Both of our kids spent YEARS in Marsha's Music and they were wonderful years. They use the "Music Together" curriculum, which is both musically sophisticated (in terms of building blocks for future understanding of complex music) and fun to listen to (for both kids and adults). Also crucially, the teachers -- and of course especially Marsha -- are just wizards with kids, able to draw them in and get them into the music wherever they are. If you live in Hyde Park and have a baby or toddler, why aren't you in Marsha's Music? read more

Signing up for Marsha's Music when our son was 9-months-old, went from being a good decision at the time...to a GREAT decision over time. Our son is now 2.5-years-old, and might just be a budding musician thanks to his experience with Marsha's Music. Initially, it was nice to just get out of the house on the weekend (even in the middle of Chicago winters), be silly and ridiculous with other young families (and caregivers and grandparents), as well as gain some knowledge about how to incorporate music at home and on-the-go (the Music Together CDs are permanent staples in our car that's old enough to have a 6-disc CD player). Now that we've moved away and there's a pandemic that's made everything virtual for the foreseeable future, we STILL get to stay connected to our community - something that's made all of our transitions a bit more doable. Our son LOVES Marsha, and I'm pretty sure he thinks of her on level with his own grandparents (especially since they also now live in the small box that is FaceTime). He's become absolutely addicted to the songs, and has begun to make them his own as he sings them loudly, repeatedly, with instruments (namely percussion), and with his own flourish. Our only wish is that we could do it all in-person again soon. Still, Marsha and team have been remarkable in their adaptability, resilience, and ingenuity in keeping the virtual sessions fresh, engaging, and fun. It's worth doing virtually...and now you can be anywhere in the country too - how accessible! read more

Love the UKELELE jam. It's casual and fun and good for all levels. If there's a song someone wants to sing and play, we give it a try. Even on zoom it is very satisfying and I'm thankful to be able to participate remotely since I do not live in Chicago. read more

Marsha's Music - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We've been attending Music Together with Marsha and her wonderful team for the last 9 months. What a GREAT experience! My toddler (and her big brother and sister) adore all the music. She loves to come sing and dance with her friends every week and I'm amazed to hear her "singing" the tunes of her sibling's piano songs by ear. You're helping her become a little musician! I cannot recommend Marsha's Music enough. read more

We started Marsha's Music after a friend recommended her wonderful music classes. A year later, we still love going to music class! When we started, my child was 6 months old and I was so emotional with how great each class was. Now, my daughter can sing the melodies of songs, including other non-music class songs (like Karma Chameleon!). She regularly requests songs from Marsha's music. She looks forward to classes and is engaged in the zoom classes. Personally, I've loved the zoom classes and thought they did a great job of keeping the kids engaged. I can't recommend Marsha's Music enough! read more

I love Marsha's Music! I recently started with my almost 2 year old after hearing great things. They do not disappoint. He's at a great age for it, although we definitely could've started younger. We have Lynette who's wonderful. I hear all teachers are great. She warm, inviting and gets to know the children right away. I love that it's about participating in music together (hence the name :) as opposed to a performative, all eyes and pressure on the kids environment. My son's grandparents joined us last week, which they not only allow but highly encourage. When I first had my son I kept telling myself I should go back and learn many of the classic children's songs. I only picked up a couple, but now that we're enrolled in class it's been fun learning new songs together. We're introduced to many new songs from a variety of genres I never would've come across otherwise. Aside from in class, we listen and/or sing around the house, in the car and at bedtime. I can't say enough good things. And you can sample a class free of charge to see for yourself. read more

We love Marsha's Music Together. I am currently attending with my nearly 3 year old, but my 11yo and 8yo each participated for 3+ years. We started around age 8 months with each child and finished when they went to preschool. Of all the different activities parents choose to do with babies and toddlers, I like that there are good studies showing correlations with academic and life skills and early music exploration. We have had many teachers over the years who are all delightful, but I especially appreciate Irene's kindness and continued joy in the music making experience! read more

