TOMMY SCHILB'S PIANO LESSONS IN FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
Hi, I'm Tommy! I offer private piano lessons in Fort Wayne for children and adults, personalized to your experience, musical interests, and goals! I'll help you build your skills and enjoy playing music! Watch me play below, or request a free trial lesson!
MEET YOUR PIANO TEACHER
Tommy studied jazz and classical piano performance at Ball State University and received national recognition in DownBeat Magazine for “Outstanding Original Composition.” A Fort Wayne native, he brings experience as a performing pianist and bandleader to personalized lessons for all ages and skill levels. His goal is to share the joy of playing piano through a music mentorship that’s personal, meaningful, and lasting.
My Videos
All Videos
All Videos
Nightingale - Oscar Peterson
Fragmented - Tommy Schilb
SIGN UP FOR LESSONS!
Parent experience
“We (typically) don't even have to remind him to practice because he loves those pieces so much.”
-Hannah G.
Adult learner experience
“He is patient and encouraging, but willing to kindly challenge me to continue to grow. As an adult learner I certainly appreciate his guidance.”
- Sheila S.
Student progress
“Besides that, there is soul to my son's piano playing now, a good balance of technical training and musical expression.”
-Maxine A.
ABOUT YOUR LESSONS
Children and beginners
Beginning at age five, students build a foundation in reading music, rhythm, and piano technique at a pace that suits them. I balance encouragement and challenge with music they enjoy, helping them grow in confidence and discover the pleasure of playing music.
Adults and returning players
Whether you are starting from scratch or returning after years away, we begin where you are. I love helping students create and stick with goals, including learning the fundamentals, exploring favorite songs and genres, mastering technique, and more!
Experienced pianists
For students with a foundation already in place, we build on your strengths, explore the directions you'd like to go, and work to unlock your fullest potential. Depending on your goals, that might mean more challenging repertoire, stronger technique, greater musical expression, or developing your ear and improvisation.
Music and skills you can learn
The music you love helps shape our lessons. I connect favorite songs with reading, rhythm, technique, and music theory so that each piece builds skills you can carry into the next. We can also explore playing by ear, improvising, and making a song your own.
What a regular lesson looks like
In lessons, I introduce new ideas, help work through lesson books/songs, listen to music you've been practicing, and set helpful piano goals to work towards at home so your piano skills can flourish.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What happens at the free trial lesson?
We get to know each other, talk about your musical interests and goals, and spend some time at the piano! If you have played before, you can share something you know; if you are new, we can begin with a few simple ideas. It's a great chance to see whether lessons feel like a good fit. Trial lessons are 30 minutes to an hour depending on the weekly lesson length you choose.
Where are lessons held?
I teach in Fort Wayne at 5917 Arapaho Trail, Fort Wayne, IN, 46825.
How long and how often are lessons?
I offer 30 minute and 1 hour weekly lessons. The right fit depends on your age, experience, and goals. I teach Monday through Saturday; use the inquiry form above to ask about current openings!
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $30 for half hour weekly lessons, and $60 for 1 hour weekly lessons, with payment on the first lesson of each month for the month.
Do I need a piano or keyboard at home?
Having an instrument available between lessons gives you a chance to explore what you are learning and build confidence. If you already have a piano or keyboard, tell me about it when you inquire! With keyboards, 88-key fully weighted keys are my recommendation, as they feel and sound the most similar to authentic pianos. 67-key non-weighted keyboards can work in the beginning, but it is recommended to upgrade when possible for maximal improvement.
How much should I practice?
Regular, focused practice matters more than simply watching the clock. I help students build a realistic routine and show them how to work through difficult passages. For younger students, a parent's encouragement can help make practice a positive habit. I typically recommend at least 3 days of dedicated practice per week to make substantial progress!
"All art constantly aspires towards the condition of music."
-Walter Pater
