Chicago is home to an incredible variety of music schools, private studios, and community programs. Whether you’re looking for piano, guitar, drums, violin, or voice lessons, the city offers outstanding options for beginners and advanced students alike. Here are some of the best music lesson providers in Chicago, along with the instruments they specialize in.

Pilsen Music | Lessons in Piano, Voice, Guitar, Violin - Also does Drums & Bands Located in the heart of Pilsen, Pilsen Music offers fun, personalized lessons for students of all ages. With expert teachers and a focus on creativity, students can study piano, voice, guitar, violin, and drums, plus join group piano labs, rock bands, and pop ensembles. Recital opportunities and trial lessons make this school a welcoming and inspiring choice.
Learn more about music lessons at Pilsen Music.

Upbeat Music and Arts | Guitar, Piano, Drums, Voice, Ensembles A nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to music education, Upbeat Music and Arts provides lessons in guitar, piano, drums, and voice, along with band programs and art classes. Their community-driven approach emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and confidence-building for students across Chicago.

Old Town School of Folk Music | Guitar, Voice, Fiddle, Banjo, Ukulele, Drums One of Chicago’s most iconic music schools, Old Town offers a wide range of classes for kids, teens, and adults. Known especially for folk traditions, students can learn guitar, voice, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, drums, and more. With ensemble opportunities, jam sessions, and a community atmosphere, Old Town is perfect for students who want to grow musically and socially.

Merit School of Music | Piano, Guitar, Violin, Voice, Band & Orchestra Instruments Located in the West Loop, Merit School of Music is a nationally recognized institution offering comprehensive training. Students can learn piano, guitar, violin, voice, and virtually every band and orchestra instrument. Merit also provides group classes, private lessons, ensembles, and scholarships, making high-quality instruction accessible to families across Chicago.

Sol Garnier Piano & Drum Lessons | Piano, Drums Sol Garnier offers private piano and drum lessons with an emphasis on both technical foundation and musical expression. Known for patient and individualized instruction, Sol’s lessons are well-suited for young beginners as well as adults looking to sharpen their skills or pick up an instrument for the first time.

🎵 Finding the Right Fit
Chicago’s music scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods - and so are the lesson options. From large community schools like Old Town School of Folk Music and Merit School of Music, to specialized studios like Sol Garnier Piano & Drum Lessons, there’s a program for every student.

For families and adults seeking a welcoming, multi-instrument school with performance opportunities, Pilsen Music stands out as a vibrant hub for music education in the city.
No matter your age, instrument, or goals, Chicago has the perfect place to help you grow as a musician.

Our Spring Recital was a beautiful celebration of progress, creativity, and community. Students of all ages took the stage to share the music they’ve been working hard on, and we couldn’t be prouder of their performances. These photos capture the energy, joy, and achievement of that day—whether it was a student’s first time performing or their final recital before graduation.

Feel free to download, save, and print images if you'd like. If you or your child participated but aren't pictured here, please reach out to us at [email protected]—we’re happy to send you a cropped photo or video still.
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Thank you to all of the students, families, and teachers who made this recital so special! 

If you are interested in trying lessons and possibly even opting in to perform at a recital learn more about our programs at the following links : 

Kids and Teens Music Lessons
Adult Music Lessons 

​Thinking about buying your first guitar? That’s an exciting step—but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming one. Before you head to the music store (or start scrolling online), here are a few helpful things to consider.
You Don’t Need a Guitar to Start LessonsFirst things first: if you’re brand new to guitar, you don’t need to own one before starting lessons. At our studio, we have both acoustic and electric guitars available for students to try out during their sessions. This can be a great way to get a feel for what kind of guitar you enjoy before committing to a purchase.
What Kind of Guitar Should You Buy? To figure out what kind of guitar to purchase, it’s helpful to know what kind of music or playing style you’re most interested in. Here's a quick guide:

• 🎸 Acoustic Guitar (steel/nickel strings): Great for beginners and those who want to strum, sing, and play popular songs.
• 🎸 Electric Guitar: Ideal for those who want to play rock, jazz, blues, or anything that needs an amp and some distortion.
• 🎸 Classical Guitar (nylon strings): Perfect for classical music and fingerstyle playing.
• 🧒 Smaller Guitars for Kids: For children under age 9, consider a smaller-sized guitar that’s easier to hold and play.

