This company is doing some amazing things for music and music education. I attended Access Contemporary 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. read more

I completely lucked out when I found this place... 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. read more

Our daughter is 8 and has been taking private piano lessons at ACM since 2018. She came in with some basic music knowledge, but has flourished under Christy in the past 2.5 years and her piano playing has improved tremendously. The best part about Christy is that she is incredibly patient, teaches music theory while making it fun, and has been amazing at inspiring our daughter's creativity as she composes her own original songs. Big shoutout to Trevor for his incredible management of the Ravenswood location as well. The transition from in person to virtual lessons has been seamless. Highly recommend. read more

Great place for children to learn piano! The teachers are patient and understanding to both my children ages 7 and 12. Both take piano and my older child takes piano and voice, she's gonna be a star whom can sing and play the piano! Trevor her piano and voice teacher is the best, guided her through with patience and understanding same thing with Desiree the piano teacher for my boy. He requires a lot of patience and understanding. Love it! read more

We've been at ACM for several years now and couldn't be more thrilled. I originally wanted an in-home teacher but realize that kids are less distracted at the school and they are surrounded by other aspiring (and inspiring) musicians. Both of my boys have learned from Michael Miller - an amazing musician who is patient and kind yet appropriately firm with the students. His focus on theory really rounds out the experience as the boys will be able to carry that knowledge into many other situations in their future. My older son wanted to stop playing piano but enjoyed his time with Michael so much that we looked at another instrument so he could continue to learn from him. The teachers are flexible with the busy schedules of kids/families and we've always been able to make up a lesson when we had to miss one. The recitals are another great part of the school. It's a great opportunity for the students to showcase their talents and practice their stage presence. We are so happy with ACM and highly recommend it to children and adults. read more

I've been taking lessons at ACM for about 6 months. I took piano lessons about 25 years ago as a kid, and lasted about 3 months before quitting. That's my sole experience with the instrument, or really any instruments. I regret not having started at ACM sooner. Seth, who is my usual instructor, is great. He's patient, he's intelligent, and most importantly he keeps things interesting for me. He makes sure we're working on music and songs that I personally am into, and he indulges my tangents and random questions. While they do a lot of kids instruction here, I highly recommend ACM to any adults considering piano lessons as well. read more

Great place, with many different teachers to work with. Many are also very accomplished performers as well as teachers. My kids have worked with several teachers over the years and overall it has been a very, very positive experience. They have more flexibility and availability than other places when we started looking earlier: many of the school-based music programs fill up quickly, and the same goes with the Old Town. The Ravenswood site, the one we use, has plenty of space and is located in an area where it is still pretty easy to get parking not too far (or bike there if you live nearby). It is satisfying to support real artists as you give your kids a true musical education with musicians interesting in "living" (breathing) classical music and other genres. One of the people who runs and manages this place, Seth Boustead, also has a great weekly podcast (broadcast on WFMT) as well that I've enjoyed listening to. read more

Access Contemporary Music is a really incredible place with a lot to offer anyone who has an interest in music. Not only do they offer really great piano lessons in a variety of styles for all ages and skill levels, they work to promote contemporary music, both local and international. Their concerts never fail to impress and bring exposure to a wide variety of composers and musicians. Seth, the head honcho and visionary extraordinaire of ACM, is a really great pianist, composer, director, and CEO. He is willing to meet the needs of the students, instead of demanding that students meet his needs. He has told me in lessons before that his philosophy is to encourage musicians to grow in the ways that they choose, and not grow in the way that he demands. His methods pay off as I have grown a lot during the three years I have taken jazz piano lessons from him. He is really great with small children and adults, and he works well with all skill levels. If you have any interest in taking lessons for yourself or your children, you really must check out ACM. read more

Be sure to read the fine print before purchasing any promotional packages, and pay attention to language that specifies time limitations. I dont think I was given any disclaomers on how an 8 pack of lessons had to be complered within 4 weeks, which would be difficult to do when the instructor has limited availability in her schedule, the adult student works, and both teacher and student have to reschedule lessons on occasion. In any case, Seth, the owner was extremely rude to me as a student customer, and I DID pay in full for the 8 lesson special promotion deal. read more

We enrolled our six and four year old in piano lessons. We never got feedback from the teacher for a few weeks until he approached us to say 1) that our 4-year old was too young for lessons (they could have told us upfront), and 2) that the 6-year old was not showing interest and hence he suggested switching teacher. We were caught aback by this radical proposition on his first communication with us, but took it in stride, talked to our son and urged him to be attentive and apply himself. We made an effort to practice every day at home, even at no guidance or with no feedback from the teacher. Two months later we receive a message fro the director of the school informing that our son had another bad day, and once again urging us to switch teachers. We were appalled at how the poor communication of the teacher once again reverts to an extreme measure, how there was no mechanism to incentivize a 6-year old, no patience in understanding that they sometimes have bad days, no effort to bring us in so we could work with our son. We are despirited at how ACM and the teacher, Elider, handled this all, and decided to remover our son from classes, and look for another venue for him to learn. read more

My kids have been taking lessons at ACM for 5+ years and have had a great experience. My son has had 2 years of lessons and my daughter has taken 5. Both kids have learned to love music and playing piano due in large part to the people they have encountered at ACM. They are very patient and do a great job in matching the teachers with the students. Even when teachers have moved from ACM, they have done a great job making the transition to another teacher easy and seamless. We are very with both the piano lessons and overall objectives of the organization, which is to continue to develop music utilizing traditional and modern styles. My family could not recommend ACM any higher. read more

We love piano lessons at ACM. My son started lessons a year and a half ago when he was in Kindergarten. He was reluctant to try lessons at first, so I was a little nervous that he might have a bad experience and be turned off forever. But from the start, his lessons with Miss Theresa have been great. He has learned a lot so far, and really enjoys his lessons. Often times, when we get home after a lesson, he'll go straight to the piano and practice what he's just learned. Theresa has a quiet presence that is very encouraging without being over the top. The owner, Seth, is very personable and accommodating. We're very glad we found the place. read more

A great school with great teachers who are not only educators, but also performing musicians and composers. Recommended for all learners from early childhood through old age (I'm comfortably in the middle of that range). read more

I have the distinct pleasure of taking lessons as an adult student at ACM and couldn't be happier. My lessons are a bright spot in a busy week, and both the school and teachers are organized, professional, and help me to progress. read more

My (two) children have been students at ACM for over eight years combined. Starting when my son was 4-1/2 years-old, it was a small space with one piano. Since then it's grown to a studio with several practice spaces, numerous instructors who teach a variety of instruments. We've had wonderful instruction from several teachers through the years. My son worked with a few teachers -- all very different but somehow all well suited to his needs. My daughter wasn't as easy, but ACM was open to allowing us to try as many instructors until we found the good match. Currently she's working with someone who runs a rigorous lesson, but is also kind, patient and encouraging. She loves going to her lesson, and practices without being asked. Not only does ACM provide lesson, they also promote original composition. There are many opportunities to play in recitals [held in a beautiful and historic church across the street from the school], where you will often hear some of these compositions written by children, teens and adults. read more