Five Hands Studio

Business Details

34 Years

experience

Expert Music Lessons in Skokie, IL

We are an innovative music education institution dedicated to nurturing musical talent and fostering lifelong learning. Our studio combines structured curriculum with personalized instruction to help students of all ages achieve their goals. Founded in 1992, we have built a reputation for excellence through our degreed faculty who perform with prestigious ensembles like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Our unique approach emphasizes collaboration between teachers, parents, and students, ensuring consistent progress through goal-setting and efficient practice methods.

We provide acoustic piano instruction, guitar lessons spanning multiple genres, and voice training that builds confidence and technical proficiency. With both in-person and online options, we serve communities across Chicago's North Shore while maintaining the highest standards of musical education. Our commitment to student development extends beyond technical skills to include performance opportunities, parent education seminars, and continuous progress monitoring through our proprietary teaching framework.

Services

Piano Lessons Guitar Lessons Voice Lessons Online Music Instruction Summer Lessons Parent Workshops Performance Coaching Music Theory Instruction Recital Preparation Curriculum Development

Details

Year established: 1992

Highlights and features

Degreed instructors with performance experience in major orchestras
Customized curriculum balancing classical foundations with contemporary styles
Parent education programs to enhance home practice effectiveness
Two annual low-pressure recitals for performance development
27+ years serving Chicago's North Shore communities with proven teaching methods

What people say

Patient and encouraging Professional and instructive Enjoy lessons weekly Performance opportunities excellent Parent guidance effective

Website

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Services

Piano Lessons

Structured piano instruction for all ages combines classical foundations with modern techniques. Our experienced instructors use method books and performance opportunities to develop technical proficiency and musical interpretation. Students receive personalized feedback while building skills through goal-oriented practice strategies.

Guitar Lessons

Comprehensive guitar lessons cover acoustic, electric, and ukulele instruction across multiple genres. Our curriculum balances technical development with creative expression, helping students master chords, scales, and performance techniques while fostering musical creativity through personalized lesson plans.

Voice Lessons

Professional vocal instruction focuses on breath control, pitch accuracy, and performance technique. Students develop healthy singing habits through targeted exercises while exploring various musical styles. Our instructors help students build confidence and stage presence through regular performance opportunities.

Online Lessons

High-quality remote music lessons maintain our signature personal approach using dedicated teaching environments and interactive tools. Our virtual platform supports real-time feedback while providing access to digital resources that enhance learning consistency and practice effectiveness for students anywhere.

Parent Workshops

Guided parent education programs teach effective practice support strategies and music learning fundamentals. These sessions help families create productive practice environments while building understanding of musical development to enhance student progress and motivation.

People

Rick Cinquemani

Owner/Music Director

Professional musician and educator with 30+ years experience guiding student progress and developing teaching methodologies. Maintains direct oversight of instructional quality and teacher development.

Mariah Moore

Voice Teacher

Experienced vocal instructor who specializes in building singing confidence and technical proficiency. Performs with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and teaches personalized voice techniques for all skill levels.

Matt Brennan

Voice & Piano Teacher

Classically-trained vocalist and pianist who helps students overcome performance anxiety while developing technical skills through encouraging, personalized instruction that builds musical confidence and capability.

Ms. Cheng

Piano Instructor

Dedicated piano teacher known for making complex concepts accessible to young learners. Creates engaging lesson plans that maintain student interest while developing fundamental skills through structured practice approaches.

Questions

What music lessons do you offer?

We provide piano, guitar, and voice lessons for all skill levels with both in-person and online instruction options available.

Are online music lessons effective?

Yes, our structured virtual lessons use dedicated teaching environments and interactive tools to maintain educational quality and consistency.

What makes your instructors qualified?

All teachers hold music degrees and have professional performance experience, including collaborations with Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Do you serve areas outside Skokie?

We serve Skokie, Lincolnwood, Evanston, Morton Grove, Niles, Wilmette, and surrounding Chicago North Shore neighborhoods.

How do you involve parents in learning?

We offer parent education seminars and regular communication to help families support effective practice habits at home.

What performance opportunities exist?

Students participate in two annual low-pressure recitals plus optional group lessons and mini-recitals throughout the year.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Pamela Maigler

Aug 10, 2022 Report

I believe you've been telling my daughter "how to practice" for quite some time. As you know, it is very hard to get any information out of a child after lessons. It was a very informative and useful opportunity to sit down with you and get a complete overview of how to practice. Parents should be very strongly encouraged to attend. I only wish you would have had this seminar much sooner!

Bernie Litton

Aug 10, 2022 Report

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.

Annie Noorts

Jun 14, 2021 Report

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!

Dunkin

Aug 26, 2020 Report

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.

Josh Noel

Jul 14, 2020 Report

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.

Erin Fenner

Jun 07, 2020 Report

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!

Elizabeth Palmer

Mar 07, 2020 Report

One of our neighbors recommended Five Hands, and we couldn't have made.a better choice! Our daughter's piano teacher is gentle, firm, encouraging, challenging, and understanding all at the same time. The studio owner is great at talking with kids (and parents) about problems that arise in practicing-playing through frustration, dealing with boredom, striking a balance between note reading and playing by ear. A sense of joy about music has entered our household. Our younger child is now asking "when will I be old enough to start piano lessons?"