Naperville Piano Teacher

Name: Bill Forssander, Customized Piano Lessons
Address: 2212 Arrowhead Dr, Naperville, IL, 60564, US
Telephone: 630.881.5160

BILL FORSSANDER

Customized Piano Lessons

All Musical Styles Taught

All Ages Welcome

Near Rt 59 and 87th Street

(White Eagle Subdivision)

Special emphasis on an approach customized to the ability and interest of each student. My goal is to empower the student to realize the many rewards of understanding and performing all styles of great music for rewards that last a lifetime.

A brief overview of my musical background:

I began performing professionally at the age of 16 with many local and regional dance bands.

I played and recorded with bands led by Jimmy McDaniels (Jazz Hall of Fame, Soloist and guest conductor with the Indianapolis Symphony), the Jimmy Coe Orchestra (noted performing and recording artist; a band selected to perform at a presidential inauguration).

I studied piano performance, theory, keyboard harmony and arranging privately with:

Dr. David N. Baker, composer and chair of jazz studies at Indiana University, recipient of Kennedy Center for Performing Arts award for "Living Jazz Legend and Lifetime Achievement;" and Conductor of Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra
Bradley Williams, former pianist/arranger for Woody Herman, multiple recordings and teacher at Chicago area colleges
Frank Caruso, keyboard professor at Chicago area colleges who performed at the White House and with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and made numerous recordings
Skip Green, noted performer and teacher of many professional pianists.

Please see these two YouTube sites for examples of some of what my students can learn and become capable of playing: RoGoPiano and Marissa Plays Piano

A number of high school students, after studying with me, have been awarded

full music scholarships to college.

One of my students (view YouTube "RoGoPiano) recently won a prestigious competition, to be awarded

Best High School Jazz Pianist in the State of Illinois

My studio location, at the intersection of Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield, is conveniently close to students of Waubonsee High School, Nequa Valley High School and Matea High School.

Regarding Lessons:

I accept a limited number of students and provide lessons at my studio near 87th St. and Rt 59 in Naperville.
Lessons are for 45-60 minutes.
I often provide music at no additional cost.

Recent picture of Bill and wife Carol sailing an America's Cup sailboat in New Zealand.

I Help:

Students who have had previous lessons on piano or other instruments, but want to expand their understanding and ability to perform many styles of music, and for those interested, to learn composing, arranging, improvising.

Empower mature and senior citizens who may not have had lessons before, or those who want to restart their ability to enjoy the emotional and mind-building benefits of making music.

Students from middle school through college improve their music class grades, performance in contests, and performance in music groups.

Note: Any student under age 10 must be able to read music and have a minimum of 2 years of lessons.

To discuss your musical interests and available lesson times, contact Bill Forssander at

BForssander@yahoo.com or 630.881.5160

Student Testimonials:

"Both our sons have made significant progress. They really enjoy learning from Bill and playing for their friends and family." R.S.

"I studied with Bill after winning a number of awards for composition and performance. I wanted to know more about keyboard harmony, improvisation and arranging. What I learned from Bill has been very helpful in my pursuits as a college level music major, composer and performer." M.B.

" I began lessons with Bill after many years of instruction on voice and other instruments. My studies with Bill have greatly expanded my understanding and ability to perform many styles of music as well as practical ways to apply music theory. He has helped me become a more complete musician." K.A.P.

"Previously I had become disappointed with the limited and generic approaches of others. That all changed when I started with Bill. Since then I have been awarded the highest designation in three district competitions and I have learned much more about many kinds of music through understanding and performing his original compositions and arrangements. M.A.B.

"At age 72 I wondered if I could resume piano after so many years away from it. For 4 years Bill helped me rediscover the joy and satisfaction of better understanding and playing the music I love. This is now something I really enjoy sharing with my children and grandchildren." S.S.

"After less than two years of lessons with Bill my son won the highest designation in a district piano competition playing a very challenging jazz stride piano piece. I also renewed my enthusiasm for playing after 20 years away from piano after studying with Bill and now enjoy playing for my church." E.L.