What an amazing Gem tucked into the South Loop along Michigan Avenue. You can find the location by looking for the Vertical Sign consisting of a Piano Keyboard Keys.... There are three floors to this location. I was here for a social engagement/film screening on the second floor-individuals or groups can rent out this room which consists of a screen (pull down)/projector capability as well as a piano and guest seating for approximately 40 people (or more). It was great to see a film in this second floor room as it was constructed to emulate sound in a truly melodic way....it was an amazing location to see a classic movie and have a group discussion. Very fun! read more

Recently purchased a baby grand piano for our home from Thomas and the staff at PianoForte. The experience was great from the purchase, all the way to delivery and the follow up tuning. Would absolutely recommend! read more

I've had the pleasure of using PianoForte's recording services and piano studio numerous time in the last few years. And I can happily say that this is not only one of the best studios I've ever worked in, but is also the most comfortable environment I've yet encountered for the grueling and often psychological straining processing of recording music. Tom Zoells is an asset to Chicago's music scene in general, and his piano shop (whose proceeds have allowed him to extend so much of his goodwill to the rest of Chicago) are a testament to his taste and honesty as a businessman. Make your next recording here. Or buy your next piano or keyboard. You'll immediately see what sets Tom and the rest of the team at PianoForte apart. read more

This place was very good and tidy looking. The style of the building and rooms had a modern and clean feel. I'm the performance hall, though it was very freezing when I went but I bet that's adjustable by whoever chooses to rent. Any way, was a great place. 5/5 read more

PianoForte Chicago - The concert hall - Piano Stores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very beautiful showroom and you can expect to work with genuine, professional and nice people. Ask for Thomas and he will guide you the right way. I am in the market for a good professional upright so I had visited almost all the piano stores that you can name in chicago. I had visited stores that i would not want to give my business to, and PianoForte is definitely on the opposite end of it. PianoForte has some of the nicest piano in the world (Fazioli, Grotrian, Feurich, and the more popular one which is Kawai). Even though they sell very expensive piano, I find they also have some entry to mid level piano. so something for everyone. Piano shopping can be a very stressful process and experience. as many people said, sometimes it's even worse than car shopping. However, I don't think it's necessary the case when you work with people who are truly passionate about music. They care more about you finding *your* right instrument than just pushing for a sale. and I think Thomas's passion in setting up this store as well as the creation of PianoForte Foundation is a testament of his passion in piano. Check out the PianoForte Foundation website and you'll understand what i meant. I have no associations with this piano store. I'm just a regular customer who haven't played piano for 20+ years and now it's time to pick up my childhood hobby. I just want to share my experience with others (esp. amateur players or adult beginners). When I started my piano search, I looked up piano stores in yelp and didn't have much success in finding info. and I had some really bad and negative experience. I hope my review will help someone in finding *their* instrument and have a great experience. I'd be happy to share my experiences that I had with other stores (beside PianoForte, I would also recommend a few other places) and piano models that i had tried. Feel free to send me private messages. Piano shopping should be a pleasant journey! read more

My first interaction with PianoForte Chicago was posting an inquiry through their website concerning a particular model of pianos, which Thomas Zoells (the owner) answered immediately. The showroom was lovely during my visit in November 2014. I was assisted by Steve Marcus, who was very helpful in providing detailed comparisons of my various options. While I really longed for the tactile response of an acoustic piano, city/apartment life isn't particularly conducive to owning a grand piano. I walked in the store with my heart set on the Yamaha Clavinova series of digital pianos, but Steve demonstrated several hybrid pianos, which combine the versatility of digital sound with the touch of an acoustic piano. I walked out of the building the new owner of an AvantGrand N1. There was one hiccup when I received the incorrect owner's manual upon delivery of the instrument, but Steve was quick to provide me with the right materials during a follow-up visit to the store. PianoForte offers excellent professional service in my experience and I have not regretted my purchase since. If I were to someday upgrade to an acoustic, I wouldn't hesitate to return. read more

