Nancy Dempsey

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

I have been a piano teacher in the Palatine and Rolling Meadows area for thirty years. My experience has convinced me that all of my students have the capability to be artistic. Students at any age or playing level have the capacity to express and communicate an idea or emotion at the piano. To this end, I work with the whole student, utilizing Dalcroze eurhythmics, improvisation, and centering activities. A focused and creative mind integrated with a balanced, efficient and expressive body provides a good foundation for all of life’s endeavors. The same basic formula works to facilitate the execution of any activity, and to promote good health and emotional well-being.

I strive to keep playing levels consistent with what the student can comfortably maintain while pursuing the musical goals. I work one-on-one in order to meet individual needs. This is best accomplished with an open relationship between student, parent, and teacher.

Music taps into that which is great, mysterious, and profound. One need not be a concert artist to partake in this experience. And besides, if we “play our keys right”, it’s even fun!

My Musical Education Background

Valparaiso University
B.A. (Music - Piano)

Michigan State
B.M. (Music Therapy)

Colorado State University
completed training in Neurologic Music Therapy

Numerous classes and workshops in Dalcroze Eurhythmics

Genres and Subjects Taught

My core teaching pieces are classical in style. But I enjoy all styles of music and supplement lessons with music of the student's choosing. I have a large lending library which enables me to give student's music of interest without requiring the purchase of additional books.

I prefer to teach theory through improvisation. The theoretical lessons are then integrated into actual musical experience. I offer a midi computer lab that includes a Finale music notation program for budding composers. Likewise, technique needs to be incorporated into the student's pieces from the very beginning.

I try to prepare students to be competitive if applying to college music programs. At the same time, I realize most students will be recreational players, so I work to balance my curriculum to meet the needs of each individual.

Lesson Rates

Please contact me for current rates.

I teach Tuesdays, Wednesdays,  and Thursdays in my home studio, which is on the border of Palatine and Rolling Meadows. My studio includes a 6'2"' grand piano and a digital keyboard for my computer lab.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I encourage very young children to enroll in a Kindermusik program.
I teach students aged six through adult.

My Certifications and Awards

National Music Teachers Association

National Guild of Piano Teachers

American Music Therapy Association

Neurologic Music Therapy certification

Student of eleven years featured twice on WMFT's "Introductions" program featuring "the Chicago-area's talented pre-college classical musicians".

My Musical Influences

Among many others, I love Bach, Scarlaltti, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Bartok. I also enjoy rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music.

I would also consider Emile Jacques-Dalcroze a major influence. He maintained that music and all its nuances first must be experienced in the body before it can be expressed through an instrument. He developed his philosophy of "eurhythmics" to help train the mind-body musically.

Service Area

Heather K
Algonquin, IL

Nancy is the most wonderful music teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She is patient and kind and truly knows how to TEACH, no matter what age you are. I sadly moved away from the area and had health issues and miss her terribly. But if I could, I would continue to work with her for as long as she would allow me:). This is the teach you want!