My daughter was enrolled in Ms. Jacque's class for over two years before we moved out of the city. Ms. Jacque is the best! She was one of the "newer" teachers but she is AWESOME! Her energy, enthusiasm, & silliness is very engaging for the kids, and she has a beautiful voice! Because she is newer, her classes were a little smaller, which is kind of nice. The veteran teachers are great too (I signed up for the holiday sing a long with Ms. Julie), but I noticed my daughter seemed a little less engaged in the other teachers' classes. I don't know if it had to do with the fact that classes were much more packed & she got less attention from the teacher (no fault on Ms. Julie, she does a great job connecting with all the parents & kids, her classes are just bigger). The program itself is awesome. My daughter's language development is way above average (not trying to brag but it's true) and I think this program has a lot to do with it. We still listen to the CD's at home, and the recordings are really pleasant even for adults to listen to. The songs are not irritating like some kids albums can be (parents, you know what I'm talking about). My daughter will request "Ms. Jacque music" in the car, so cute! I know my daughter misses her! If you are considering this program, I'd highly recommend it. read more

We attended a few music lessons when our toddler was younger! Loved the engagement and the enthusiasm of the teacher. our toddler and we had a fun time read more

I nanny for an almost two year old boy who LOVES this class and Miss Mary! She is such an amazing teacher and is so good at engaging kids both before, during, and after class. She places a huge emphasis on just letting the children be themselves... It's ok to let them play around, dance, wander, talk during the songs, whatever they want to do! No need to "shhhh" your kids, just let them explore music and have fun! It really is amazing how much the younger kids pick up from class, even though they may seem very shy during the session. My little guy loves listening to all of the songs outside of class and I often catch him singing the songs, doing the motions, or making the silly noises he learned in class. We both look forward to it every week and have already signed up for a new session! read more

We love Merry Music Makers! Our son has so much fun in class, and loves to listen to the music at home and in the car. We started when he was 6 months old (online Zoom class) and have been doing outdoor classes since Spring 2021. It's been really amazing to see the growth in his participation, focus, and rhythm. Now that he's more verbal, he requests favorite songs by name, to sing and play with us! We absolutely recommend this high quality program. read more

Really fun classes for kids of all ages. My 1 1/2 year old checks out Miss Emily's music class on the weekends and also has spent time with Mr. George. Very catchy and high energy. The class is a mix of singing and instrument playing and it flies right by! It's fun to have a weekend activity for a very high energy toddler. A CD comes when you sign up so you can throw that bad boy in the car and REALLY get your kid into it. I swear that I am singing something from it all day long and when my son catches me, his eyes light up! read more

We had my grandson's 3rd birthday party at the Ravenswood location on February 9th. When we were looking for venues we didn't want the usual play place or party room. We found Merry Music Makers on Yelp and were encouraged by the positive reviews so I gave them a call. Camille was great, explaining everything included in the party package, and I knew by the time I hung up that we had found the place for the birthday party. The facility set up is great. There is an outer room with tables and chairs for visiting and eating (so great that they allow you to bring your own food and beverages) and then there is a large activity room for the music and dance activities. I have forgotten the names of our party host and music instructor, but they were both absolutely fantastic. We were able to get in the facility early and set up and didn't feel rushed at all when it was time to leave. The kids and parents alike enjoyed the music session. There was plenty of variety and repetition and the kids really got into it. Our guests all had such great things to say about the party. If you are looking for a fun and interactive birthday experience for your little one, I can't say enough good things about Merry Music Makers! read more

My 2 yo daughter has been enrolled in a ton of classes since she was 1 (gymboree, swim lessons, dance - baby take a bow, Lil Kickers, Park District, etc.) and this is by far our favorite. It seems to be the best class for her developmentally and my nanny (who usually takes her) agrees this is one of the best classes and she has also been to alot with prior families. My daughter is shy and doesn't always participate in the class but she picks up a ton and practices what she learns and sings to the songs when at home. We love miss Mary and will continue taking this class! read more

