Abigail Arkley

Abigail Arkley (she/her) is a pianist, performer, and educator with nearly a decade of experience teaching students of all ages in both private and group settings. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a concentration in contemporary classical works. Abigail has performed extensively throughout her career, in festivals such as the Interharmony Music Festival in Italy and on NPR’s From the Top as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist.

Abigail’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that every student is capable of meaningful musical growth and artistry when given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities to think critically. Rather than focusing solely on learning notes, she nurtures the whole inner artist through creative exploration, technical analysis, practice tools, and musical projects tailored to individual interests and expressions.

Wherever you are in your journey, Abigail has the tools and training to help you reach your goals. Outside the studio, Abigail is an active member of Chicago's arts community and is passionate about expanding access to high-quality music education. She co-founded the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Underground Initiative, an event series that offers accessible ticketing options, programming, and community-building events to the CSO’s season concerts. As a performer and multi-instrumentalist, Abigail enjoys collaborative music-making and is actively engaged in Chicago's vibrant music scene. She plays keys, synth, guitar, and provides backing vocals in multiple bands and ensembles, including her own solo project.