Find a music lesson in Chicago, IL

Find music lessons in Chicago, IL

Find music lessons in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best music classes in your area.
Zip code

Find music lessons in Chicago, IL

Share a few details and we'll show you the best music classes in your area.
Zip code

Top 10 music classes in Chicago, IL

Students agree: these Chicago music lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
The Chicago Ensemble

The Chicago Ensemble

5.0(3)
Serves Chicago, IL
Vicki C. says, "I started piano lessons with Gerald 3 years ago and just passed AIM piano exam Level 11 in both theory and performance. Gerald is a great teacher, kind (sometimes too kind), patient, dedicate and has passion in teaching music with 50 years experience. I feel I'm luck to be his student." Read more
Kabir Dalawari Drum Lessons

Kabir Dalawari Drum Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
5 hires on Lessons
8+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Emmanuel E. says, "I like how he is very good at explaining complicated things. He also motivates his student to work hard. When his student makes a mistakes, he encourages them that they can do. He is also flexible and willing to work with you and help you out. If your looking for a drum teacher he's the guy to go." Read more
Paul's Guitar And Bass Guitar Lessons

Paul's Guitar And Bass Guitar Lessons

5.0(1)
25+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Carolyne L. says, "Paul is just the best. I immediately felt comfortable asking him all of my questions not just because he's absurdly knowledgeable but he's also so kind and is never judgmental about where you are in the learning process. Just be a better student than me and practice!" Read more
Woodwind Lessons By Kyle Brooks

Woodwind Lessons By Kyle Brooks

5.0Exceptional(7)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
13+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Andrew L. says, "He had great communication, verbally and online. Anytime I needed to move or reschedule a lesson, he was very accommodating. Anytime I wasn't so clear on instructions, he cleared it up in a few seconds. Thank you, Kyle" Read more
Ricardo Jimenez Music

Ricardo Jimenez Music

New on Lessons
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
2+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Welcome! I am a globally experienced educator who encourages my students to become whole artists, focusing on passion, person, and their goals. I have been an educator for 8 years and taught in over 4 countries. I have played trumpet for 17 years and practice voice for 8. I have my Bachelors of Music from Lawrence University. I am proficient in jazz, classical, and commercial trumpet, and jazz and contemporary voice training. My lessons also provide music theory training, but I do offer composition and theory lessons separately if desired. I teach in English and Spanish. Whether you're a beginner, coming back after decades off, or an advanced
Lile

Lile

New on Lessons
Offers online services
9+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Welcome to Lile’s piano lessons, where I transform your musical aspirations into reality. Located in Chicago, IL, specialize in personalized piano and music theory lessons that cater to each student's unique learning style. With a focus on nurturing your strengths, our tailored curriculum is designed to enhance your musical journey, whether you're a beginner or looking to deepen your understanding. At my lesson, I’m committed to fostering your passion for music and guiding you towards achieving your goals in a supportive, one-on-one setting.
Richard Sladek- Lessons- ChicagoPianist.com

Richard Sladek- Lessons- ChicagoPianist.com

New on Lessons
4 hires on Lessons
38+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
I am presently accepting beginning, intermediate and advanced students who have mastered the basics, but are ready to take their playing to a higher level. My teaching emphasis is on technique and playing music expressively. I also offer coaching to improve sight-reading and memorization skills. Lessons are generally once a week in 1/2 hour or 1 hour blocks. If you prefer, lessons may be given more than once per week. Studio locations in Forest Park, Downers Grove, and Wheaton. *Prospective students under the age of 18 should have their parent or guardian contact Richard Sladek on their behalf. It’s an inspiration to encourage students to gr...
VOLCANOBEATS LLC

VOLCANOBEATS LLC

5.0(2)
Offers online services
9+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Melia says, "I took dj lessons with Reggie and am now learning music production. He knows how to teach me effectively to help me grow in my ability. I have been a student with Reggie for a little over a year now, and my music is sounding great! He also has a recording booth for when I am ready to use it. On top of this, Reggie is knowledgable about equipment that may be useful for me to buy. I know he also produces music for anyone looking to record. His productions are at a professional level. I would hire him to produce if I wasn't making my own music. I want my music to sound as professional as his someday." Read more
Annie B Music Lessons

