The Bridgeport Academy of Piano Arts (BAPA) was founded in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago, the summer of 2007 by award-winning pianist and composer Doug Lalli. When Doug relocated to the western suburbs, he began teaching students in their own homes or at his studio in Oak Park.
Now, to accommodate the demands and limitations of “Stay Home, Stay Safe” guidelines, Doug is giving lessons online via digital platforms such as Zoom and Google Hang Outs. Students can use their I-Pads or Laptops as live stream cameras to connect.
An exceptionally talented pianist who has performed in clubs around the country, Doug has a special gift for using his own musicianship to teach others. Every student enjoys the benefits of one-on-one lessons especially designed for him or her so they can avoid the wasted effort that slows down the progress of so many piano students.
Doug’s 20-plus years of experience teaching, as well as his work as a performer, arranger and band leader, make him an ideal musical mentor for students of all ages, whether they’re beginners or advanced pupils. And he’s an expert in teaching all styles: classical, pop and jazz piano.
We invite you to browse this site to find out more about Doug’s impressive career, teaching philosophy and techniques. For more information about lessons, please email him now or call 708.228.7150.
About Doug Lalli
"Animus"
composed and arranged
by Doug Lalli and performed by
the Doug Lalli Septet
Doug Lalli has been a professional jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer for over 20 years, performing in clubs and concert halls in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago. A graduate of the University of Hartford, which features one of the most respected music schools in the country, he worked as a sideman in New York City with numerous jazz luminaries including ZOOT SIMS, ANITA O’DAY, and ROLF ERICSON. He also founded the TRIBECA JAZZ QUARTET and, later, the DOUG LALLI SEPTET in order to feature his own compositions at concerts, festivals and clubs throughout Greater New York.
In 1982 Lalli moved to Philadelphia and quickly became a respected member of the local jazz community, performing in virtually every important jazz room in Greater Philadelphia. His virtuosity was recognized by the Delaware State Arts Council in 1994 when he was awarded an Individual Artist Fellowship in Jazz Performance. Since moving to Chicago in 1997, he has performed at some of Chicagoland’s most important jazz rooms, such as Green Dolphin Street, Andy’s, Pete Miller’s Steak House, and Philander’s. But performing and composing has been only part of Doug’s musical life. The other part has been teaching music to students of all ages. Particularly effective with beginners, he believes firmly in giving everyone he teaches a solid musical foundation so that they can pursue their music studies to as high a level as their innate ability and work ethic will take them. In addition, he has evolved a method of teaching anyone—even those with no previous musical training—to play “by ear.” And for the more advanced student, Doug also offers instruction in composition, music theory, and songwriting.
