Chicago Music Exchange (CME) is massive. There is a lot of ground to cover and many instruments to…read moresee. I accompanied my husband to CME during our weeklong trip to Chicago this summer. We took the L to Paulina, and the music store is a short walk from the train station. So many guitars on the street-level part of the shop. Drums, basses, and the repair shop are found on the lower-level. Aside from all the guitars displayed on the walls, there are also so many canvased photos of musicians and groups who visited CME over the years. There are a number of comfortable spots where you can sit and play. There's also a cushy couch area with Gucci pillows where you can sit, especially if you're waiting for your significant other :)

I used to be able to play a little. Love guitars and amps, everyone should…read more Walking in here: I'm not Worthy. I'm NOT Worthy. Beautiful guitars in many different price ranges. From classic American Fenders, to Paul Reed Smiths, Gibson, and a full fledged acoustic guitar room with beautiful acoustics. The people working there are helpful and not elitists cooler than thou musicians. The folks I encountered were warm and welcoming. Really positive and fun.

Update March 2025: It took about 7.5 months, but I have the…read moreinstrument back and in great shape (action and intonation all fixed). Although the experience was frustrating overall, manager Charlie and two sales associates whose names I didn't catch went FAR above and beyond to make this right. I appreciate their care and transparency.

Placed an order on reverb for a guitar. Next day seller cancelled due to the item already having…read morebeen sold. Meanwhile I already bought a hardshell case and accessories elsewhere.

This company is doing some amazing things for music and music education. I attended Access…read moreContemporary Music's street festival back in August and it was a fantastic event. They had a live ensemble, craft brews and dogs. Pretty much everything a girl could ask for. BUT THEN during the Ear Taxi festival I noticed ACM also performed a free concert at the Cultural Center. AND THEN!! My friends and I went to Open House Chicago and there was an ensemble playing in some of the buildings... IT WAS ACM. Basically everywhere in the city. It's insane. Seems like something in the universe is trying to tell me something; only, I have two left hands so I don't think I'll be learning to play an instrument anytime soon. TL;DR: Check out the website for events/cool way to impress people.

I completely lucked out when I found this place…read more.. There was some piano music I'd heard that I really really wanted to learn to play, but could never find the sheet music. I literally walked in with my ipod and asked if they could transcribe it for me. They did and then gave me lessons to learn it! A month or so later, I was playing the music I had loved so much for so long. This was pretty much a dream come true for me. Since then I've been taking weekly lessons. It's hard to describe how easy it was to start doing something so fulfilling. It takes a lot of practice, but it's fun and there's no pressure. Learn whatever you like to play at your own pace with super nice people. I would recommend ACM to anyone who's even thinking of learning piano. Treat yourself to lessons from passionate, talented, friendly people.

I can't rave hard enough about Major Keys Studio. I came across Major Keys when I was lsearching…read morefor piano lessons for my girls, and was intrigued by the idea that Major Keys could do piano and voice. In fact, they pretty much let the kids take the lead on what and how they want to learn. This approach won my kids over vs. traditional lessons, and they built up a great relationship with their instructer, Alan. Last summer they took a break from the traditional lessons and worked on a summer project to learn and record a song - one playing guitar and the other piano. Experiencing the end to end process was so exciting for them, and Alan did an amazing job producing the recording. We have since moved from Chicago, but were back in the neighborhood this summer. I asked if there were any activities or camps they wanted to do, and they wanted to work on another project with Alan. So over just 5 lessons, they each learned and recorded a song. After being gone for a year, this has reignited a love for making music in both of my children. Alan and Gwen's passion and talent are contagious. I highly recommend them to anyone (adult or child!)

My 7 year old loves music, and wanted lessons. Her high energy and struggle with sitting still,…read moreespecially when things are boring to her made me reluctant. After sitting with her for two lessons with Gwen, I had ZERO worries. Gwen has a true gift in connecting with her students, keeps them engaged and having fun while learning music. And this is with virtual lessons! Her talent and passion for music and helping others learn music is infectious. My daughter looks forward to her lessons, LOVES to play and practices on her own. We're on our fourth set of sessions and we will not be stopping any time soon. BOTH Gwen and Alan are amazing, talented and incredible teachers in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele and more. I highly recommend them both for your music lesson needs, both locally and remotely. They are AMAZING.

Still want my guitar back please leave it at 6506 W Imlay St. I wonder how insane a business owner…read morecan be to not give a client back a guitar after holding on to it for years. It was never worked on and I just want it back.

Excellent work on the setup and strings for my guitar not to mention a friendly staff and clean…read morestore.

I recommend Music House for singers of all abilities & ages. I'm a senior who has been singing &…read moreperforming most of my life. I've studied voice with 2 other wonderful teachers. My Music House teacher - Ms. Lily - is a gem! She is always patient & encouraging. She has a way of explaining vocal technique that is easy to understand & follow. When I bring in songs that I'm working on elsewhere, she always breathes new life into my practice. If you want to begin or advance your singing, I very much recommend Music House.

Had a child in ballet and realized owners are more interested in Social Justice efforts than…read moreteaching kids how to dance, understand classic music, learn how to play an instrument etc. Extremely disappointed when we found out they replaced the Christmas tree with a Unity tree in Tchaikovskys Nutcracker and replaced ballet with hip-hop and tap dances in several places. What an insult to a true classic. There are better studios for your kids that don't force LGBTQ down your kids throat also. Look around, there are several nearby.

Musical Chairs is great. I love that it's a neighborhood family and business. Lisa is very…read moreencouraging and responsive and has a great love of music. My 10 year old daughter takes piano and voice from Stuart. Stuart also led a session of Glee that my daughter did. Stuart is kind and patient, nurturing and encouraging. My daughter's piano and singing skills have developed well. Stuart is a master musician and a great model for my daughter. She loves him. Colin teaches guitar to my 8 year old son. He has only been playing for less than a year and is developing playing and music reading skills. Colin chooses some great rock n roll selections that my son enjoys. Colin is very patient. He is a working musician which is great for my son to see. They have a good time together.

My 10 year old daughter started playing piano 2.5 yrs ago with Stuart Thompson. Musical Chairs…read moreowner/director/teacher Lisa Borelli recommended him as a good fit for her. Lisa couldn't have been more exact. Every week my daughter can't wait to work with Stuart. He's so positive, fun and supportive AND she can actually play...really play! Since starting piano her interest in other instruments and music has grown. She has picked up the flute and the ukelele. Musical Chairs is able to provide lessons for these instruments, too. Rather than some big, over crowded music school, Musical Chairs is very personal and supportive with many ways for kids to explore music and perform. And the per lesson fee is very reasonable. Making up missed classes is also flexible per the teacher's schedule. I look forward to my daughter growing with Musical Chairs.