Student Spotlight: Linda Muhly
March 4th, 2026
After a full career as a math teacher and life of raising children, Linda Muhly began thinking about what would carry her into the next chapter. “After raising our children, I decided to take up the piano prior to retirement,” she explains. “I realized that I needed to start some hobbies and to keep my mind vitalized.”
This was not Linda’s first time at the piano, however. She grew up in a musical household, shaped early by her grandfather, a concert pianist trained in Russia who, after emigrating to the United States, built a new life as a piano tuner. Music had always been important in her family, and her grandfather passed his love of music down by teaching Linda to play. She continued until she was 16, then left for the University of Michigan to study math. A teaching career followed along with building a family.
Eight years ago, a harpsichord came into her life through her son-in-law. Linda had it restored and started taking lessons. What began as curiosity about an inherited instrument became a door that opened up new repertoire to explore.
Last August, Linda moved to Evanston from Iowa City and found her way to the Music Institute of Chicago, where she now studies piano and musicianship with Matthew Hagle and harpsichord with Brian Schoettler. Although she’s been with us for less than a year, she has seen the progress. “Very positive. Certainly, my musicality has improved,” she says.
One of her favorite memories is a lighthearted lesson moment that was equal parts instructive and entertaining. "I loved when my harpsichord instructor Brian Schoettler started stomping around the floor to imitate how I was playing a particular piece," she says. "The stomping was irregular and I realized so was the way I was playing the piece. I found it quite humorous."
Beyond her early ties to music, Linda has her own goals for this chapter. "My personal goal is just to be able to play a larger repertoire of music," she says.
The impact music has had on her life, Linda says, comes down to one thing. "I get great pleasure playing and trying to improve my performance." It is the same reason she encourages other adults not to wait. "Just start and play for your own enjoyment."
Outside of music, Linda stays active with water and land classes at her gym and enjoys cooking. On what she wants from music going forward, she keeps it simple: "I hope the music will continue to provide pleasure for me."
Join Our Community of Musicians
No matter your age or skill level, we’re here to help you grow as a musician. From first-time players to seasoned performers, everyone is welcome. Get in touch to start your lessons with one of our experienced teachers today!