My 1yo has been taking music class at the Music Playhouse on Southport, based on a recommendation. I live in Andersonville and really don't like having to drive and pay for parking in Lakeview. Walking around my 'hood I had seen the MMM sign outside the doors of Philadelphia Church. I finally decided to check it out and scheduled a free demo class. There is a night and day difference between Music Playhouse and MMM. First off, the class size is capped at 12 children at MMM, which is a huge plus. Secondly, and more importantly, I feel like MMM is truly a musical education class - not a soundtrack that the kids dance along to. As someone who has played piano for over 10 years, I really appreciate that and would rather spend my money on a class that is truly educating my son. We really love Ms. Julie - my son is in total awe of her. He's really shy in class, but we can tell that he is 110% engaged the entire time. So, so glad that this class is nearby. The CD is great for listening to at home. And the materials provide at the beginning of the class really help parents continue the music education at home. read more

Parents in Chicago rave about Wiggleworms but in my opinion, Merry Music Makers is where it's at. We attend Miss Julie's class in Andersonville. Miss Julie is talented, engaging, and energetic--all good things when it comes to a children's music class. The songs are catchier than Wiggleworms and there is a curriculum behind the music and songs (you receive a CD). Also, the songs are not annoying like a lot of children's music can be. Siblings 8 months and younger are free! read more

We held my daughter's 3rd birthday party this past weekend at the Merry Music Makers location on Ravenswood, and I have nothing but good things to say about the experience. Camille was very helpful with the planning stages, and our party's "helper" Katie was amazing on the day of the party, eager to facilitate with the party set-up and making me feel at ease. Music teacher Jacque held the attention of the kids during the music class and managed to entertain all of our little guests from ages 6 months all the way up to eleven. I highly recommend MMM for a kid's party! The price of the party is on-par, if not a bit more affordable, than other options in the neighborhood, and MMM offers a stress-free planning experience and a warm, friendly environment. read more

By far the best music classes I've ever experienced in the Chicago area, and I have taken trial classes at 3 other places. Ive been taking my 2 1/2 year old twin girls there since they were a year and they love it. They have clearly picked up some basic musical understanding and in turn become interested in anything music related. I only hoped to give them a foundation in which they have some basic understanding of music so that they would be able to enjoy it that much more and the classes have accomplished that and then some. We have been with Julie from the beginning and she is a phenomenal teacher. Her love of music is palpable and infectious. My husband and I are in awe of her energy level and commitment. We've also met so many great parents there, so that is a nice bonus as well. read more

This place is wonderful and provides a really different approach to helping kids learn about music from the ground up. My two year old is able to keep a beat and sing out loud in front of his entire class with the help of Ms. Maria. It's a really cute spot with a lovely vibe. There's a play center in the same building that we pop into after class. Great way to spend the morning with your toddler! read more

Jacque in Andersonville has been a wonderful leader and maestro! My daughter is 11 months old and loves going to her group class! I would highly recommend it! read more

We've attended classes with three different teachers. All different but all great. You can see the difference in developmental benefits between Merry Music Makers and the run of the mill singalong classes offered elsewhere. Not only musical development but social, linguistic, etc. And the playlists are great to listen to at home - far less annoying than most kid's music. read more

My daughter was in the mixed age Music Together program for more than 2 years, and she learned so much. Specifically, she was with Ms. Julie in Andersonville Chicago. The lessons are more than just singing kiddy songs; they learn about basic music theory, rhythm, melody, rounds, dancing, culture and so much more. Highly recommend. read more

Our 5 year old had a great time taking group ukulele lessons with Mr. Andy. She may have gotten more out of private lessons, as one of the other students was a bit of a handful. But Mr Andy handled it all very well! If we hadn't moved away we would have continued at MMM. read more

Fabulous music class. Our twin boys love their weekly class in Spanish. The atmosphere is warm and the songs and instruction are fantastic. Highly recommended. We've been sending them for months read more

We love Ms. Jacque and Ms. Julie! I have loved seeing my kids blossom and grow under their care. They have learned so much and love to sing the songs all around the house. read more

Such an amazing class. They are so intentional in the way they teach kids to catch the basics of music. It is so fun and effective-- and it fosters in kids the joy of learning music! read more

My daughter has been going to MMM class for over a year now, from before she could walk to now walking, talking, and singing! At 2.5 years old, she loves music and now makes up songs by herself. She can sing many of the MMM class songs and loves to listen to the CD in the car. She is developing a great sense of rhythm too! Great teachers and an overall great class. Highly recommend. read more

