Katie Mellas

Piano Studio

Willowbrook & Downers Grove & Oak Brook | IL

It is my goal to instill a love of music in my students, because music is fun and enjoyable! Therefore, I try to make piano lessons fun, and use creative techniques to motivate and inspire students, based on their learning style.

Lesson Details
Contact me

About Me

Your Music Journey Begins Here

I started taking piano lessons at age 6 and have not stopped learning since! I absolutely love teaching and watching my students grow and appreciate music! I’ve been teaching beginning through advanced students for over 15 years, and been trained in piano pedagogy. (Pedagogy: The method and practice of teaching. :))

In teaching, I love to customize lessons to fit individual learning styles, and to meet the specific needs and goals of each student. One of my core principles is to evaluate my techniques and methods and adjust accordingly to be the most effective in teaching and to help my students succeed. This approach to teaching has enabled many of my students to win school competitions, play for their friends and community, and perform in talent shows. I encourage each student to develop these skills for their own enjoyment and for playing in their community!

Qualifications

I have my undergrad in Liberal Arts: Psychology, and my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I have been teaching since high school, and my teaching qualifications come from the unique learning opportunities I’ve had and from the variety of instructors I’ve studied under

In addition to piano pedagogy, I have also studied a wide variety of musical techniques including orchestrating/composing over two dozen scores for community orchestras and ensembles, organ performance at Naper Settlement, studying music theory and composition, and studying vocal techniques under an operatic instructor.

N
Pedagogy classes and coaching with Jane Baldridge, B.A in Music Education, NCTM, Certified Piano Instructor
N
Private piano lessons and composition techniques with Scott Mayer, M.A. in Choral Conducting
N
Private and group lessons with Donna Shinn, Music Instructor and church pianist
N
Private piano and theory lessons with Erin Anders, and others.

Hannah, student

“I really love writing music, and Katie helped me organize my compositions and turn them into some songs and even print them out on my own sheet music!”

Lilliana, student

“My experience with Katie is great. She is teaching me so many great things. I would definitely recommend Katie to anyone who wants to play piano.” 

Kevin, parent of student

“Katie has been amazing with our two girls. Both have grown quickly, are learning great skills, and are having great fun.” 

Jeanette, parent of student

“Katie is a very organized, patient, and talented piano teacher.” 

Bethany, student

“Katie’s teaching is great! She pushed me to go to greater heights with my skills and put me in a lot of different genres to try out different things. I really grew a lot taking lessons from her!” 

Nello & Alicia, parents of students

“If you are looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working piano teacher, Katie Mellas is the young woman for you! We have been very pleased with the instruction she has given our two boys.”

Alexandria, age 14

“I have been playing piano with Katie for the past 3 ½ years and have made a lot of progress. I started off only knowing the treble clef and the names of keys on piano, and now I know the bass and treble clef, whole notes through 16th notes, ties and slurs, dotted ...

Lia, student

“I really like Katie as my teacher. She is nice and patient. I love using all the stickers!”

Sarah, parent of student

"My middle child had previously made progress with a reading specialist (aka dyslexia) and we found learning to read music and the progressive approach in the music books Katie picked for each kids need/levels have had a tremendous impact on her tracking during ...

Allyson, parent of student

“I really enjoy watching my 6yo learn piano from Katie. She is so patient and kind. She is not strict (as some piano teachers tend to be) and instead uses encouragement to get my daughter to grow. We really enjoyed how she put together a low-pressure recital. My ...

Teaching Method

What Books and Materials do you use?

Based on the learning styles and goals of each student, I have several piano courses that I recommend for the student to choose from.

Most courses have 2-4 books per level, and take about 6-12 months to go through. The cost is generally $30 per level, and to make it easier for you, I typically order the books.

Several of the main books I use include hands-on writing and drawing activities, as well as fun and showy songs that are perfect for your own enjoyment and for showcasing what techniques you’ve recently learned. These books help the student learn fundamentals of music such as theory, sight-playing, technique and expression, ear-training, and composition in fun and creative ways.

Also, as a student progresses, I love to include new and popular music depending on what you are interested in. If you have specific songs that you’d like to learn (Disney, Star Wars, Imagine Dragons, Taylor Swift, church worship music, etc.), we can find other books or sheet music for you to study.

Lesson Details

Lessons are usually 30 minutes weekly (sometimes 45 minutes weekly for more advanced students). I recommend committing to study for at least six months. The first lesson is complimentary as it allows me to get a feel for the student’s skill level and their level of interest. It also gives you a chance to observe my teaching style.

 

  • – Lessons are at my studio in Willowbrook
  • – I also occasionally travel to you if you have multiple students (for an extra cost)
  • – Beginning to advanced piano lessons
  • – Flexible lesson times
Why Take Piano Lessons?
  • Boosts self-confidence in learning new skills
  • Improves academic skills, specifically math and problem-solving skills
  • Improves discipline and patience
  • Gives a sense of accomplishment as they learn songs and musical terms
  • Inspires creativity and thinking
  • Develops hand/eye coordination and fine motor skills
  • In a US survey, over 80% of adults who don’t play an instrument wish they had learned one.
Recitals and Competitions
Recitals are a vital part of the student’s accomplishments! I plan and organize recitals twice a year to help encourage confidence, foster growth, and show student progress. Depending on their interest, there are also a couple regional piano competitions that I recommend.

As they continuing practicing and performing, students develop confidence and self-esteem, and each performance becomes more natural. I encourage them to take as many opportunities as they can to play for their family and friends, their school and/or church, and perform in competitions.

What Is a good age to start Music lessons?
Children of all ages significantly benefit from a good musical education and I have found that six or seven years old (first or second grade) is a great age to start! However, I also take 4 or 5 year-olds if they are excited and the parents are willing to put a little more time and effort into helping them practice. They can often learn a lot and gain an appreciation of music from a young age!

Older children and adults are great learners too, and I have an accelerated piano course that I use with them. Or if they’ve already had lessons, I’m flexible about the method and books that I use.

Contact Me

"*" indicates required fields

Name*