Visiting a Music StoreOnce you know the type of guitar you’re looking for, visiting a store like Guitar Center can be an eye-opening (and fun!) experience. You’ll be able to try out a variety of guitars and amps, and it can be incredibly motivating to physically hold and hear the instruments in action.
Even if you don’t buy anything, the trip is worth it. It’s a great way to explore what feels and sounds right for you. That said, wouldn’t it be even better if you already knew a few chords or riffs before stepping into the shop? That’s why we often recommend taking a few lessons before making a purchase—it gives you more confidence and helps you make a better-informed choice.
Shopping Online or Buying Used? If you prefer shopping online, there are some great options out there:

• Guitar Center’s used section is reliable and offers a return policy.
• Amazon can be convenient, but be sure to read reviews carefully and avoid no-name brands with poor feedback.
• Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp can offer amazing deals—but proceed with caution. Always inspect the guitar thoroughly for structural issues and playability before buying.

Still Unsure? We’re Happy to Help!
If you or your child is considering learning guitar but aren’t sure where to start with buying an instrument, feel free to ask us for advice! Whether you're testing guitars during your lessons or need help evaluating an online find, we’re here to make sure you start off on the right foot. 

Finally, if you do not have a guitar but still want to give playing guitar a try, feel free to click one of the links below to schedule a trial guitar lesson. We have plenty of guitars available for you to use during your lesson so all you need to have is yourself! 

Guitar & Bass Lessons for Kids
Guitar & Bass Lessons for Adults

If you're learning music in Chicago, you’re already part of something bigger. This city is one of the birthplaces of electric blues, a genre that transformed American music and shaped the sounds of rock, soul, R&B, and beyond. Whether you're taking piano, guitar, voice, violin or drum lessons, understanding the blues gives you a powerful foundation—and there's no better guide than the Chicago Blues Guide.
This incredible local resource offers everything an aspiring musician needs to plug into the scene:

• Listings for blues jams where you can hear and play live music in real time
• Concert calendars and local show previews
• Reviews and music recommendations from writers who know the scene
• Interviews and articles that explore the roots and future of Chicago blues

Blues isn’t just a genre—it’s a language. Learning to listen, interpret, and play blues teaches you how to feel music, not just read it. That’s what makes Chicago such a special place to grow as a musician. From Muddy Waters and Buddy Guy to today’s torchbearers, this city has always been a creative engine for music with soul.
Whether you’re a beginner learning your first chords or an advanced student expanding your style, immersing yourself in the local blues scene can deeply enrich your musical journey.
We recommend checking out Chicago Blues Guide often to stay informed, inspired, and connected to this living tradition. It’s not just a great resource—it’s a reminder that Chicago music is still very much alive, and it’s waiting for you to join in.

If you're a guitarist, bassist singer, drummer, or keyboardist looking to improve your skills at playing the blues and performing well at gigs and local open jams, check out our lessons links below: 

Adult Guitar & Bass Lessons
Adult Voice Lessons
Adult Piano & Keyboard Lessons
Adult Drum Set Lessons

While this is not a book per se it's a program designed to get kids playing, learning and loving music. It is a music foundations class so it doesn't focus only on piano but teaches the fundamentals of music to prime kids for later music education and a lifetime of learning, playing, and loving music.

​📘 Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber
A tried-and-true method that kids love. The Primer Level introduces reading, rhythm, and musical expression through colorful illustrations and well-paced songs. As students grow, the series continues to build their skills step by step.

​📘 Piano Adventures Accelerated Series
Older students new to piano can jump into this faster-paced version of Piano Adventures. Still start with the Primer if you're brand new—then move confidently into Level 1 and beyond.

📘 Adult Piano Adventures by Faber
This all-in-one book is perfect for adult learners. It combines technique, theory, and engaging repertoire in a format that’s approachable and rewarding. No prior experience required.
🎶 Adult Piano Adventures: Popular Book 1
Once you’ve started with the main method book, this one adds familiar pop and jazz tunes to the mix—great for motivation and variety!
📘 Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course
Another solid choice for adult beginners. Clear instruction, well-sequenced lessons, and a straightforward style make it a favorite for those who want a more traditional approach.

📘 Béla Bartók – For Children, Vol. 1 & 2
Inspired by Eastern European folk tunes, these short, expressive pieces are full of character and nuance. Perfect for students ready to explore more sophisticated rhythms, harmonies, and phrasing.
🎼 First Lessons in Bach (Book 1 & 2)
A beautiful entry point into Baroque music. These short pieces by J.S. Bach help develop independence between the hands, as well as a deeper understanding of melody, harmony, and counterpoint.

​📘 The Real Book (Sixth Edition)
An essential resource for any jazz musician. It’s not a method book, but a collection of lead sheets for hundreds of jazz standards. Great for students who want to start exploring improvisation, chord voicings, and the language of jazz piano.