We had been taking Wiggle Worms classes for a year and a half before starting Merry Music Makers. We were happy at Old Town, but our teacher moved out of state and after going to a few make-up classes with different teachers, we noticed the quality of the classes varied widely. What I like about Merry Music Makers, that Wiggle Worms lacks, is there is a method being employed and there is consistency across classes since all the instructors are using the same 25 songs each semester . This truly is music instruction and appreciation for the very young, not just a weekly sing-along. My son knows all the songs from this semester and constantly asks to hear them in the car (you are given a CD with the songs). We've enjoyed class with both Miss Julie and Mr. George. Highly recommend this program. read more

We love Merry Music Makers! We go to Miss Mary's class in Lakeview and you can just tell she absolutely loves what she does and she absolutely loves the children and really connects with them. My son is 15 months old and has just completed the Fall season. He has been singing and humming and really learning a lot just due to this class. My husband and I have been loving seeing him grow and absorb so much! The class is very engaging, energetic and interactive. While we have done Wiggleworms in the past and its not bad, I feel that Merry Music Makers goes way beyond and is much more of a learning and fun experience for my son and for our time together. We will be involved with Merry Music Makers for a long, long time! read more

I highly recommend Merry Music Makers! Our daughter is 16 months old and is taking her second session of the Mixed Age Music Together class with Miss Emily at the Lakeview Studio location. The class is fantastic and is as much fun for me and my husband as it is for our daughter. The music is great and the activities are fun. We have also also taken make-up classes with Mr. George and he is a great teacher as well. As other reviewers have mentioned, our daughter doesn't always seem to be paying that much attention in class, but when we play or sing the music at home or in the car, she starts smiling, clapping, swaying, etc. so she's clearly absorbing it. read more

This review is for Music Together® MIXED AGE. We have been through a number of music classes for small children (Old Town School of Music's Wiggleworms, Mr. Singer's Leithaus Studio, Gymboree Music), but this one is so far the best. They really teach pitch, rhythm, and musicality. My child was apprehensive during the first class, but now, 4 classes later, is totally obsessed with it. We had Maria and George as teachers, they are both great. You will be given a CD and a book with all songs from the semester for home use. Go try it out!!! read more

You must know that my 4-year-old daughter loved your Sing And Swim Camp!!! Everyday would she come out happy Happy with lots of new knowledge to spread at home. We are recommending it badly to everyone we come across. read more

Our son had a wonderful experience at the music camp. He learned a lot and had a great time every day. The teachers were so warm that our normally shy child felt comfortable right away. I would highly recommend the camp to anyone looking for a summer activity that will engage children in true learning in a very low-key, child friendly way. This is exactly what summer programming should be. We can't wait to go back next summer. read more

Merry Music Makers is amazing. We have been going since our 3 year old son was 6 months old, and his 1 year old sister has loved it since she was a newborn. They are both engaged and singing and dancing to the songs at home. Plus, the CDs they provide are like crack for the car. If the kids are sick of a long trip, throw the CDs on and they both are happy! read more

We have attended classes at Mary Music Makers for 2 years with our 2 year old twins. The experience has been delightful. The laid back atmosphere and interactive musical atmosphere is excellent, our girls love attending and so do we. Highly recommended! read more

We love Merry Music Makers. Classes have been great for both my 4-year-old daughter and my 2-year-old son. I would highly recommend them! Best music classes in town! read more

Our daughter is 17mo and we have been bringing her to MMM since she was 6mo. She loves the routine, singing, and movement. MMM allows your kid to participate as little or as much as they want without scrutiny or disencouragement- as other music classes we had tried. We have been with Ms Maria at the Broadway location from the beginning. She is the best! She is so engaging and the kids really love her. She makes every class energetic and fun. Would recommend to anyone!!! read more

This is a truly unique and creative community. My son is super silly at home but quiet and very cautious around newer situations and people, so to watch him blossom has been heart-warming! You cannot go wrong with any instructor; each is trained in music and in children's development, and they go through the Music Together national curriculum training. Classes are designed for children to explore music through tones, rhythms and the freedom to express themselves. We are taking our fourth class and plan to keep coming back! read more

