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
4 hires on Lessons
4+ 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
Mariana’s Classic Piano

Mariana’s Classic Piano

5.0(2)
3+ 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
Pianokeys Studio: Fine Arts Building

Pianokeys Studio: Fine Arts Building

5.0(1)
Top Pro
1 hire on Lessons
13+ 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
Schulz Music Studios

Schulz Music Studios

5.0(1)
Top Pro
Offers online services
6 hires on Lessons
18+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Disnelaine A. says, "Thank you for your time and for beingan excellent piano instructor. I can't appreciate you enough for teaching my daughter. You're very professional, diligent and patient. I wouldn't recommend anyone else. " Read more
Arvin G. Piano Lesson

Arvin G. Piano Lesson

5.0Exceptional(13)
2 hires on Lessons
5+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Narisi says, "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. " Read more
Aaron Service Guitar Lessons

Aaron Service Guitar Lessons

5.0Exceptional(7)
Offers online services
7 hires on Lessons
9+ 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
The Chicago Ensemble

The Chicago Ensemble

5.0(3)
Offers online services
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
Clovis Bordeaux Piano Studio

Clovis Bordeaux Piano Studio

5.0Exceptional(9)
Offers online services
4 hires on Lessons
Serves Chicago, IL
Darryl H. says, "His approach to teaching my daughter is beyond outstanding. She loves learning to play the piano and I can't be happier. " Read more
Richard Heiberger Classical & Jazz Piano  Instruction

Richard Heiberger Classical & Jazz Piano Instruction

New on Lessons
3 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...
Valentinas Violin Studio

Valentinas Violin Studio

New on Lessons
Offers online services
5+ years in business
Serves Chicago, IL
Hi! I am a professional Violinist, passionate about ] teaching and performing! I have students of all ages, and they are all growing in their love for music and technique/skills. I combine methods from Suzuki, Paul Rolland and Mimi Zweig. I hold my Master’s from Northwestern University and now I am teaching at the Northwestern University Music Academy. I am in constant communication with my students and guiding their process and goals. I am performing with the Civic Orchestra and preparing recitals throughout the season. I would love to work with you and help you advance in your musical goals!

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
Ihor B.
Amazing tutor! She makes piano lessons fun and interesting👍 Highly recommended!
Mariana’s classic piano
Uyanga D.
Arvin is a wonderful piano teacher for my wild young boys (8 and 10years old). She has been teaching for my boys over 2 years already. She personalize the material for each of their level, interest and character. Therefore, boys enjoy practicing piano and having fun with it. She is friendly, patient, very professional and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Arvin G. Piano Lesson
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
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
Ernest P.
Clovis Bordeaux and I have been friends and business colleagues for over nine(9) years now. Mr. Bordeaux is no doubt highly rated as a professional Pianist both theoretical and practical in his special unique creative and talented abilities in reaching both his students and the general audience. I have personally been a music student of Mr. Bordeaux learning music theory and playing mainly the Flute,piano,and some drums. Also I was invited to the High School where he thought full time music to High School Students. It was a great inspiration to see how spirited and Dynamic he conducted these highly intricate renditions as his students performed flawlessly. There were many other musical events That I was privileged to attend and they still linger in my mind as a musical tapestry of Musical Joy. It is my pleasure in writing this review of friend,business colleague and one of the most reputable and inspirational professional musician;with talented abilities to draw out the best out of his students. Mr. Clovis Bordeaux will certainly bring a high level of professional musical productivity as a fulfillment to You and Team.
Clovis Bordeaux Piano Studio
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
Tony M.
Working with Forrest was my first formal drum education I had. Prior to taking lesions with him I was aging for 13 years but once I started lessons my playing improved by a landslide. Forrest helped me understand the drums in a deeper level and how the drums play a roll in the bigger picture which is playing music.
Forrest Kelly
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