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.

My God, how we love OTS! We're here at least once a month for a concert: BeauSoleil this past…read moreSaturday; Cracker, Mariachi Herencia de México, and the Bygones in December and January; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Destroyer, Suzanne Vega and Rufus Wainwright around the corner! Prices are beyond reasonable, there's not a bad seat in the house and beer and wine at the concession stand are affordable. Personable volunteers are both friendly and helpful. Insider tip: A very reasonably priced tax-deductible membership gives us an opportunity to nab tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

So excited to finally see this group after 20 years. They didn't disappoint. It's a great space.read more

We've been taking lessons with Jennifer since January: my 4 -year-old, my 7-year-old, and me. She…read moreteaches all three of us on the same evening, and meets each of us exactly where we are. She's kind, patient, and respectful with the kids, and just as encouraging with an adult beginner. What I believe is a differentiator that we really appreciate is what we're learning beyond playing. Alongside technique and performance, we've learned about how the piano works, music theory, and even composing our own pieces. It's made us more curious and creative about music, not just better at practicing. Both of my children have started playing songs that are familiar to them; it's really cool to see them connect with the music, gravitate to the piano to play and sing songs that they love, and feel pride in what they're learning. In addition to being an amazing teacher, Jennifer has been excellent with communication and is punctual, organized, and flexible with our family's schedule. We've all learned so much this year, and we'd recommend her without hesitation.

Jennifer is an excellent piano teacher to my teenager. She balances push and patience, and meets…read morestudents where they are as who they are. The learning & growth has been lovely to see & hear. Highly recommend.

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

My daughter was enrolled in Ms. Jacque's class for over two years before we moved out of the city…read more 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.

From the beginning, Nicole was short and sharp with my wife and I, and it was noticeable to my…read moreyoung 3 year old daughter. She clearly had favorites (we weren't one), and we observed her not even address my daughter despite her running toward her yelling her name out of excitement in class. Sure, you might have a couple favorite kids, but never show it. It got to the point that my daughter made comments to my wife and I at home that "Ms. Nicole won't say hi to me." For anyone with young kids or had young kids, for a 3 year old to say this, it must be a pattern of behavior. It broke our hearts. And to cap off the experience, the night of the recital, my wife and I admit we forgot to pay the remaining balance with everything else going on in our lives (expecting baby #2 in 3 weeks to name the biggest). Nicole greeted my wife and mother-in-law in quite possibly the rudest and most disrespectful way imaginable...."I don't have time for this tonight. She can't come in until you pay!" Thankfully we had enough cash to pay, but she released our tickets the day before and would have sent us home for an oversight we clearly were willing to pay. She caused a scene, and it was completely out of line. Her tone, demeanor, attitude, and overall treatment of people she doesn't care for is unbelievably disappointing and unfortunate. Not to mention, the lack of organization at the recital, the lack of food and drinks for young kids, etc. was all shocking (it was from 4-7p). Wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

My daughter has been dancing her for over a year and she LOVES it! I couldn't be happier with the…read moreexperience - from her perspective, or mine! She started at 3 years and has been with the same group of girls since starting. They are now her pals! The atmosphere is welcoming, kind and supportive. Miss Nicole (her teacher and owner) is a savant with the kids. They love her and are always so excited to see her. She teaches a well organized class that covers dance basics in a fun and creative way. The location is super convenient - big parking lot with a Dominics, Old Navy, Marshalls and Starbucks in easy walking distance! The facilities are great and well kept. The business is run smoothly, efficiently, and the communication is fantastic! I never feel like I wasn't notified about something or that I'm out of the loop! I would highly recommend Collective Dance to anyone wanting to put their child into a dance class. What a positive, nurturing and loving place for a little one to learn to creatively express themselves!

Great local music store for basic music instruments and lessons. Staff is friendly and…read moreaccommodating, just a really great place to have in any community.

Highly recommend. Piano instructor Eric is outstanding. Loads of patience. Figured out exactly what…read moreI was looking for in instructions. Staff, which I'm sure are accomplished musicians in their own right, friendly, helpful and excellent to deal with. I am a senior student ( age, not talent haha). Have taken many lessons over the years. Eric cannot be beat.

I have taken my children to dance classes through Design Dance since the beginning and we have…read morenothing but good to say. The teachers are exciting and excited about dance but also nurturing. My children sing their little dance songs and I see them practice "their moves" all of the time. My son (6) and daughter (5) have found something for each! We especially like the location (Chase Park) because it's easy to get to, park at and there's a delish coffee joint for the chauffeur (mom) nearby. The boy-friendly Hip Hop class is the only one my son will go to!

My son has been taking breakdancing classes with Design Dance at Chase Park for the past year. He…read moreabsolutely loves it! He has had most classes with Maya. She is a fantastic teacher. She brings so much positive energy to her classes. Maya is always focused on the good while encouraging her class to try new moves. My son is in awe of her breakdancing moves! We have also had one class with Tiffany. She was great. My son's age group class did not run so he was offered a spot in a younger class. I was a bit apprehensive about him being older than the other dancers. But Tiffany did a wonderful job working with him at his level. She had positive interactions with her class. I have found nothing negative about classes with Design Dance! You can't beat the convenient locations or the price. I also appreciate the way Liz handles things. She is very quick to respond to a phone call or email. Above all it is plain to see that everyone at Design Dance loves dance and is excited to share that love with children. It is something my 8 year old looks forward to each week and I am very thankful that Design Dance offers such a great experience for him! :)

My daughter is starting violin lessons and the music school she is attending recommended William…read moreHarris Lee for a rental. They are so nice here! I called ahead to make an appointment. And they had a cooking ready for my daughter to try. Kristine helped us and she was so thorough. Helped my daughter familiarize herself with the instrument, taught her the dos and don'ts and walked us through all the terms of the rental. Their rental prices are so reasonable. I highly recommend this place!

The folks at the William Harris Lee location on Michigan Ave are some of the most welcoming and…read moreexpert luthiers I've ever encountered. On a recent trip to Chicago, I arranged a short-term rental in order to experience the city's lively Irish music scene. The violin they provided was one of the best I've ever played--a responsive, booming 4/4 violin with a rich, resonant tone. Everyone at the seisiún loved it! Moreover, I arrived on a slow day with no appointments, so they graciously allowed me to run through some jigs and reels in their beautiful music room overlooking Grant Park, a memorable highlight from my trip. Classical musicians and folkies alike will find everything they need here. Greet instruments and great people--I look forward to using their services again in the future.