Sorry this pro can’t do your job, but we know other pros who can. Check them out
About
Hey there Thumbtack! I am Greg Jacks, a professional musician and piano teacher in Chicagoland. I have been teaching private piano lessons for 8 years now, and am currently living in Albany Park. I offer both in-home and in-studio lessons to adults and children. I have over 20 years experience on the instrument and teach students of all levels. I am trained in many different styles of music including: classical, jazz, pop, blues, country, and more. Everything from Beethoven to Billy Joel!!
Additionally, I am currently getting my Masters at NEIU in piano pedagogy. This coupled with my prior music education enables me to teach at a uniquely high level. I offer both a fall and spring piano recital which are free and open to all students. Lastly, I even write and arrange sheet music specifically for individual students.
"A great teacher stimulates his student's creativity enough so that they go out and find the answers themselves" -- Herbie Hancock.
Overview
Hired 17 times
Background checked
1 employee
10 years in business
Business hours
Sun10:00 am - 10:00 pmMon10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Cash, Check, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle.
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, value, and professionalism.
Excellent 4.9
15 reviews
5
93%
4
7%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Jenny H.
Feb 21, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
As an adult returning to the piano after many years, I have enjoyed lessons with Greg immensely! He is patient, knowledgeable, and helpful. I've re-remembered some things, but I've learned a lot to complement some of the "muscle memory" and Greg is excellent about sharing some of the theory - which now makes sense after my experiences of a long time ago. I have really enjoyed my lessons and would DEFINITELY recommend him. My lessons have given me motivation to keep playing (and practicing). :)
Piano Lessons (for adults)
Janice L.
Dec 27, 2016
•
Hired on Thumbtack
My 5 year old son enjoyed Greg's lessons very much. Greg is professional, patience and kind. We are glad to find him as my son's first piano teacher.
Piano Lessons (for children or teenagers)
Tanvi R.
Sep 2, 2017
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I couldn't have asked for more from Greg's approach. He adjusted and tailored his style and our lessons to meet me where I was at yet provided the right level of challenge to keep me motivated
Piano Lessons (for adults)
Liz M.
Nov 11, 2024
Greg is an exceptional piano teacher for kids! His patience, creativity, and warm personality make lessons engaging and fun, while his approach helps children develop strong foundational skills. Greg has a knack for adapting his teaching style to each child’s interests and learning pace, keeping them motivated and excited about playing. Our daughter look forward to every lesson and are progressing beautifully thanks to his guidance. Highly recommend Greg for young learners!
Corey h.
Apr 18, 2022
I've been taking lessons with Greg for four and a half years now, starting from nearly zero in 2018, with the goal of eventually being able to sit down at a piano and "just play". With Greg's teaching (and patience), I've moved closer and closer to this goal, feeling more comfortable in all types of settings, playing songs that I've learned and small melodies that I improvise.
Credentials
Background Check
Gregory Jacks
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
30 min. Lesson - $45
45 min. Lesson - $55
1 hr. Lesson - $70
***$5 discount on every lesson length if you travel to me***
***$70 flat rate for back-to-back 30min Lessons in the same house***
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
After we've picked a time and place to meet (either your home or my in-home studio), I gather information on a student's prior experience, musical background, and expectations. Then, I tell them about my playing experience and teaching philosophies. From there we can schedule a first lesson. If the fit feels right, we can talk about finding a time for a weekly session.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been playing piano for 23 years and have studied with countless piano teachers in the DC, Syracuse, and Chicago areas. I graduated high school in the DC area, then went to Syracuse University for my B.A. and am currently pursuing my M.F.A. in Piano Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University. Instructors I have worked with include: Joe Riposo, Jim Levy, Bob Murad, Wade Beach, Rick Montalbano, Peter Schwendener, Louise Chan, and Susan Tang. I focus mostly on jazz, rock, pop, and blues piano, but know my way around classical repertoire as well. New Orleans blues piano and ragtime are my main areas of expertise.
