Performance Class Schedule

Performance Classes are tentatively scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year in place of regularly scheduled private lessons, and in some cases are in addition to private lessons that week. While not required, they are strongly encouraged, and provide the student with an incentive to prepare one or two pieces of music to share with peers. Memorization is encouraged, but not required. The one-hour lesson will include a time of group teaching. A snack is also provided.

2025-2026 Performance Class Schedule

Tuesday, October 7 - in place of private lessons

Thursday, November 20 - in addition to weekly private lessons

Thursday, December 18 - in addition to weekly private lessons

Monday, February 2 - in place of private lessons

Thursday, April 16 - in addition to weekly private lessons

Caring for your Piano

Students are more likely to practice on a piano that sounds in tune to them, and fall is an ideal time to care for your piano in this way.  Tune your piano after the heat has been on in your home for at least two weeks, and  your instrument has adjusted to the changes in its heated environment.  Humidified air is another asset that helps keep your piano in tune during the winter months.  Contact me if you would like the names of reliable local piano technicians.

Thanks for visiting. My name is Mary.

I am full-time music teacher offering private piano lessons for students of all ages in my studio at my North Naperville home. I love teaching, and have been offering piano lessons for over thirty years (and now I really feel old). Each year I have between 30 and 40 students. I maintain my professional credentials and retain membership in the National Music Teachers Association (NMTA) and the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA). There are many options for finding a piano teacher, I hope the information on this site helps in your quest to bring beautiful music into your home. This site serves as an introduction, if you feel I could be a good fit for you and/or your child take the next step and contact me. Thank you.

Now Enrolling New Students

girl2_vertIf you are interested in lessons, please give me a call at 630.212.0150, use the form below, or email me at MaryButler@napervillepianoteacher.com.I am flexible, but these are the typical steps I go through with new students:

  1. We speak briefly by phone to answer questions, review policies, and set up the first lesson.
  2. During the first lesson I evaluate the student's music skills. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
  3. At the end of the lesson we decide if we want to move forward.
  4. When the student and the parent feel good about moving forward, I provide an assignment notebook, make music recommendations and we schedule lessons.
  5. After the meeting I purchase music and bill for the lesson, the music, and the balance of lessons that month. Ongoing lessons are billed at the beginning of the month.

What do piano lessons cost? and other common questions are found on my piano lesson FAQs page. Of course if you have additional questions feel free to contact me on any of the ways listed above.

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Is My Child Ready?

How does one know when a child is ready or is there an age where are you are too old to begin? These are great questions and beginning at the right age is important.  An ideal time to begin lessons is after first grade (age 7).  While some feel that this is too late, many experts advise this as an optimum time for several reasons:

  • Physical development – hand size and muscle development is more mature

  • The child is able to read for himself and can understand musical concepts.

  • Your child can sit by himself at the piano and practice without an adult present.  While I strongly encourage parental involvement with music studies, it is always the goal that the students become independent in their practicing.  Parents make a great audience, and “recitals” during the week are good motivation for your child.

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Is it too late to start after 7? No, if your child is older, his progress in learning will be faster.  There is wonderful music for the advanced beginner, so don’t feel that you’ve waited too long.  Your older beginner will grasp concepts quickly, and will develop his musical style in time to enjoy it, and you as his parent will, too!

How else can you tell if your child is ready for lessons? Does your child spend time playing around the piano or keyboard when others are present?  Does they enjoy making up their own songs? Of course the best indication that a child is ready for lessons is if they ask for piano lessons.  If  he/she is repeatedly asking for music lessons over a period of time, you will have some assurance that they will commit to music study.

Please visit piano lesson FAQs to find answers to other common questions. Interested in starting piano lessons?  Learn more about the next steps.