Doug Lalli is a superb piano teacher. As an adult student, I had not played in 43 years so was very nervous returning to the piano. Doug is very patient, supportive and understanding, yet holds consistently high standards and expects his students to play music beautifully. As an educator myself, I find his teaching methods to be extremely effective. He combines discipline with the art, the result of which are strong piano playing students. I am so glad I returned to piano playing with Doug, and think if I did not have such a strong teacher, I would not have kept with my lessons.

Roberta J.
Oak Park
Adult

I really like my piano teacher because he is really nice and he never yells. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give him a 9-1/2, because 10 is really perfect. He is really specific in his instructions and that helps me learn faster.

Alex I.
River Forest
Age 9

My daughter Grace started piano lessons with Doug Lalli in Feb., 2007 at age 8. In 6 months, she is playing songs! I have been impressed at his ability to teach the basics of music theory, something I never remember learning at this age. I would recommend Doug without reservation.

Beverly S.
River Forest
Parent

If for some reason you're looking for a Piano Instructor who is knowledgeable, versatile, reliable and professional - then look no more! Mr. Lalli has fitted this role perfectly for my kids - ranging in age from preschool to high school. Doug is very flexible and makes every effort to accommodate the learning needs of my children. He finds unique ways of challenging each child individually while still allowing them to have fun. We are proud to be part of this wonderful learning experience and look forward to our Seventh Annual Recital.

Dawn G.
Chicago
Parent

I started lessons at age 8 and have learned a lot in the six months he taught me piano. I think Mr. Lalli is a good teacher.

Grace L.
River Forest
Age 8

My daughter Zoharia attended piano lessons with Doug Lalli for 9 months–1 year after she turned 5 years old. She worked on scales, chords, and starting to read music. She liked Mr. Lalli a lot and often stated how “nice” he was. Mr. Lalli was always prepared for lessons. We met at both our home and Mr. Lalli’s. Mr. Lalli had games to play to make learning more fun and was good at teaching music theory to a young child. Although Zoharia greatly enjoyed lessons, she did not have the concentration to practice regularly—thus we are taking a piano lesson hiatus until she gets a little older. We highly recommend Mr. Lalli as a piano teacher.

Tamara L.
Oak Park
Parent

I took piano lessons with Doug as a returning adult student and enjoyed it very much. He has a relaxed and non-threatening approach, which made me feel at home. When I was at first intimidated by jazz, I found him encouraging and positive and inspiring. He was understanding and had a good sense of humor.
          I also brought my 7 year-old daughter for (classical piano) lessons and found Doug to be great with kids too. He was very patient with her as well. I appreciated his forward-looking ideas about her education. He offered good suggestions about expanding her education in ways I hadn’t thought of; we added sight-singing lessons (also with Doug) to the piano lessons and it went very well.
          Doug appreciates and nurtures talent where he finds it. Lastly I thought he used the time in lessons very well also (didn’t blather on like some private teachers do.)

Lisa M.
Forest Park
Adult student and parent

Doug Lalli is an extraordinary music teacher. I studied music theory as well as jazz improvisation with Doug for almost two years, and found his methods to be both enjoyable and effective. In particular, I liked that he didn’t teach by rote. He adjusted his instruction to fit my individual needs and level of talent. He quickly zeroed in on my strengths and weaknesses, and thereby developed a plan of action that suited me uniquely. Some of the things I learned from Doug were (and are) applicable to life. My playing and professionalism jumped up several levels under his tutelage.

Marc F., Chicago
Professional colleague and former student

In 1999 I contacted Doug Lalli to start taking piano lessons. I expected him to say I was too old. I was 86 years old at the time. He said you’re never too old to learn something new, let’s try it and see how it goes. I took lessons for 3 years and enjoyed every minute of it because he was very professional and knowledgeable in his work. I am now 91 years and still enjoy playing the piano.

Joe S.
Westchester
Adult student

I would look forward to going to piano lessons every Tuesday after school. It was my time to relax and unwind. When I’m playing the piano I am content and have not a care in the world. Mr. Lalli is a fantastic teacher that allowed me to play not only what he thought was appropriate but also what I desired to learn. It was a collaborative effort that took place over the course of almost seven years. I can take the theories, methods, and pieces I was taught and use them to further my hobby as a pianist. These lessons were not only habitual rituals but memorable learning experiences. Thank you Mr. Lalli for everything!

Andrea P.
Burr Ridge
Age 18

We have had a great experience with Mr. Lalli as our child’s piano teacher. He has been patient and very structured with her lessons. Our daughter is now in high school and she continues to be ahead in her advanced placement music appreciation and I can only thank Mr. Lalli for his training. My daughter also appreciates how much she has learned from Mr. Lalli. It is a pleasure to recommend Mr. Lalli to others as the best piano teacher. Thank you for your help!

Mr. & Mrs. David S.
Oak Park
Parents