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Sing and play at the same time

Learn to Sing and Play
Piano in Chicago.

Accompanying yourself, singing and playing piano at once, feels impossible until someone shows you how to build the two skills and then weave them together. That’s exactly what these lessons do, whether you’re a singer who wants to back yourself up or a pianist who wants to find your voice. In-person at the studio in Ukrainian Village, or online via Zoom.

Try a $25 First Lesson →

Voice student? Book your first lesson →

Not ready to book? Email Nick directly →

Nick Olynciw, singing pianist and teacher in Chicago
DownBeat Award ×2 · Somatic Voicework™ I–III · MM Music Performance · Real instruments: Hammond B3, Rhodes, grand
What you’ll actually be doing

Two skills, woven together, step by step.

We build the playing and the singing as their own skills first, then layer them: simple accompaniment patterns under a melody, keeping a groove while you sing, and the independence that lets your hands run on autopilot so your voice is free. It’s methodical, and it’s very learnable.

Lessons are shaped around your songs and your goals, whether that’s singer-songwriter material, jazz standards at the piano, worship, or cocktail-style playing and singing. As a working pianist and singer myself, this is one of my favorite things to teach.

What your first few weeks build

Playing and singing together, sooner than you think.

LESSON 1

You leave playing a simple song and singing along with it, the two halves connected from the very first day.

FIRST FEW WEEKS

Hands and voice start to lock in. You can hold a groove going while you sing the melody over the top.

BY THE SEASON

A few songs you can perform solo, just you, the keys, and your voice, plus the coordination to add more.

Who this is for

Singers, pianists, and singer-songwriters.

Adults and serious teens at any level. Singers who want to accompany themselves, pianists who want to add their voice, and total beginners who want both from the start are all welcome.

Lessons are private, 50 minutes, Monday through Thursday, 3 to 9pm. Pricing runs from a single lesson ($125) to semester enrollment ($100 per lesson, billed $400 every 4 weeks); many start with the 4-Lesson Pack at $450.

Taught by Nick Olynciw, a working Chicago pianist, organist, and singer, in a real instrument-filled studio.

Common questions

Quick answers about learning to sing and play.

Do I need to already play piano or already sing?

No. We can start from either side, or from zero on both. The lessons are built to bring the two together at whatever pace fits you.

Is this hard?

It feels hard until it’s broken into steps, then it clicks. We build each skill separately before combining them, which is what makes it work.

What kind of songs can I learn?

Whatever you love, singer-songwriter, pop, jazz standards, worship, and more. Your repertoire drives the lessons.

What students say

5.0 on Google · teaching adults & teens since 2012

★★★★★
“He always provides repertoire that matches your current level while still challenging you to grow technically and musically. Excellent at guiding students through improvisation in a way that feels approachable and rewarding.”
Giuliano G.
Adult pianist
★★★★★
“He’s done an amazing job at building my skills and understanding from the ground up. He paces what I am learning very well so that it can feel challenging but doable.”
Cass H.
Jazz piano student
★★★★★
“Nicholas was my daughter’s voice teacher. He’s very perceptive at quickly getting to know a student as a unique individual.”
Amee M.
Parent · voice & musical theater student

Read all reviews on Google →

Learn to accompany yourself with confidence.
Try a $25 first lesson at the studio piano — 30 minutes, no commitment. Trial students get first access to fall slots.
Try a $25 Lesson →Or book your first voice lesson →
Fall 2026 enrollment

Not ready to book yet? Get first pick of the fall slots.

The studio holds 24 weekly lesson times. When fall enrollment opens, the list hears first, before ads, before anyone else.

One or two emails before fall. No spam, ever.

Try a $25 Lesson →