About
Led by Founder and Director Mike O’Mara, a longtime Evanston resident and teacher with 15+ years’ teaching experience, etc. Music School represents a holistic approach to musical and theatrical education wherein private lessons, ensembles, classes and original productions at every level involve and respect the students’ interests and strive to utilize them to foster motivation towards achieving each young artist’s goals via organic, collaborative study and experimentation.
I love meeting people where they're at and developing a plan with them to get them where they want to be in the arts, finding ways to teach within and through material they already love!
Reviews
Jessica
Liza A.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We like to get to know all of our students on a personal level, and tailor our teaching towards what most inspires everyone learning from us! We feel it's most important to allow the student to discover their own path in music and theater, rather than dictate to them what they 'should' like at each level.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All of our teachers have at least one degree in their field of study, with most having a Master's as well. Our teachers have multiple years of experience in the fields in which they are teaching for us. The Director, Mike O'Mara, has a Master's in Music Composition and 15 years of experience as a teacher in both private lessons (piano, songwriting, voice) and group ensembles (instrumental, choir, musical theater).
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For private lessons, our pricing is:
30-min. lesson: $55.00
45-min. lesson: $70.00
60-min. lesson: $80.00
How did you get started teaching?
(From the Director, Mike O'Mara)
I never felt as though I 'fit in' as a young person. Though I displayed natural ability, I didn't enjoy my music lessons until a teacher in middle school realized what wasn't working and took the time to talk to me about what inspired ME. That changed the course of my life, and from that moment I decided that I wanted to live a life of teaching in the arts, attempting to recreate that moment for others.
What types of students have you worked with?
We have worked with students from the age of 4 to 65 and above, of all levels of experience, from beginners to professionals!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We are very proud of winning the Evanston Mayor's Award for the Arts in 2014 and again being nominated for the award in 2016, for our students being invited to perform at Disney World in 2015, and for our numerous performances at various local civic events in and around Chicagoland!