Old Town School of Folk Music brings people together through music, dance, theater, and the visual arts. Founded in 1957, the school offers classes, private lessons, and workshops for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. With more than 700 accredited class offerings, students can explore a wide variety of artistic interests in a welcoming and inclusive environment. The school’s mission is to create thriving communities where people connect, learn, create, perform, and enjoy the shared experience of music and dance. Students can develop their skills, discover new creative interests, and build lasting connections with others. Whether learning for fun or pursuing artistic growth, the school provides opportunities to experience and share the joy of the arts.

Northside Music Academy opened in 2017 on Chicago’s North Side with a mission to inspire the community through high-quality music education. As a musician-owned school, it offers private lessons in piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, voice, percussion, saxophone, clarinet, and flute, along with basic music theory and occasional early childhood music programs. Its experienced and dedicated instructors help students build confidence, develop discipline, connect with others, and challenge themselves through music. More than simply teaching instruments, Northside Music Academy nurtures creativity and inspires a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts. The academy operates from a renovated facility in the Edgebrook neighborhood, providing a welcoming environment for learning and creativity, with convenient parking and easy drop-off and pick-up for families throughout nearby Chicago communities and suburbs.

School of Rock Chicago provides music lessons for kids and adults of all ages, combining private instruction with group rehearsals to create a hands-on, performance-focused learning experience. Students can take one-on-one lessons in drums, bass, piano, singing, and guitar while learning how to collaborate and perform as part of a band. Through the School of Rock Method, students gain musical skills along with confidence, teamwork, communication, and other lifelong skills. The school also offers themed music camps and workshops throughout the year, giving students of different ages and experience levels opportunities to explore specific genres, artists, bands, and musical eras.

Merit School of Music is a tuition-free nonprofit music school in Chicago, Illinois, dedicated to providing children and teens with access to high-quality music education. Since 1979, Merit has served thousands of Chicagoland youth through a welcoming and inclusive musical community where students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels can learn and grow. The school offers group music classes, private lessons, Early Childhood programs, and Conservatory-level instruction led by highly qualified music educators. Beyond teaching students to play instruments or sing, Merit helps them develop self-confidence, creativity, persistence, collaboration, and other lifelong skills through meaningful participation in music.

LYRIQ Music School is a music school for performers, musicians, and anyone passionate about learning and growing through music. Serving students ages 4 and up, the school welcomes beginners to advanced musicians with programs designed to support different skill levels and musical goals. Lessons include piano, voice, guitar, and more, helping students develop technique, confidence, creativity, and overall musicianship. LYRIQ Music School specializes in private, individualized 1:1 lessons, allowing instructors to tailor each session to the student’s interests, abilities, pace, and goals. With personalized instruction and focused guidance, students receive high-quality music education in a supportive and engaging environment.