About Our School
At Yevgeniya Lepskaya’s School of Music, we believe music is the language of the soul — a powerful form of self-expression that fosters creativity, discipline, and joy. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to providing the highest quality music education in an encouraging, inspiring environment where students of all ages can thrive.
Led by experienced and passionate instructors, we offer private lessons in piano, violin, guitar, voice, and flute, along with a comprehensive curriculum that includes theory, solfège, and music history. Our personalized approach ensures every student’s journey is unique — whether you’re just beginning or preparing for competitions and performances, we’re here to support your growth every step of the way.
We take pride in building a strong musical foundation, emphasizing both technical excellence and artistic expression. Through regular recitals and performance opportunities, students develop confidence, stage presence, and a lifelong love of music.
Our Mission:
To cultivate a deep appreciation for music and to develop each student’s individual talents with patience, passion, and professionalism.
Our Values:
Excellence in teaching
Personalized attention for every student
Encouragement of creativity and artistry
A supportive and welcoming community
Come discover the joy of learning music at Yevgeniya Lepskaya’s School of Music — where every note is a step toward a brighter future.
The Legacy Behind Our School - Yevgeniya Lepskaya
Piano | Founder & Director
Yevgeniya Lepskaya’s passion for music and teaching began early. She won prestigious piano competitions and graduated with honors from the Glier Institute of Music in 1993. After immigrating to the United States, she received full scholarships to Roosevelt University and Northern Illinois University, studying under renowned professors with ties to the legendary Rosina Lhevinne of Juilliard.
With over 30 years of teaching experience, Ms. Lepskaya has nurtured countless award-winning students and remains an active performer. In 1996, she founded Lepskaya’s School of Music, which now proudly serves over 150 students. Her vision continues to inspire a love of music, technical excellence, and a deep respect for the classical tradition.
Meet Our Teachers
Ben Sullivan
Guitar, Piano, Composition
Ben Sullivan is a versatile Chicago-based musician and educator who specializes in classical guitar, focusing Spanish styles. He also performs in blues, jazz, funk, and rock genres. Ben holds music degrees from DePaul and Northwestern University and has studied with world-renowned guitarists, including Oscar Ghiglia and Manuel Barrueco. With over five years of teaching experience, he inspires students to build skill, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.
Victoria Pilipenko
Piano
Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Ms. Victoria Pilipenko began studying piano at age six. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Kharkiv State University. She taught piano and was a choir accompanist there for 17 years before relocating to the U.S. in 2009. With over eight years of private teaching experience in the U.S., Ms. Pilipenko is a patient and creative instructor committed to delivering high-quality music education.
Irina Zinevich
Violin
Irina Zinevich holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Fine Arts from the Minsk State Conservatory in Belarus, one of the premier conservatories of the former Soviet Union. Trained in both Suzuki and traditional methods, her students have excelled in competitions and gone on to attend top universities and music conservatories. Since 2004, Irina has taught violin at DePaul University’s Community Music Division. She also maintains a private studio in the Chicago area and performs regularly at Kusina De Manila in Des Plaines.
Mariya Lys
Piano, Flute
Mariya Lys is an accomplished musician and educator with over 30 years of teaching experience. A graduate of Lviv Music College and Lviv State Conservatory, she has taught flute, piano, ensembles, and conducting, including seven years at Lviv’s prestigious music college. Her students have consistently earned top honors at competitions and festivals.
Mariya toured Europe for two decades as a performer, showcasing Ukrainian folk instruments and flute in countries such as Belgium, France, and Germany. Now based in Chicago, she teaches private piano and flute lessons, accompanies children’s musical theater, and collaborates in concerts and festivals. Her passion, versatility, and dedication to inspiring students are central to her teaching.
Yuliia Horbunova
Piano
Miss Yuliia Horbunova, born in Chortkiv, Ukraine, began her musical journey at age six. She studied at A. Barvinsky Pedagogical College and Rivne University of Humanities, later teaching piano and voice and directing a children’s choir whose students received national and international awards. With over 11 years of teaching experience and concert tours throughout Europe, Yuliia brings creativity and a personalized approach to every lesson. Now based in the U.S., she continues to share her passion for music through private instruction.
"I am amazed at how much my daughter has learned this year! The Lepskaya’s School of Music really brings out the best in their students! My daughter was previously taking lessons at another studio where the teachers kept changing and ultimately she was constantly playing at the same basic level. We switched her out to Lepskaya’s with Lesley as her teacher. Lesley’s been a great “instrument” in improving my daughters skills. According to my daughter, Lesley helps you focus on any problems you’re having with a piece and gives you great detailed information on how to work on it. My daughter has definitely been challenged and is playing beautiful music! I’m glad we decided to give this local school a chance."
Jackie Favis Mother of Arielle Favis 2012"My daughter, Carolina (11), has been studying piano with Jane since 1st grade. Jane not only shares her extensive knowledge and technical expertise, but also her love of music, explaining the history and feeling behind the musical pieces. Over the past 4 years, Jane and Carolina have formed a special bond. Jane is patient and respectful of her specific mood or ability level on a given day, asking questions and listening. Jane challenges Carolina to go beyond what she thinks she can accomplish and encourages her to work hard. At the same time, she also has an excellent sense of when to push and when to pull back. My daughter has also taken lessons from Takako, who always seems to help her through rough patches in a piece. The recitals and occasional competitions have resulted in a sense of accomplishment, greater confidence in her abilities and grace under pressure. Carolina truly enjoys playing the piano, which is really all I could ask for. I highly recommend Jane and her staff."
Chris Garibay Mother of Carolina Garibay"Our daughter, Emma, has been a student of Yevgeniya Lepskaya School of Music for 2 years. We could not be more pleased with Jane, who happens to be the owner and piano instructor. She is truly passionate about music and teaching. Emma has learned so much in the short time that she has been a student of Jane’s. The reason is that Emma loves spending time with her. She demands a lot from her students, but has created an environment where children want to be. Just recently, our daughter took part in one of the school’s piano recitals. Jane started the recital with a brief introduction and referred to her students as “all of my children”. It was a wonderful comment that was appreciated by all of her students and the parents. Thank you Jane for being a wonderful teacher."
Brian and Meredith Larsen
"I’ve been playing piano with Ms. Jane for almost ten years now, and I’ve learned so much from her. Her teaching method is paced to match her students’ talent, age, experience, which all provide very beneficial lessons. In addition, she treats everyone with respect and kindness and doesn’t hesitate when there is feedback to be given. When I first started lessons, it was hard to find the will to practice, but as I slowly became more immersed in the musical world, practicing became much more of a hobby than a requirement. Weekly lessons are now things I look forward to, and I learn more from her every day."
Elizabeth Student of Yevegniya Lepskaya