Where can I find a teacher that'll help me for free?

[pies]

I need guidance with my pianism.  I've gone thru the self-learning route for the last 4ish years and I've hit a sort of roadblock; I suck and can't improve.  I'm pretty sure it's because of the lack of a teacher.  Where can I find someone (in Chicago) that'll just give me quick pointers once a week or so free of charge? I can't afford a teacher.

[quantum]

If you have something to offer in return you may get better response.  I've seen ads asking for music lessons in exchange for lessons in French, German, or maybe some math, physics help, web design, etc.

[pies]

I'm willing to do something in exchange for help.  If any Chicago teachers here are willing to do so I'll gladly do anything that I can in return.

[a-sharp]

I like quantum's suggestion.

I am so thrilled to pay a teacher, I just wish I could find a good plumber for free! Darn!

[rc]

hahah, good luck with that!

Most people like to exchange money for help.  If there's some sort of service you could provide a teacher in exchange, why not get a job?

I only do free work for close friends and family...  So I'm thinking that'd be the best place to look if you want free lessons - friends and family.

[Bob]

It costs.  There are cheaper places though.  Find some college student just starting out teaching.  Those can be good quality for the price.

The best I've seen for free is here -- post in the audition room, or put a link to a youtube file for the visual.  Someone will comment.

[penguinlover]

I used to clean my piano teacher's apartment in exchange for lessons.  It worked out quite well.

[pies]

I often get the feeling that I only get worse as I continue without a teacher.

[keyofc]

Pies,
Maybe you'd have better luck - if you say what your profession is - and what profession you are willing to trade work for rather than just asking for something free.

If I were you -I'd save my money and get lessons

But at least - I would contact a local piano store - or music club and tell them you are willing to trade specific services for piano teaching services. 

Tell them what level you are.

[pies]

I'm a high school student and any money that I have/make is being saved for college.

[a-sharp]

Pies - have you thought of your local craigslist? There is usually a barter section - why don't you think of a few things you'd be willing to do in trade and try that. Just a thought. Good luck ~

[m]

Maybe I am completely out the line here, but I have no idea where could one find ANY lessons for free. As far as I know (and practice myself) the better the teacher, the more you pay. Otherwise it does not make any sense.
Don't expect you'd learn piano without a GOOD teacher.

Just draw your own conclusion.

[lavalse]

Do you have a computer and a web cam?  Turn the situation around.  Offer your services for free  as a subject allowing teachers to evaluate the possibility of remote teaching over the internet.  Get yourself MSN, Skype etc accounts, so they can evaluate various platforms.  Say that for added realism and as part of your free service (and of course with complete humility) you will even allow teachers to critique your technique and the pieces you are actually learning...

Edit: OK, joking about the approach but...

Because of distance and my weird working constraints I see my teacher less than I would like.  While I don't think remote links could ever replace a face-to-face experience, it may be possible to supplement them in a restricted form - it really would be interesting to know what is and what isn't practical over such a link...