Whatever your age or musical interests, there’s a piano book out there that will meet you where you are and help you grow. These books are all excellent companions for students beginning their lessons in Chicago—especially at studios like ours that prioritize fun, creativity, and musical expression.
🎶 Want help choosing the right book or getting started with lessons? Click the links below to learn more about our Chicago-based Piano Lessons :
Kids & Teens Piano Lessons
Adult Piano Lessons
Get Started & Schedule a Trial Lesson

If you are are taking Chicago violin lessons and it's time to purchase an instrument this article is for you. There are several excellent shops that offer quality instruments and knowledgeable staff to help you find the right fit.

When buying a violin, size matters—especially for beginners. Most adults will use a full-sized (4/4) violin, but for children, it’s essential to choose a violin that matches their body size. Learning on an instrument that’s too big can lead to poor technique and physical strain. A properly sized violin helps young players develop good habits and play comfortably from the start.

Two great local options are Caesar’s Music of Illinois and the Old Town School of Folk Music Store. Caesar’s Music has a longstanding reputation for quality string instruments and attentive customer service, while the Old Town Music Store offers a wide range of student and professional violins and can help guide you or your child toward the right size and setup.

If you’re not ready to commit to purchasing an instrument, many local music shops also offer violin rentals, which can be a smart, affordable way to get started—especially for growing kids who may need a larger size within a year or two.

And for those looking for pure convenience, sites like Amazon offer a variety of beginner violin kits that can be delivered to your door. While in-person shops provide more personalized service and setup, online shopping can be a quick solution if you know what you need.
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No matter how you choose to get your violin, the important thing is to find the right fit so you or your child can play comfortably and confidently.

We are firm believers that a student shouldn't have to own an instrument before starting their educational journey. Because of this, we have a student violin available for new students to play on during lessons. This violin lives in our studio and is always available to play during lessons. If you'd like to try out violin lessons prior to buying a lesson feel free to check out our violin lessons pages in the links below and book a trial lesson.

Kids & Teens Violin Lessons
Adults Violin Lessons

If you're just starting piano lessons, you don’t need to own a piano right away. Many students begin with just their lessons and still make great progress! Once you're feeling ready to start practicing at home, that’s a great time to look for an instrument—and buying a used keyboard or electric piano can be a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for a used keyboard:

✅ Weighted Keys (This Is a Must!)
To develop proper finger strength and technique, you'll want a keyboard with fully weighted or semi-weighted keys. This makes your practice feel more like a real acoustic piano.
Pro tip: Avoid keyboards with very light or springy keys—they’re usually not ideal for building good habits.
Look for terms like:

• Weighted keys
• Touch-sensitive
• Graded hammer action

✅ 88 Keys (Full Keyboard Size)
A full-size piano has 88 keys. While smaller models with 61 or 76 keys can work for absolute beginners or small spaces, having all 88 keys gives you more room to grow.

✅ Pedal Options
As you learn more music, you’ll want to start using the sustain pedal (that’s the one that makes notes ring out). Make sure the keyboard either:

• Comes with a pedal, or
• Has an input jack so you can plug one in

Even better: some models come with a built-in three-pedal unit, just like a real piano.

✅ Comfortable Setup
Don't forget the basics:

• A sturdy stand keeps the keyboard secure
• A bench or adjustable chair helps you sit at the right height
• Proper setup can prevent strain and make practice more enjoyable

✅ Reliable Brands
Here are some trusted names that make great digital pianos and keyboards:

• Yamaha (P-Series, Arius, Clavinova)
• Roland
• Kawai
• Casio (especially Privia models)
• Alesis

These brands offer reliable quality, even when bought used. Try looking for models that originally sold in the $400–$1000 range—they're often a great value when secondhand.

🔍 Where to Shop
Looking for a used keyboard? Check out:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist
• OfferUp
• Reverb.com
• Local music stores (some even include a short warranty on used gear!)

🛠 Quick Tip Before You Buy
If possible, test the keyboard—or ask the seller for a video—to make sure:

• All the keys work (no sticky or silent ones)
• The volume and power controls function
• It sounds good and feels comfortable to play

👋 Need Help Choosing?
Not sure if a keyboard you found is a good fit? Ask your teacher! We’re always happy to take a quick look at a listing or help you find a model that suits your goals and budget.

Learning piano should feel exciting—not overwhelming. Start with lessons, explore at your own pace, and when you're ready to play more at home, a good used keyboard can be your best first investment.

​Our Winter Recital was nothing short of spectacular! The day was filled with incredible performances, heartwarming moments, and the joy of sharing music with friends and family. From our youngest beginners to our seasoned performers, every student brought their unique energy and talent to the stage. We are so proud of everyone who participated and grateful to our supportive community for making this event unforgettable. Take a look at some of the amazing memories captured from the recital!

Our spring recital this year was a wild success! Thank you to everyone who participated and watched/listened. Here are some photo highlights of the day!!