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