About Margaret Hoover's Piano Studio

My goal is to foster appreciation and understanding of all styles of music, and to help students achieve their personal goals. My many years of experience will help guide you through a path of discovery, fun and fulfillment.

Teaching Philosophy

My philosophy is to provide the best education possible.  I believe in developing the full potential in my students, while at the same time listening to and respecting their goals for music studies. 

I strive to provide a comprehensive music education through both private and group lessons. The “once a month” group lesson includes musicianship training, music history, composition, ear training and improvisation.  I also offer opportunities to study popular and jazzy pieces and harmonization.  Students must have daily access to a piano, either acoustic or digital.

Recitals are held in December and in May/June. 

I offer participation in the Achievement In Music (AIM) curriculum of the Illinois State Music Teachers Association.  This is a well-rounded musical course from levels I to XII, has training in sight reading, aural skills, harmonization, and music theory, as well as learning the classics and playing musically.  Students are tested annually and are judged on their own performance (not in comparison to others) by other teachers of the Chicago Area Music Teacher’s Association.

I  started a  Recreational Music Making class in June 2009.  This was a beginning class for adult students who had little or no previous training.  This class made a delightful 5 min.video.  The link for it is on the student page.

Location

Rogers Park in Chicago, IL 60626

About Margaret Hoover.

Education

Bachelor of Music degrees from Roosevelt University in comprehensive music education (1975) and in piano pedagogy (1991)

Nationally certified by the Music Teachers National Association (2004)

Mrs. Hoover has made presentations at the MTNA National conferences in 2013 and 2015, in addition to her own CAMTA chapter on the subject of Recreational Music Making.  She continues to attend conferences and workshops to further her effectiveness as a teacher.

Teaching experience:

Piano teacher (all ages, private and group) for 50 years

Conductor/music director for adult church choir for 20 years

Accompanist for choirs since H.S.

Director of childrens choirs for 25 years

Musical program organizer for recitals and nursing homes for 50 years

Active member in Chicago Area Music Teacher’s Association on the Achievement in Music committee, etc.

Additional information:

Mrs. Hoover currently serves as organist/pianist at Hope Community Church in Park Ridge, IL ,for over 10 years.   She occasionally performs on piano, flute, accordion and musical saw, often accompanied by her husband, also a professional musician.