The staff is pretty checked out. Not really listening to what their prospective customers are saying or asking. I suppose they've been spoiled by the customers in their building but to survive in a competitive market they'll need to rethink their approach to service. If you need a piano or recording studio, look elsewhere. read more

Best piano establishment and showroom! They have a wide variety of beautiful instruments, and they host amazing musical events. They also have soundproof practice rooms with upright pianos, along with their recording studio. In 2016, I rented-to-own a Grand Piano (Feurich), and they have always been very accommodating. I Highly recommend them! read more

As a pianist who recently moved to Chicago, PianoForte quickly became my second home. It is not your usual piano sales company! They support and are so passionate about the arts, the artists and the culture in general. It is the only place in Chicago as a one stop shop for piano lovers: rent a room to practice, rent a gorgeous studio to make high quality video and audio recordings, stream your performances, buy a piano, find a technician to work on your piano, attend hundreds of incredible concerts, receptions, find a perfect teacher etc. And what makes it an incredible place is the people who work there: dedicated, honest and personable. read more

Owner approach to customer satisfaction is stuffy and ostentatious. Business model not working as they need to move out of 900 N Michigan. Don't bother trying to negotiate with them. So many new ways to purchase pianos now, both new and used, that reliance on an "only game in town" piano store in the city of Chicago just doesn't make sense any more. Move on and shop elsewhere. read more

The recital hall is great. The back room gets a little loud when the air comes on, though. I told Victor about this. The facility is brand new, and beautiful, although it's got the kind of modern aesthetic that needs to be kept spotlessly clean, otherwise it shows evidence of use easily. (All the wood, the glass, and the bathroom especially.) read more

PianoForte takes great care of me and my piano students--it's my go-to spot for piano recitals, with a beautiful space and reasonable rates. Can't thank them enough, especially Victor! read more

My comment is not based on a purchase but as a music lover. What a beautifully stunning venue in appearance and, more importantly, in acoustics. And I love how this business promotes jazz in Chicago through live performances on WDCB Radio. read more

The owner of Pianoforte, Thomas Zoells, is the epitomy of what a true salesperson should be: honest, informative, and ultimately interested in finding the piano that is a perfect fit for his client. We thoroughly enjoyed our trips to downtown Chicago to peruse his inventory and ponder our purchase over the course of several visits. Piano buying comes full circle with his foundation, which fosters the enjoyment of music through performances. I highly recommend Pianoforte to anyone considering such a significant investment. read more

Pianoforte is amazing. First floor is a piano showroom for different kinds of piano thats on sale. Second floor is a music recital hall for people singing, playing other instruments, music lessons, and cafeteria/kitchen of refreshments from wine, wine coolers, and even different types of craft beer. They also serve cheese, h'or d'ouevres, and other foods. Third floor can categorized as a piano recital music hall. You can play piano pieces from jazz to classical. Awesome place for musicians and people who appreciate music. read more

As a piano store, this is the best, the best selection, the most knowing purveyor of fine instruments in Thomas Zoells. the facility is wonderful for concerts and recording! I've done some amazing two piano recordings here and I hope to be back soon! If you have kids who want to take lessons, this is also the place. absolutely 5 stars! read more

I actually had a very odd experience with PianoForte a couple years ago. I was calling around to different venues four months in advance of a personal piano recital I wanted to host. I contacted PianoForte through their online form and listed the date I was interested in. I did receive a response right back which included the rental hall agreement I would need to sign: rules about having to obtain special liability insurance, their rates, etc. I decided it wasn't for me and did not sign the agreement, nor did I reply to the message to indicate in any way that I wanted to finalize things. This was in February. Then, four months later in June on the date I had initially inquired about, I received a phone call from PianoForte asking why I hadn't arrived yet. I was very confused, considering neither myself or PianoForte had followed up about this. The person I spoke with seemed quite upset that I hadn't showed up, but I hadn't provided any payment information nor had I signed the rental hall agreement. When I explained this, the person said something like "Oh I guess I should note that for the future." Even though I knew I wasn't in the wrong, I felt bad about it. I just think it was odd that my space rental had been considered final when nothing had been signed or paid for. read more