We LOVE Marsha's Music. We have been taking classes for over 4 years (beginning with my eldest daughter when she was 2 (now 6) my middle daughter (4) and youngest 17m. I prefer this over other local classes as we (teacher, adults and children) make music together rather than children just being sang to. I love each collection which provides a diverse range of music we can listen to daily and learn. I have heard my children at very young ages repeat vocal sounds and start to sing along which is incredible. The staff are so kind and warm, energetic and passionate about what they do. You are missing out if you aren't signed up!!! read more

Marsha's Music is entirely wonderful! The teachers make each session a joyful, nurturing experience. The classes have fostered our daughter's interest in music, encouraged her to socialize with other toddlers, and connected us to a community of families in Hyde Park. We feel lucky to have been part of it. read more

My toddler and I love Marsha's Music! It's a Music Together class located in the rehearsal room of the Greenhouse Theater. If you have a baby, toddler or preschooler, look into the Music Together curriculum. It is top notch. I grew up with music through violin and Suzuki method. Music Together is so much more than just a couple of songs. We get so much more out of this than going to music classes geared towards babies that are (a) a performance by the instructor or (b) don't involve the interaction between parent - toddler. The music is folk and traditional, not cutesy. No Itsy Bitsy Spider here! We sing, we dance, we play with instruments. We learn tones and rhythm. read more

We adore Marsha's Music! It's a wonderful way to get out (especially during the colder months) and allow young children self-expression and movement. The music is lively and creative but helps them develop their voice. We've done Suzuki instrumental learning for awhile and I feel like this compliments in creating a musical foundation with a creative element. Marsha adds such joy and whimsy - kids take to her immediately. We listen to the songs at home and I hear my children humming and singing them all the time. We moved here recently; this has been a great way to make some acquaintances in the neighborhood as well. It's a highlight of our week. read more

Marsha's classes are pure joy. She is radiant and present in a way that seems to allow each child to find avenues toward self expression during class. Marsha turns the different aspects of the class into playful explorations: music warm up, dance, putting away instruments and boundary setting. There is no question children feel her curiosity, kindness and love of art and play. I feel so lucky that my daughter has the opportunity to spend time with Marsha. I wish this for every child. read more

Marsha's Music classes are the highlight of our week. My two year old is so excited to attend class every week. He is an avid observer of his music teachers (we've had both Marsha and Lynnette - both are amazing!) and takes in every movement, song and routine in the class. It's to the point where he acts out music class in other settings with all sorts of people. He is confident and joyous in his musical abilities, rhythmically and tonally. My oldest child also loved to attend music class before we started taking classes during the school day when she's in school, even though she has already been through all 9 collections. Both Lynnette and Marsha are welcoming, gentle, playful, and set appropriate boundaries. They create the right balance of musical experience and the needs of each child's development. I also appreciate that you can make up as many classes as you'd like within the session. Marsha understands the needs of families! They welcome all kinds of families and children. We are fortunate enough to have a scholarship to attend Marsha's Music classes. Her generosity is unparalleled. Without the scholarship, we wouldn't be able to attend and my children wouldn't have this joy to look forward to every week. read more

We LOVE our Marsha's Music classes! Our three children have taken classes with Irene for many years, and her caring and creative approach made them fall quickly in love with the class and with music (and with Irene to boot!). My oldest son is quite shy and Irene's gentle and caring nature put him at ease, and he soon even began singing in class. I was shocked :)! My two older children also took part in Marsha's fantastic "Big Kids" music class- designed for children ages 5-7- and they were thrilled with the new musical challenges, including singing in rounds, folk dances, and learning the basics of solfege. Marsha's Music classes are truly phenomenal and as a musician myself, I'm so grateful that my children have had the opportunity to take part in these special classes beginning when they were just little babies! Thanks to Marsha's Music, my children have developed a deep love and appreciation of music. I *highly* recommend these classes for your kiddos, too! read more