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.
Joe DeAngelo

Joe DeAngelo

5.0(2)
Offers online services
15 hires on Lessons
5+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Svetozar M. says, "Joe is exceptional at working with each child. He is capable of taking a budding player at any level and helping them make wonderful progress, using the strengths, tastes, and inclinations of the individual person he is teaching. Learning music is a joy with him. All three of our children love him. He is also excellent at teaching adults. He is fantastic to work with and unreservedly recommended!" Read more
Aaron Service Guitar Lessons

Aaron Service Guitar Lessons

5.0Exceptional(7)
Offers online services
7 hires on Lessons
10+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Marc R. says, "I've been taking lessons with Aaron for over 2 years and I feel my playing and technique has greatly improved. I started out with a rudimentary understanding of music and music theory but now have a much better grasp of it. While I still have plenty of miles left to go on my musical journey, Aaron has set me up with good fundamentals and techniques. He's also a great jazz guitarist if you're looking for that too. " Read more
Joseph Glymph

Joseph Glymph

5.0Exceptional(18)
1 hire 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
Pianofingers

Pianofingers

New on Lessons
Offers online services
17+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
I introduced myself, about my business the letters on the keyboard board, the music notes and music. I love teaching music
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
Richard Heiberger Classical & Jazz Piano  Instruction

Richard Heiberger Classical & Jazz Piano Instruction

New on Lessons
5 hires on Lessons
Serves Chicago, IL
Professional Piano Instruction, Classical, Popular & Jazz Improvisation In the historic Fine Arts Building you will have a relaxed positive environment in which to develop your musical ability to its highest potential. Students are given friendly professional instruction by an degreed experienced, classically trained instructor who will give you the musical skills that are necessary for playing the piano with artistic expression and technical proficiency. On you first lesson lesson you actually begin to play! Fun simple-direct modern approach captures your immediate response, assuring continued progress. Each lesson embodies the basic prin...
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
Richard Sladek- Lessons- ChicagoPianist.com

Richard Sladek- Lessons- ChicagoPianist.com

New on Lessons
4 hires on Lessons
37+ 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...
Janet Reynolds

Janet Reynolds

New on Lessons
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
Serves Chicago, IL
I have been teaching private voice for 25 years. I teach 5th grade -100 years old. I love helping people find their voice and teach them how to use it in a healthy way.
Mariana’s Classic Piano

Mariana’s Classic Piano

5.0(2)
4+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
says, "Mariana you re amazing pianist whom I have been ever known. I am inspired by your talent and your love to music. You are a such hardworking person, you practice your skills every single day despite you can be tired. 🤍🤍" 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.
Vanessa B.
Joe is a marvelous teacher. He is a great performer too. We have seen him at the CSO! His work with both children and adults is terrific. He has a natural, fine, and perceptive way of working through difficulties and frustrations. Excellent at any level. His demeanor, knowledge, and approach make learning and practicing with him a pleasure.
Joe DeAngelo
David H.
I contacted Aaron because of the description of topics of instruction he listed in his ad for lessons. They were exactly what I've been looking for. The main item I've been looking for is music theory. I don't want to just learn how to play a piece of music. I want to know how the song was created and why the chords progress the way they do. And Aaron is guiding me on my path step by step. So far he as the patience of a saint dealing with this late to the party student. And I plan to test his patience by continuing to ask my main questions for everything.......Who, What, When, Where & Why?
Aaron Service Guitar 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
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
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
Ihor B.
Amazing tutor! She makes piano lessons fun and interesting👍 Highly recommended!
Mariana’s classic piano
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
Marlena K.
I have studied with Ivana Bukvich for well over a decade and couldn't be more pleased. She provides a well-rounded music education as well as frequent performance and collaborative opportunities. Her knowledge of repertoire, theory, history, and pedagogy is vast and she does an excellent job sharing her expertise in a clear and efficient manner. Her love for music and teaching shines in her lessons.
Ivana Bukvich, Piano , Accompaniment and Musicianship classes
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