. For someone beginning on the path of learning music, watching

What Teacher is Right for Me?

What factors should you consider? There are a number of options. If you want to start at the top, you can study with a university

How to Get the Most Out of Your Music Lessons

These guidelines will help you to have a successful, rewarding experience learning an instrument. These are practical tips we have discovered from years of experience in

We show you how to break things down and master them, so you can play effortlessly.

In order to do accomplish this, we provide:

structured curriculum and method books
accountability for students’ practice time
coordinated communication between parents, students, and teachers
membership in local branches of National Music Teachers Association and National Piano Guild
online and offline help
extra coaching (included) when students are frustrated
teacher conferences with our music director in order to “keep our fingers on the pulse” of individual student progress and learning styles
meetings with parents and students regarding how to practice efficiently
options for those with different interests and learning styles
and much more

Experienced Teachers

All of our teachers are degreed in music on the instruments they teach. They've performed with the CSO, the Chicago Civic Orchestra, as well as Dark Star Orchestra.

Performing Opportunity

We are committed to helping music students become familiar with their new “language”. We offer numerous performing opportunities throughout the year.

Support for Families

We assist students when they are challenged, and educate parents about how to help their children at home.

We've been Teaching the Joy of Music For 28 Years

Since 1992, this music school has provided Skokie music lessons, as well as the communities of Lincolnwood, Evanston, Morton Grove, Niles, and Wilmette. We also serve the Chicago North Shore, including the neighborhoods of Sauganash, Edgebrook, Wildwood, Jefferson Park, and Forest Glen – providing Piano, Guitar, and Voice Lessons for all ages. We now provide that same quality and personal attention with online music lessons as we adapt to Covid-19.

Skokie's first choice in music lessons. Chicago's North Shore online music school with a personal touch.

Google Reviews

Five Hands Studio

5.0

Based on 44 reviews

review us on

Bill Reed

22:48 24 Apr 22

At 76 I had no idea how to sing. Mariah fixed all that. Good job.

Sean Stanton

02:39 20 Dec 20

Rick runs an amazing school of music! He is hands on and invests all his time and energy into every student. Lots of... performance opportunities and a wonderful community of music educators is available at 5 hands studio.read more

Annie Noorts

02:16 27 Oct 20

My daughter spent many years taking voice and piano lessons at Five Hands Studio (4th grade through all of high... school). Now she is in college, but we all recognize that her enjoyment of singing and playing the piano developed while at Five hands. She developed a strong understanding of music theory, but right now it is the LOVE of singing and playing that help her through the stressful days in college. The patience and skill the teachers and Rick show to their students is very unique. Low stress, but high success!!read more

Josh Noel

19:30 14 Mar 20

My son started taking lessons at Five Hands at the age of 4. A brief "test lesson" demonstrated he was ready for proper... lessons, and here we are 6 months later ... he's playing Old MacDonald like a pro! (Among many other songs.) My son is now 5, and as you may know, 5 year olds aren't always the easiest people to deal with. Yet Five Hands brings an impressive professionalism to piano lessons while also making it very fun. We'll be taking lessons here for a long time to come.read more

Dunkin 123

00:35 18 Feb 20

I have 2 kids learning to play the piano at Five Hands and it has been wonderful. My children had no prior experience... playing musical instruments, so we decided to look for something around our house. They started in Sep of '19.Rick and his staff have been wonderful introducing the piano and other musicals concepts to my kids. They do not have to be taken kicking and screaming. My kids really enjoy going to their weekly lessons.I definitely recommend Five Hands for parents looking to get their kids introduced to a musical instrument.read more

Kristin Espinosa

23:30 07 Feb 20

LONG REVIEW -- I'm taking voice lessons from Matt Brennan, and he's an excellent teacher. I was one of those people... who would mouth "Happy Birthday" rather than sing it out loud, but Matt is wonderfully encouraging and has actually helped me feel comfortable singing in front of others. I haven't been taking lessons for very long, but I'm really happy with my improvement...I didn't expect it. I highly recommend Matt as a voice teacher (he also teaches piano).Full disclosure - I'm a member of the Desk Staff at the Studio. I have lots of positive stuff to say about working here, but I'll limit it to three (!!!) things. First, we have great students; it's so lovely getting to know those who I see every week and hearing them play.Second, the main reason I took this job and love it is the thorough dedication to personalized attention to every student. Rick Cinquemani embodies that and sets the tone for the whole studio. He is aware and up to date on how every student is doing and, when appropriate, works with teachers and parents to tailor lessons to students' different personalities, strengths/weaknesses, and needs.Finally, I believe strongly in Rick's approach of providing a comprehensive music education to students. There's a big difference between just being able to play things on a piano and having a holistic understanding.(And Rick, I'm not expecting a raise for writing this! 😃!)read more