This institution is a valuable part of the music scene in Chicago. The store is a beginning, but the services go much deeper into enhancing the environment of cultivating good music. read more

Perfect sound. Intimate space. Wonderful, helpful people. And pianos...!!

Piano Forte has a wonderful staff and great service. The management and staff are understanding to their clients needs. Will definitely seek for their advise and expertise in dealing with pianos, whether a for a beginner or experienced player. J. Pang read more

A wonderful and unique place in Chicago. Much, much more than a piano shop. I have attended a few wonderful concerts at this place, and am so impressed by Thomas Zoells' knowledge and passion. read more

Just made another purchase at PianoForte, this a small one. Whether buying a Fazioli Concert Grand or a simple keyboard, Thomas and his staff show the same level of care, support and customer service. The facility and the cultural events hosted at Piano Forte are an under-appreciated gem in the City. read more

My family and I went here while exploring the Michigan shops, My brother was able to try out a 196,000 dollar piano! The employee was very nice and helpful, I bet we will buy a piano from here very soon! read more

Not an impressive sales experience in comparison to other options in town. We were able to find both better value and much better service elsewhere. read more

Thomas and the staff at PianoForte are honest, knowledgeable, low pressure yet attentive when it matters. Thomas's story of how he came to be in the piano business is inspiring, and his zeal in bringing quality pianos and music to Chicago is unsurpassed. He's not really a sales person as much as someone who loves pianos and wants others to have great ones. The Fazioli pianos are really amazing, yet he carries a broad spectrum of new and used pianos with fair prices to match. If you're looking for the world's best piano or something for your child to start with, you can't do better than to start (and probably end) your search for a piano at PianoForte. Highly recommended. read more

An intimate venue where instrumentalists (all of them first rate, in my experience) can be heard in close proximity, at very reasonable cost. read more

Always a fantastic experience at Pianoforte!. They consistently feature the finest musicians and reasonably priced tickets. A comfortable space and intimate performance venue, Always a pleasure to be there! Thomas Zoells is a class act. read more

The owner and staff of PianoForte Chicago are dedicated not only to offering superb pianos and purchasing guidance; they have available wonderful recital and meeting facilities. PianoForte's reach goes beyond their beautiful showroom: The PianoForte Foundation, a non-profit which provides piano lesson scholarships and piano donations, presents world-class performances year-round. PianoForte Chicago provides a full circle of support for Chicago's piano community. read more

One of those rare businesses that are passionate about the thing they sell. As a Chicago-born concert pianist, I couldn't imagine Chicago's classical music scene without Pianoforte. I bought my first piano with them, have performed there dozens of times, and collaborated on a few special projects with their staff, each with great pride and success. Buying a piano from PFChicago is supporting the crown jewel of Chicago's piano culture! read more

I live in a suburb far from PianoForte but I would NOT make any serious decisions regarding my pianos without consulting them. - Thomas Zoells is, himself, a fine pianist. He knows the artistic and practical issues of acquiring a piano. He comes from a musical family. He knows how to match pianos with a wide range of professionals and amateurs of all skill levels and he works tirelessly to do just that. - It should be said that Thomas Zoells has become quite important to the musical life of greater Chicago. His broadcasting connections & foundation promote jazz & classical guest artists who perform almost daily at events in PianoForte's own auditorium. Interested customers can enjoy a lifelong relationship with Chicago's finest piano resource, as evidenced by considerable repeat business. Anyone or any organization interested in pianos should make a point of consulting Thomas Zoells at PianoForte. read more