Annie B Music Lessons

5.0Exceptional(25)
Offers online services
19 hires on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Jared S. says, "I found Annie while searching for an experienced vocal coach. Annie always has an animated energy and lessons in her apartment leave me with such an upbeat attitude. I needed help brightening up my tone while singing and I have improved so much from my first lesson. Annie empowers and encourages me at each of my lessons to believe in and trust myself and my abilities as I improve in singing high notes. I was a very shy singer and I was too afraid to sing in front of others. Within a couple of months of lessons with Annie, I auditioned for musical theatre productions and Milwaukee Music Academy facilitated several opportunities to sing in front of an audience, including at Summerfest! Annie has a lot of experience in different styles of music to help her make private lessons feel very personal despite her numerous students!" Read more
Dan Larson Guitar

Dan Larson Guitar

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
7+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Victor P. says, "After one lesson I am looking to more. Dan is patient, easy to talk to and encouraging. After many years in stressful kitchens this is exactly what I need . Dans the man !" Read more

Your Music Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

How much do music lessons cost?

Music lessons cost $40 to $90 per hour. Most teachers offer weekly lessons in order to provide regular feedback, keep students motivated, and provide enough opportunities to learn new techniques and pieces of music. More frequent lessons do not provide enough time to practice and master skills between lessons.

To save money on music lessons consider group lessons, which are often cheaper than private lessons and allow you to learn from other students. Another option is to take online lessons which tend to be more affordable than in-person lessons and can be a great way to learn from a qualified teacher that isn't local. Finally, look for scholarships or grants to help pay for music lessons.

At what age can you start music lessons?

The best age to start music lessons depends on the individual and their interests. Most experts agree that children can start learning music as early as 3 or 4 years old when they can communicate and follow instructions. There is no age that is too late to take music lessons – even seniors can benefit from learning or improving their musical skills.

Studies have shown that children who are exposed to music at an early age have better language skills, memory, and problem-solving skills. Music lessons help improve fine motor skills like hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity which are important for other activities like writing and drawing. Learning to play an instrument can also build a child's self-confidence and help to develop a child's creativity.

How long does it take to learn an instrument?

The amount of time it takes to learn an instrument depends on the instrument, the student's age, and the amount of time they practice. In general, it takes several months to a year to learn the basics of most instruments including how to read music and play basic scales and chords. With regular practice, students can expect to play simple songs within a few months.

Piano, guitar, and percussion instruments are some of the easier instruments to learn. Strings and horn instruments take a bit longer to learn. Becoming proficient at any instrument takes several years of lessons and regular practice.

Do I need an instrument at home to take music lessons?

No, you do not need an instrument at home to take music lessons, but it does make it easier to practice and improve your skills. Without an instrument at home, you will need to find an instrument to practice between lessons if you hope to improve.

Before investing in any musical instrument, you will want to talk with the music teacher to find the instrument that is right for you. Guitars are a popular instrument for beginners since they are relatively inexpensive to buy. The flute is another simple instrument to learn and is a good choice for students who want to learn to play an instrument quickly. Pianos are a more costly instrument but are a popular choice for families since everyone can enjoy playing the same instrument.

How do online music lessons work?

Online music lessons are similar to in-person lessons, only the teacher and student are not in the same physical location. Using video conferencing platforms such as Skype or Zoom, the teacher and students can communicate with each other from the privacy of their homes.

In order to take advantage of the affordable online lessons, you need a computer and internet connection with good audio and video quality to avoid frustration. The teacher and student join the video call and the lesson proceeds in the same way they would for an in-person lesson. Online music lessons require more focus and patience and are not suggested for very young students.

What questions should I ask a music teacher?

