Have you always wanted to play the violin but never got around to it? Or perhaps you are an old pro looking to rekindle your love for the fiddle. Either way, there are several reasons to get started. First, studies show that people who play instruments have increased IQ and test scores. Second, playing an instrument relieves stress, much like drawing or other artistic habits. Third, music offers friendship! Sharing a common pursuit opens doors to meeting other musically inclined people through lessons or group activities. Lastly, music is fun! There are many other reasons to start or even resume a musical hobby, but let’s assume your convinced and ready to find a place for music lessons.
The Chicago loop offers several fine institutions of musical education. They range from large bastions of advanced study to impersonal lessons with individual educators. Young or old, new or advanced, the Chicago loop has a music teacher for your needs. Check out the schools listed below and see if you can find the right one for you.
Note that some instructors offer free initial lessons. Upbeat Music Chicago offers the first lesson free and vouchers for recommending friends. On the other hand, some sites don’t advertise a free lesson. However, if you are willing to negotiate, most instructors can be talked into offering a free or heavily discounted price for the first lesson
Chicago Center School of Music
Location: Chicago River West Area (Chicago Ave and Halsted)
Skill Levels: All levels and all ages
Instruments: For sale or order
Lesson types: Private lessons in 30, 45 or 60 minute increments. Group lessons arranged by 4 or 16 week quarters.
Rooms for Rent: $7.00 for 30 minutes
Discounts: Tuition discounts for semi-private lessons
Contact Information:
Chicago Center School of Music
770 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60622
312.226.2030
Website: http://centerschoolofmusic.com/
Upbeat Music Chicago
Location: Chicago South Loop (S Wentworth)
Skill Levels: All levels and all ages
Instruments: For sale or order (violins in stock)
Lesson types: Private lessons are $25 for a 30 minute lesson, $37.50 for a 45 minute
lesson, and $50 for a 60 minute lesson. Group lessons arranged by 3 sessions: fall, spring and summer. It’s
possible to join mid-session.
Rooms for Rent: $7.00 for 30 minutes
Discounts: First lesson free
Contact Information:
Upbeat Music Chicago
3000 S Wentworth
Chicago, IL 60616
312.842.5896
Website: http://www.upbeatmusicchicago.com/newsite/
New Music School
Location: Chicago Loop (Adams and State)
Skill Levels: All levels and all ages
Instruments: Contact for availability
Lesson types: Weekly private lessons over a 32 week academic calendar.
Rooms for Rent: n/a
Discounts: Contact for specials
Contact Information:
New Music School
30 East Adams Street, 12th Floor
Chicago, IL 60603
312.612.1969
Website: http://www.newmusicschool.com/
Old Town School of Folk Music
Location: Lincoln Park (Armitage and Halsted)
Skill Levels: All levels and all ages
Instruments: For sale
Lesson types: Private lessons in 30, 45 or 60 minute increments which run in 8-week sessions. It’s possible to
join mid-session.
$205 for eight weeks of 30 minute lessons
$290 for eight weeks of 45 minute lessons
$375 for eight weeks of 60 minute lessons
Rooms for Rent: n/a
Discounts: Discounts on private and group lessons for members.
Contact Information:
Old Town School of Folk Music
909 W Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
773.728.6000
Website: www.oldtownschool.org
