Testimonials
We are so grateful to have Ms. Hardin as our children’s piano teacher. She is a patient, enthusiastic teacher who makes music feel accessible to young students. Her positive demeanor and steady encouragement have helped our children build skills and confidence as young musicians. Ms. Hardin’s high expectations combined with her clear communication and concrete advice helped us establish good practice habits at home that build on the work done in lessons.
Ms. Hardin sets high goals for her students, but she also teaches them how to manage performance pressure and to adapt when things do not go as planned. When our daughter had a difficult recital, Ms. Hardin helped her take a moment and then replay the piece at the end, turning a frustrating experience into a positive one that emphasized resilience and growth.
We are so sorry to see Ms. Hardin leave Chicago; we cannot recommend her enough!
— T. and J. DeOre
Julia has been a pleasure to work with. She has responded flexibly to my goals as a late-life amateur singer, while both encouraging and challenging me step by step to develop abilities I would have thought were beyond me. I will miss her as part of my life!
— B. Barry
Julia is one of the best investments you can make in the pursuit of bringing music into your home. Julia teaches our daughter piano with an immersive approach to form, theory, and most importantly, feeling. She is timely, energetic, flexible and that puts kids (and parents) at ease and eager for lessons. An accomplished musician herself, Julia teaches from a classical repertoire but is willing to let her students venture into modern arrangements as well. We couldn’t be happier with our house filled with Mozart, Bach, Brahms et al. We are so thankful that Emma’s piano and music “awareness” was cultivated by Julia Hardin.
— W. Lane
The lovely Julia Hardin epitomizes the classical music teacher with firm boundaries, clear instruction and a fun spirit that motivates her students to do their best. Her calm and youthful composure sets a fine example for young students as they learn the technical skills of piano playing.
She also instructs experienced vocalists and pianists, including my husband. She inspires musical and emotional appreciation for the piano and vocal range with her own expertise and talented repertoire.
Ms. Hardin patiently reminds my young pianist [after four years of continued study] proper posture and finger positioning as he learns the basics and progresses to intermediate level. Julia also explains and teaches music theory and respect for the piano. It’s a joy to watch Julia’s students each year perform in their annual recital that reflects the range of her students.