Best Music Classes For Kids In Chicago

Encouraging your child to take up a musical instrument doesn't have to be a daunting task. In the city and suburbs, finding a class that provides age-appropriate instruction without being intimidating is easier than it sounds. Younger children can learn the basics of music while discovering new-to-them musical instruments, while older children can advance their skills in their field of study. With park districts, schools and other organizations offering music classes just for kids, you can find plenty of options in the Chicago area.

Chicago Park District
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

There's more — a lot more — to the Chicago Park District than playgrounds and basketball courts. The park district offers an assortment of music classes for children of all ages, starting with introductory classes geared for parents and younger children. Other options include the Civic Chamber Music Series, as well as classes focused on musical theatre. Courses are held in parks throughout the Chicago Park District, and registration is required.

Flatts & Sharpe Music Company
6749 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
(773) 465-5233
flattsandsharpe.com

With music lessons from Flatts & Sharpe Music Company, your child can learn how to play the guitar or piano, or take voice lessons. Lessons can be paid on a week-to-week or monthly basis. A sibling rate is also available for families with two budding musicians, and details for lessons on other musical instruments are available online. The shop, which is located in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, also has just about everything a young musician needs. In addition to music lessons, families can rent a musical instrument, purchase sheet music and even bring in an instrument for repair.

Old Town School Of Folk Music
4544 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago IL 60625
(773) 728-6000
www.oldtownschool.org

You're never too young to learn about music, and that's certainly true at Old Town School of Folk Music. The organization's early childhood music program, Wiggleworms, gives young children an introduction to music, with classes held in Chicago and the suburbs. Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, Old Town School offers plenty of music classes for kids of all ages. In addition to guitar, drum and piano classes, the organization offers classes on how to play the banjo or fiddle; additionally, voice lessons are available.

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People's Music School
931 W. Eastwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-7032
www.peoplesmusicschool.org

Located in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, People's Music School offers music classes for kids. Students are given numerous class choices, including how to play the violin, guitar and other musical instruments. Performances are held throughout the year to allow students to demonstrate what they've learned in class. Here's information that may be music to parents' ears: As noted on the organization's website, People's Music School is "the only completely tuition-free music school in Chicago." Heads up: Registration is held over the summer.

Sherwood Community Music School
1312 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 369-3100
www.colum.edu

Babies, toddlers and young children can dance and learn about music through the Sherwood Community Music School at Columbia College Chicago. Located in Chicago's Near South Side neighborhood, classes are offered for children as young as infants. The course schedule offers a number of ways for children to learn about music with a Spanish fusion class, an introduction to musical instruments, a class where kids can sing their hearts out, and even an introduction to the ukulele, among the courses. The school offers sample classes for free, so your child can find a course that meets her age and interests. Information on class tuition and registration is available via the school's website.

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Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.