Jennifer Whiting Music Studio

12/04/2025

"The player should discover the work anew in each performance, and make the listener feel the full wonderment of that discovery." ~ Jonathan Biss, concert pianist, on overcoming perfectionism (NYT, Nov 29)

11/01/2025

A note to parents wondering what age is best for starting their little ones in piano lessons. First of all, kudos to you for investing in your children’s music education!

I look for three things to determine readiness for piano lessons: muscle strength in the fingers to manage the weight of keys with correct technique, ability to track left to right on the page (reading skill or reading readiness), and sufficent emotional/mental maturity for focusing during lessons and daily practice. For some little girls, first or second grade is when these factors come together. For some little boys, perhaps a year later, but each child is an individual.

Starting children on the piano before their tiny fingers can press the keys without going flat or floppy can lead to habits that are very difficult to overcome once strength does develop.

Teaching children to play piano before they can read is certainly accepted in several well-known piano methods, but I prefer to train the ear and develop reading ability simultaneously. I’ve had many students who resisted learning to read notes when they came to me after having a listen-and-play method first. In my experience, it takes years to overcome this handicap.

ALL children enjoy music, but not all are ready for the daily discipline of sitting at the piano. If a parent starts a child very early, they should be prepared to sit with the child at the piano every day for practice time unless the child is able to do it productively alone.

I recommend that parents of pre-school, kindergarten, and first-grade students provide lots of musical enrichment for their little ones: rhythm instruments, movement and dance, attending concerts, listening to all kinds of music, talking about music, exploring sounds, playing Orff-style instruments, matching pitches, and SINGING SINGING SINGING!

Regarding the piano specifically, encourage them to explore its sounds~~~show them how to find overtones, push clusters of keys, copy patterns, make up sound effects, and any other imaginative activities that come to mind. Then when they are really ready, you'll find much greater success and progress than if they had begun lessons too early.

Reach out to me if you’d like to discuss music lessons for your little pumpkins!

09/30/2025

How did "Fűr Elise" actually sound according to Beethoven's manuscript?

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

07/27/2025

“The piano is not the song, the piano is the voice that sings it. The piano is not the dance, it’s the stage we dance upon. The piano is not the story, it’s the pen that writes it. Our job is to help people hold the pen with confidence, and move it skillfully across the page as they sing, and dance, and tell their stories.”

~ Jason Sifford

07/26/2025

I want to thank my piano student Gigi for her warm endorsement. I'm so proud of all she has accomplished this year!

"Jennifer Whiting is the best piano teacher ever! I have been her student for little over a year and have learned more in this year than the last 10 years of lessons. I finally feel I am a pianist, and my artistry has improved tremendously since working with Jennifer. She is inspiring, uplifting, supportive, encouraging, and such a lovely person. I would encourage anyone on this path to seek her out. P.S. Love lessons on the grand piano!"

07/25/2025

Here's a quick overview of my musical background and experience.

Throughout my career, I've taught applied piano and voice as well as music courses at all levels from preschool through community college. I've conducted auditioned and non-auditioned choirs including Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale, DeKalb Festival Chorus, Rock Valley Master Chorale, and Northbrook Community Choir. I've been a church musician most of my life, most recently as Director of Music and Choir Director at Gary United Methodist in Wheaton for ten years.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in piano and English with a minor in art from Rockford University, and a master’s degree as well as a post-master’s performer’s certificate in conducting from Northern Illinois University.

I'm an active member of Music Teachers National Association, ISMTA, Chorus America, and American Choral Directors Association, serving on the board of IL-ACDA as Community Choir Chair.

I am passionate about leading choirs in joyful and uplifting musical experiences, mentoring young conductors, helping singers to discover and develop their voices, and guiding piano students to empower their self-expression. I find it truly satisfying to help students make progress toward their musical goals.

On a personal note, my husband Rob and I live in Huntley, IL, near our children and grand dogs. I enjoy traveling, attending concerts, spending time with loved ones, eating fine chocolate, and riding my bike. I also volunteer with an organization that is dear to my heart, Refuge for Women, a recovery program for victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

So, that's a little bit about me.

Whether you are just starting your journey or wanting to deepen your artistry, I look forward to learning how I can help you pursue your musical dreams. To schedule your free get-acquainted lesson, please reach out here on FB or email me at [email protected]!

07/22/2025

Now enrolling piano and voice students for personalized instruction in a warm and encouraging environment

See comments for info!

08/14/2024

Fall is a wonderful time to begin piano or voice lessons! I have openings on Wednesdays!

08/14/2024

This is Charlie.
Charlie sits by Jeff's piano every day.
Charlie loves to listen to Jeff practice.
Charlie knows good music.
Be like Charlie. 🤗🐶🎶