Merry Music Makers is part of the "Music Together" program. In the weekly 1-hour music class the kids get to sing, play instruments, dance, and all for songs familiar to them from the CD that you get as part of the 6-12 week semester. This CD never leaves our car. The kids know it and demand it -- some songs are unique to Music Together, but many are folk classics and others are adapted from cultures around the world. There is a mix of melodic songs, chants, and always a few songs thrown in with a fun and different beat pattern. Prior to moving to Chicago we participated in a class through the program in another city. It was ok, but Merry Music Makers just does a fantastic job in making music education fun. Ms. Julie is a gem. Having now had two kids learn from her (it's not learning to them...) has been very fortunate for our family. Ms. Mary is also great, and on the rare occasions we've had substitute teachers they have all been wonderful. The kids do learn (a lot!), but not through a rigid didactic program. Instead, it is the repetition and strong guidance of the teachers that imparts the learning... and most importantly, the guidance on how to carry that over at home. My wife is classically-trained as a musician, so having quality music education starting at a young age was important for us. Nonetheless, to the kids it just seems like singing songs and playing instruments. Now that they are getting older, it is fulfilling to have them be able to keep a beat and sing on-key. But more importantly, they just really enjoy music and I credit Merry Music Makers with helping to make it part of our daily routines. read more

We love taking classes at MMM, and have been for the better part of 5 years (with 2 kids). Mrs. Maria is great and knows all the kids names by the 2nd class. The Armory is very convenient for us, blocks from out house! read more

My daughter absolutely loves her Spanish music class with Maria. You can really tell she loves what she does and loves the kids. We have attended other Merry Music Makers classes as well and have never been disappointed! read more

I never write yelp reviews but I just had to say how great Merry Music Makers is. My son started at MMM when he was 4 months. Now he is 1 and loves it even more! Miss Mary is such a wonderful teacher and singer, and she really understands children and knows how to keep them engaged. I could not say enough good things about Merry and her classes. read more

We love Miss Maria! She has a way of making every child feel special and truly loves them all. Her passion for teaching the importance of music in child growth and development is genuine. I really thought this class would just be a fun little something to do on Saturday mornings but I find myself really looking forward to it! My 14 mo old daughter squeals with delight in every class. We look forward to many more mornings with Miss Maria read more

I have been a musician for 30 years and absolutely LOVE Merry Music Makers. The programs provided are second to none and the staff has always been professional, courteous, helpful, FUN and super excited to see the progress of the children & parents alike. Thank you Ms. Mary, Ms. Katie, and all of the other wonderful teachers that work tirelessly to provide an education in music for our future generations. read more

We really love this music class! It had a lot of variety and keeps my little one entertained. Mom also enjoys it, we both love it!

I cannot recommend merry music makers enthusiastically enough! It has been such a thrill to witness my son's musical development over the year and a half we've been in Miss Maria's class at the Broadway Armory in Edgewater. Even my own sense of rhythm and pitch have improved, and my spouse and I are just more comfortable including singing and dancing in our family life. If we had to drop all the activities that we do, this is the one I'd be really sad about losing. The Music Together curriculum they use is renowned - importantly, it introduces children to modalities and time signatures not usually found in children's music. Their teachers are expert musicians but are also great with kids. Maria has helped my timid son blossom socially. The great thing about the armory location is that the room is small so they have to keep the class sizes very small. All the kids get very close attention. Maria is phenomenal at noticing what all the kids are doing and responding to their cues. And my son has picked up some Spanish! What a bonus! I really could go on and on. I have a second baby now and it's awesome to have an activity both kids do together and get equally as much out of. Specifically I recommend trying out a class for a whole semester. Initially we tried a demo and I thought it was a little overwhelming - it's a fast pace and a lot of songs that were new to me. Luckily we got a semester as a gift and then I realized that much of the benefit comes outside of the class and over time as our son incorporates the music and things he's learned into his daily routines. I may be a little guilty of overprogramming my kids, but this is one activity that I know is worth every penny. It's actually forming brain connections that will enrich the rest of their lives. It would be difficult to match the breadth of musical exposure this class provides on your own. But I don't mean to make it sound too serious either. It's a silly and fun hour we spend together once a week! It's also been nice to include visiting grandparents and friends in a class too. Everyone's been impressed and understands why I rave about it so much! read more

I have taken music together classes with my 2 & 4 year olds since they were born. Mary and Carey at Merry Music Makers are the two best teachers I have ever seen. They make my kids love to sing and dance. They work to teach adults new things about music so we can use it at home. I can't think of a better place to spend time with your children. read more