Best Music Schools in Chicago

Old Town School of Folk Music has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the largest public arts institutions in the United States. The music school specializes in teaching traditional folk instruments, visual arts classes, and its outstanding early childhood program, Wiggleworms. Old Town School of Folk Music provides financial assistance to children and adults, ensuring that individuals of all economic backgrounds can participate in private lessons and group classes customized to meet their needs. The music school is ready to inspire and guide students in their classes and lessons With a roster of 250 exceptionally talented artists based in Chicago. They also offer various entertainment options delivered by skilled and professional artists, making them suitable for any occasion. In addition, Old Town School of Folk Music arranges summer music camps, concerts, workshops, and a range of events to provide its students with a profound and enriching experience. The music school offers over 700 accredited classes, private lessons, and workshops covering multiple artistic genres. Furthermore, they offer gift cards, allowing individuals to share the joy of music and creative exploration with others.

Merit School of Music is a nationally accredited institution dedicated to music education. The music school provides private lessons suitable for individuals of all ages and skill levels, ranging from 5 to 55. Merit School of Music plays a transformative role in the lives of young people, fostering personal growth through music. Merit School of Music offers access to high-quality music education with a team of 125 passionate and experienced teaching artists. Annually, they engage over 2,500 students, conducting classes at their downtown locations and in area schools and community centers. The school's mission extends beyond mere instruction, aiming to develop musicians and equip young individuals with the necessary tools to excel. Remarkably, virtually 100 percent of their graduates continue their musical journey in conservatories or colleges. Merit School of Music is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to maximize their creative potential. In addition to their regular programs, they provide summer camps, allowing students to explore their musical interests in an immersive setting. The school recognizes some students' financial challenges and addresses this by offering instrument rentals at little or no cost to a thousand students. Furthermore, the Merit School of Music organizes concerts, bands, and orchestras, providing valuable platforms for students to showcase their talents and collaborate with fellow musicians.

School of Rock Chicago is one of Chicago's most prominent music schools. They offer a comprehensive range of music lessons for students of all ages, both in-person and online. Their diverse programs, camps, and workshops cater to toddlers, kids, teens, and adults, fostering a vibrant community of musicians while making learning music an enjoyable experience. The School of Rock employs a unique approach that combines one-on-one lessons in drums, bass, keyboard, vocals, and guitar with collaborative group practices. As a result, their students actively play music, building their skills and confidence. In addition, they can showcase their progress through exciting live performances hosted at local venues. The music school instructors have experienced educators and local musicians who seamlessly blend the performance-based School of Rock Method with personalized music lessons to deliver exceptional results for each student.