My daughter just started singing lessons here last August - Katherine is her instructor. My…read moredaughter had an ok voice and was completely opposed to singing in front of people. Fast forward to today, I'm amazed at how she sounds when she sings - she's also comfortable singing in front of people (maybe too much so as she now craves the response she gets when they respond to her singing). Highly recommended.

Having trained with Katherine for just over a year and ALEXA for another 8 months or so, both have…read morebeen extremely knowledgeable and considerate while boasting impressive backgrounds in the academic world of vocal pedagogy. The staff as a collective has always remained upbeat and friendly, providing a wonderful atmosphere for children and adults alike. It's safe to say that Liz and Alexandra have truly created a gem in the city and an amazing opportunity for aspiring vocalists to explore the depths of their instrument. Kudos!

We've been to the Old Town School many times, but not for several years now. A close cousin was…read moreplaying, who teaches at the school. We had tickets to see him play. Not reviewing his music (which was fantastic), but the venue. The room we were in was like a black box theater. The room was fairly small and intimate. It was open seating and when we arrived it was pretty full. We were very fortunate that there were two seats open in the third row. The room is acoustically sound (pun intended)... Seriously, being small, they really don't need to amplify the sound, even though they did have a microphone set up. As we were leaving, we got to roam the halls around the school. There were a lot of fun, vintage posters that were a lot of fun to look at. We met quite a few people who either had been students there, or were current students who had nothing but good things to say about the caliber of the educators and the Old Town School. Based on the performances we've seen there of students and faculty, I'd say we agree.

This is a great place to catch a concert as the acoustics are amazing and the price is low compared…read moreto bigger concert venues. Be sure to look at the address on your ticket though as I just put "Old Town School of Folk Music" into my direction app and I landed 20 minutes away at a different place. I'd paid to park before I realized it was the building where lessons are given, not concerts. I drove across town and went into another "Old Town School of Folk Music" on Lincoln Avenue, only to be told I was still in the wrong place. Ran across the street and found my concert, up a flight of stairs, but was 25 minutes late. Prices for a concession stand Coke and a candy bar were wildly high, but I was hungry so I paid for it, plus tip. Seats were small and uncomfortable, like a school assembly hall. But again, stellar acoustics, so a really good experience overall. I'll return, but I'll be more careful with driving directions so as to arrive on time.

Molly and the Red Cloud team are incredible! My 7 year old daughter started last August and…read moreabsolutely loves piano each week. The teachers are patient and creative and give the kids the confidence they need to put forth their best. The studio is charming and provides a unique learning experience. If you are looking for lessons for your child or yourself, I would highly recommend giving Red Cloud a try.

Both my 8 year old daughter and I are students at Red Cloud and we have loved the experience so…read morefar. It has tons of small business charm, bolstered with lots of solid experience and theory backing the classes. The approach is very holistic and makes learning visible; supports are offered to progress at your own pace, and process is valued heavily over just product. An intimate, caring space worthy of repeat sessions! We have interacted most with Marlena, Abigail, and Molly, and they are all fantastic!

As a musician and music educator (harp), music education for my girls is one of my top priorities…read more I've worked at many schools from early education to Loyola University and continuing adult education. The staff at Bucktown Music is unbeatable for all ages. The programs offered here are the best in the city with easily applicable curriculum, clear assignments for home, developmentally appropriate challenges, and fun for parents too! My daughters love music class. They are delighted every time we step into the room. From the courtesy at the front desk to the parking options and surrounding activities; the fully stocked bookshelf to the bathroom with diapers available; the clean kitchen to foster community to the shower to support the active staff, they've thought of everything at Bucktown. Thank you for your beautiful resource to our musical city!

Everything about Bucktown Music is fantastic! The people& the program. And the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE…read moreclass so much.

Elise is skilled at her craft, and my junior high daughter and I are pleased with her progress as a…read moreperformer! I highly recommend Elise. My daughter has professed that she would like her lessons to be with nobody else!

Elise is down-to-earth classy. I had the privilege of backing her up on drums and it was a true…read morepleasure. Beautiful and talented, Elise is the one to hire for your next event. It's rare to have access to such talent.

I just stumbled upon this site and am utterly stunned by the negative reviews. Many years ago, back…read morein the 90s, my daughter and I were Sheryl Rak's vocal students. If I may speak for both of us, our experience was ultimately positive and empowering. Speaking for myself and my interactions with Sheryl, I found her to be motivating and truly engaged in her students' progress. Sheryl is an empath and a healer. She is a coach and what may appear to one as being condescending, I believe it is her challenging her students to do better. The very best coaches push their students, when they lose focus or deviate from their path. Anytime someone looks to apply for employment, seeking training or looking to hire a professional for their services, they must research to gain knowledge about their prospect...yes, even before you interview or attend your first class. If what I read, in the more negative reviews, is true, then I believe something sad has changed that beautiful lady with her beautiful sparkling eyes and powerful energy that I once knew. Perhaps it was due to some kind of trauma that Sheryl has experienced. It appears as if her own spirit is in need of healing. It happens. So, as we are free to print our own accounts, as you write, I would encourage you to take a moment and open your heart. Open your heart and send her healing love, light and energy. The Sheryl Rak I once knew would have done the same for us.

Sheryl was always good to me - and good to my friends - and she often gave singing advice free at…read morethe corner coffee shop. BTW, she retired and closed this business years ago due to health reasons.

Went to support a friend of a friend....its like a performance In someones garage. People can try…read moreout their amateur music skills with an enthralled group of supporters.

Eldest child learned electric guitar here through private lessons and took part in the performance…read moregroup that culminated in an awesome show on stage at a real club!! I've also been here for a few fundraisers for local non-profits and it's really a great space for that purpose. I think about 50 people attended a recent event in the second floor space and it was perfect for that- great acoustics, cool vibe, welcoming staff, free street parking, great neighborhood location.