Joey Villanueva

17:42 01 Feb 20

My son attends this school and I can say he enjoys learning the piano. Friendly staff and very attentive teacher. I... find it very helpful that they communicate with the parents to let them know where your child is struggling and what areas need improving. I highly reccomend this school.read more

rhoda noel

22:44 16 Jan 20

My Grandson is only 4 1/2 years old, but was showing an interest in music .My son and I began looking for a studio... that would evaluate and nurture his interest and his ability. Five Hands Studio was such a find!The atmosphere is professional but very friendly. The caliber of teachers is outstanding!! The owner and music director, Rick Cinquemani, a professional musician himself, has an amazing rapport with the students ( of all ages) and is committed to sharing his love of music, and the lifelong benefits of music education. We are there on Saturday afternoons and everyone is smiling!!! My grandson told me his teacher, Ms Cheng , wants him to practice piano every day!!! And he does! His goal is to play a Beatles song... ( his Dad’s favorite) I am confident we made the right choice bringing him to Five Hands Studio. With time and practice, he just may achieve his goal. I would strongly recommend Five Hands Studio to any parent or grandparent looking to give their children music lessons!!!read more

Steve Depaepe

14:44 28 Nov 19

Very pleased with my daughters progress...... Highly Recommend!

Neal Plotnik

02:25 16 Aug 19

Both my son and I attended for lessons. The Studio has a great space for learning: clean, private and spacious. The... studio is conveniently located and parking is easy. The teachers were all very professional and instructive. The studio is run in a very organized fashion, and all rules and schedules are clearly explained.My own personal experience involved piano and music theory lessons for a few months followed by basic lessons on bass guitar. At the time the studio did not have a full-time bass teacher and so I moved on to another teacher.My son took piano lessons from ages 7-12 and through the instruction was able to advance from being a beginner to fairly complex pieces. He was able to choose whether he participated in recitals or not, which matched his personality well.read more

Erin Fenner

20:26 22 Jul 19

My 10y.o. daughter has taken piano lessons at Five Hands Studio for 2.5 years. Rick is the owner/manager, and he works... diligently to hire quality instructors, and also provides a level of reliability. The staff are all friendly, and deal very well with children. The focus is on making music lessons fun and encouraging students to do their best and challenge themselves. The students I have observed really enjoy their lessons. There is also a recital 2x per year, which is a great opportunity for students to perform in a friendly and encouraging environment. We really enjoy being part of the Five Hands community!read more

Susan Kim

18:16 12 Oct 18

Wonderful school for music!! My daughter has been attending Five Hands Studio for over 3 years and has enjoyed working... with the great teachers & staff to learn to play piano as well as the language of music. Rick and the staff are on top of things and do a great job communicating. Five Hands = 5 stars!read more

Next Reviews

Testimonials

“I am most thankful to you for the teaching you provide that goes beyond the keyboard. My boy has learned a lot about setting goals and then working towards them. Participating in Guild and Achievement in Music helped in that regard. I also think he has gained self-confidence through this piano experience and that is so important in everything he will do in life. Thank you so much for everything you have done.”

Bernie Litton - Sauganash

“You get what you pay for - and I found that out the hard way. My daughter had been taking piano lessons at Five Hands for 2 years when my son decided to take guitar lessons. For financial reasons, we went elsewhere for less expensive lessons. Big mistake. Within 6 months, I asked Five Hands to take us back. My daughter was SO happy to be back! The quality of the instruction, the kid-friendly, individualized approach, the assistance offered to parents all add up to real value. I am a teacher myself and applaud Five Hands Studio for an approach that actually motivates kids to practice. We are here to stay!”

Jennifer B. Rousseau, WHNP

Assistant Professor Rush University College of Nursing

“Jack (7) practiced your way and he really got it, had fun and mastered the section. The next day he insisted on playing the piece through from beginning to end, but it was quite sloppy and he was frustrated. I suggested that he try just the bit we had worked on the day before and it was beautiful, which really impressed him. Claire (my 10-year-old) today insisted that I 'play the games' I had played with Jack during his practice, because she felt left out. We did it on one of her new pieces and she quickly saw how well it worked. Thanks again!"

Marny Turvill, M.D

Skokie Pediatrician

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