Here are some important questions you should ask a music teacher before you start taking lessons:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What is your experience teaching music?
  • What are your rates?
  • How long are your lessons?
  • What is your availability?
  • What are your expectations for students?
  • Can you provide references from your current and past students?

How do I choose a music teacher?

Choosing a qualified music teacher is important for those wanting to learn or develop their musical skills. Find a teacher that fits your schedule, budget, and learning style by following these recommendations:

  • Look for a teacher with a degree in music or years of experience teaching your preferred instrument.
  • Make sure the teacher with a teaching style that suits you. For example, if you learn better with a more formal teacher that focuses on technique, don't choose a teacher that is more relaxed and focuses on creative, free-style playing.
  • Find a teacher that is affordable for your budget and has availability for lessons that fit your schedule.
  • Confirm that the teacher will help you reach your goals whether it is to learn a new instrument, read music, learn music theory, or just have fun.How do I choose a music teacher?

Reviews for Chicago music classes

Recent success stories from people in the Chicago area.
Julian H.
I have known Gerald Rizzer for many years. He has a very easy going approach to teaching but on the other hand is extremely good at helping the student improve his or her performances and musical capabilities. He is especially interested in the structure of the pieces the student is working on and can improve interpretations by focusing on that structure. He is the leader of the well known Chicago Ensemble and his abilities as a professional performing musician are beyond reproach. I highly recommend him.
The Chicago Ensemble
Elise M.
Kabir id an amazing instructor. He works with our son who is a high school freshman. Our son took lessons in person with Kabir pre-Covid, and has been doing online lessons since. We couldn’t be happier. Gabe is making process and is motivated to practice every day.
Kabir Dalawari Drum Lessons
Andrew L.
He had great communication, verbally and online. Anytime I needed to move or reschedule, he was very accommodating. Anytime I wasn't so clear on instructions, he cleared it up in a few seconds. Thank you, Kyle!
Woodwind Lessons by Kyle Brooks
Yodael G.
Very Hands On learning if you know what you need to work on ( you have a sense of a direction) you will greatly improve... after my 1st session my Skills increased immensly because the session was so helpful and I could ask questions when I needed to
VOLCANOBEATS LLC
Marie B.
I loved Annie's energy and ability to find a way to adjust to her students. Her knowledge and experience in the music industry is impressive. She made learning fun and instilled me with confidence I was lacking.
Annie B Music Lessons
John L.
Mr. Glymph was my violin instructor and orchestra director between 2007 and 2013. The importance he has played on my life transcends into existential territory as it was his teachings that allowed me to achieve my dreams in life on top of rapidly improving in violin performance. His "smart practice" method that relies on deliberate and methodical micro improvements, bound together with repetition and consistency is essentially a guidebook to becoming a professional in any field and separating yourself from the masses. I had taken violin lessons for roughly ten years when I met Mr. Glymph as a teenager, and the amount of improvement I made in the first two years with him was probably one hundred-fold without exaggeration. His teaching style is not for everyone, but the sky is the limit if you are serious about music and want to genuinely improve. I eventually made a personal decision to not major in music, and Mr. Glymph was supportive as any mentor should be. I do believe that had I continued to pursue music using his methods I would have had a good career as well. Mr. Glymph is both an incredible violin teacher and a genuine mentor. He is strict but also understanding. Asking him if he could teach me at the Suzuki summer program in 2006-7 was easily one of the best decisions I've made in my life, and when I write a reflection or something in the coming years, his legacy will live on in that piece. John L.
Joseph Glymph
Jonathon T.
Dr. Yulia is very dedicated and passionate of teaching the student what is needed and necessary to know in the lesson. I've been studying with Dr. Yulia for over 2 years now which my piano performance improved quite a bit. Wouldn't recommend any other instructor except for Dr. Yulia.
The Art Of Piano Playing & Performing Arts Inc.
Brian
Alex rocks. He really helped me level up my guitar skills for my band. Would totally recommend him to anyone looking to advance their chops.
Alex's Guitar Experience
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