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.
Arvin G. Piano Lesson

Arvin G. Piano Lesson

5.0Exceptional(14)
2 hires on Lessons
6+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Miguel O. says, "Arvin is the best. She’s a great teacher that knows exactly what you need in the moment during each lesson to improve. She’s great at understanding when you’re struggling with a piece and need time to focus on something else! I’ve always left a session with Arvin feeling I learned something new and have something fun to work on for next lesson! She’s is really enthusiastic with her students and really couldn’t recommend anyone but her. 10/10!" Read more
Pianokeys Studio: Fine Arts Building

Pianokeys Studio: Fine Arts Building

5.0(1)
Top Pro
1 hire on Lessons
14+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Danny M. says, "Dr. Finlay is an incredibly kind and passionate teacher who will adapt his lesson plan to the specific learner and their specific goals both in their devolvement in music and musical theory. I come from a STEM background and had classes with Dr. Finlay as an adult learner. He was able to break down complicated concepts in musical theory and make them fun and intuitive for me - which vastly increased my enjoyment learning the piano. Additionally, his lessons are uniquely rewarding insofar that he will get to know your goals in piano, and then help you meet them by laying down foundational knowledge and skills, which results in a very rewarding feeling when you pass milestones you never thought possible. I cannot recommend Dr. Finlay's piano classes highly enough." Read more
Dan Larson Guitar

Dan Larson Guitar

5.0(1)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
6+ 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
Kabir Dalawari Drum Lessons

Kabir Dalawari Drum Lessons

5.0Exceptional(5)
5 hires on Lessons
7+ 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
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
Paul's Guitar And Bass Guitar Lessons

Paul's Guitar And Bass Guitar Lessons

New on Lessons
Offers online services
24+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
I’ve been teaching for 24 years and playing the guitar and bass for 32 years! I’ve studied Classical and Jazz guitar and have a Bachelors in Music Performance. I’ve been playing guitar and bass in rock and blues bands for 28 years. Teaching music has always been a passion for me. I tailor all my lessons to the individual students interests and wants. Whatever your goals are, I'll help you get there! I’ll help you learn all the basics to have a firm foundation on the instrument and build good practice habits that will fit with your goals!
Joseph Glymph

Joseph Glymph

5.0Exceptional(18)
2 hires on Lessons
54+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Dan W. says, "Joe is literally the best technical violin teacher. If you want to learn violin at a high technical level, Joe is your go to. He also teaches conducting. I am able to play some of the most tech iCarly challenging violin pieces proficiently because of Joe. Do not underestimate his prowess as a teacher and performer. If you need to become technically proficient for violin/viola/cello auditions, go to Joe." Read more
Curious Fluting: Flute Lessons Based On Curiosity

Curious Fluting: Flute Lessons Based On Curiosity

5.0(1)
Offers online services
3 hires on Lessons
Serves Chicago, IL
Chad D. says, "Very good at explaining things." Read more
Kyle Brooks Saxophone Lessons

Kyle Brooks Saxophone Lessons

5.0(2)
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
Serves Chicago, IL
Kabir D. says, "Kyle is a professional, dedicated and experienced teacher. He is an accomplished performer and a well rounded experienced multi-cultural artist. I've enjoyed being a colleague of his for the past several years. I would Kyle as a teacher of students of all ages and skill levels!" Read more
Ricardo Jimenez Music

Ricardo Jimenez Music

New on Lessons
Offers online services
1 hire on Lessons
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

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.
Narisi
Arbin is an accomplished pianist and we are lucky to have her as DS's piano teacher. Arbin taught DS since two years ago when he was 10. With her teaching, some bad habits, like finger movements, posture are corrected and DS got started on classical pieces. The progress in his piano skill was obvious and we constantly get praise from friends. During these two years, Arbin organized several rehearsals for her students on her own time, despite her busy schedule at school. She also invites us to concerts at her school (CSLB) to give DS more exposure to piano music. She communicated with us about the status of the DS constantly, letting us know if DS is tired or less motivated and what to work on for homework. She takes responsibility over her students' progress. If she finds it is difficult to handle certain student she will bring it up. In my other DS's case, he was not interested in piano and Arvin was quick to notice and told us directly that she is not the suitable teacher for him. We also went to a couple of her performances and was impressed by her performance and the audience's reaction. We are sorry that she left Socal and we hope we will be fortunate enough to find another piano teacher like her. Overall, Arvin is a talented pianist, responsible teacher and a good friend.
Arvin G. Piano Lesson
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
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
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
Anonymous
Kyle was very professional, helpful, motivating, and dedicated. He always taught well and listened to our questions even better. Our concert was amazing and I felt that he spent the perfect amounts of time on each integral part of our necessary performance points. I would love to have another semester with him.
Kyle Brooks Saxophone Lessons
Carrie B.
James is personable and professional. He has the ability to work with school-aged children very well while keeping expectations high.
Wilder Saxophone Lessons
How Lessons.com works
Search

Search, get cost estimates, contact teachers, and book—all for free.

Compare

View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.

Hire

Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right tutor when you're ready.