Altered Stage is a dream come true for anyone interested in playing and/or creating music. I have been a member from the start and can't recommend this enough. Just to demonstrate how awesome it is, here is my schedule over the last few weeks. On Friday, I took a lesson with Jason (amazing guitar teacher) to go over various soloing techniques. On Sunday, I signed up for the "Metal Church" program where we metal it up to Black Sabbath, Maiden, and other classics. On Tuesday, I went to 80s night where I got to learn and play some 80s songs that we picked out (Devo, Joy Division, XTC). On Thursday, I took another lesson with Jason to go over song transitions on an original song that we are working on. Tomorrow is Saturday, where I am going to a studio to record that song for it to get released on iTunes. That is just over the last two weeks and each member has a similar story. Last month, we played a Tony Hawk Pro Skater gig at the Emporium. All the members learned songs from the video game soundtrack and played it live while we had the actual game being played behind us on a large screen. We usually have a live gig to prepare for about once every month or so. The best part is everyone is so supportive of everyone else. We have members that are just starting out and members who have been playing for several years. We have members of all musical tastes. We once played a live show with a setlist including Taylor Swift, Pink Floyd, Rage Against the Machine, Kiss, Walk the Moon, Green Day, ... Overall, If you want to: learn what you want to learn, jam with others, play live shows, record songs, feel like a rock star... Then you should join Altered Stage. read more

Before I became a member of Altered Stage, I checked them out at one of their shows and I couldn't believe what was happening on stage. Students, of all levels and ages, playing with professional musicians, multiple songs, great venue like a real gig... and they totally rocked! What a fun opportunity! I signed up right away. Dave is a wonderful teacher! From lesson #1, he's been an awesome communicator, patient, translates concepts really well to the kit. He tailors the lessons to my strengths and weaknesses... and I'm making great and fast progress because of him. My initial goal with lessons was to be able to sit at a kit, listen to a song and just play along, or jam with other musicians by ear. I'm definitely headed there with his teaching and encouragement, I've gained a ton more confidence as a drummer... Altered Stage also has an incredible space for lessons, jams and just hanging out with the crew... kick back with a beer and tunes or rock out in a soundproof room. It's pretty awesome.... By joining AS, I've become a member of a community of great people. Not knowing anyone when I moved to this city 8 months ago, I feel really fortunate to have found them. I've made friends here and I look forward to many jams with them! read more

It's never too late to follow your dreams - in this case, my dream was to become a competent drummer (rock & jazz). Dave and everyone else at Altered Stage have been pivotal in making this slowly become a reality. From the flexible lesson times, to the entire crew being able to jam out at live shows, this entire experience is beyond what I ever could have expected! The lessons with Dave are an hour long (more time if needed) and we cover a lot of ground each time (rudiments, practicing songs of different genres, fills and other techniques). It's so rewarding to see myself make progress, and even more than that, it's a blast to apply those new skills at a live show for friends and family to also see. Everything that you get; personal growth, learn an instrument, develop new friendships, and play your favorite songs live ... it's unreal; The monthly cost is more than worth it. Recently, the practice studio was finished in the West Loop, and has elevated the experience even further - a killer lounge with a beer stocked fridge, which is next to the glass encased jam studio, and multiple lesson rooms. Personally, I feel very lucky to be a part of this and know everyone involved. Fin. read more

Altered Stage is a great concept. I was looking for a place to learn guitar and did some research. After I saw the Yelp reviews, I gave them a call. I am so glad I did! Jeff Bergau and I spoke for an hour, just getting to know one another. He was very reassuring and encouraging. I have been taking lessons from Jason Steele. He is great - enthusiastic, helpful, positive, and motivational. I highly recommend becoming a member and taking lessons from Jason. For the drummers out there, Dave Agee is incredible! In the time that I've been a member, I've learn so much and have become a member of this community of kindred spirits and fellow music lovers. The new space at 657 W Lake Street is incredible: the overall vibe is great - a testament to Jeff Bergau's spirit and commitment. There are private and group jam rooms as well as a relaxed atmosphere to encourage members to chill and spend time with one another. The people and place are truly unique. read more

Just one word, awesome! I found Altered Stage by the review on yelp last year and I have been taking guitar lesson with Jason since then. He is very kind, patient, talented and he makes the song that I thought was impossible for me to play becomes possible. I have never taken any guitar class before so this is my first time trying to play guitar. I am so glad that I am now able to play a lot of my favourite songs by practicing with Jason. Not only that, Altered Stage also given me a chance to perform those songs I've learned in a gig and getting to know a lot of new people with the same interest with me through the gigs, which I think is really fun! If you are into music and have been dreaming to become a rock star, I would definitely recommend you to check this place out! Altered Stage is the best. read more

Oh man am I glad I got involved with this place. Altered Stage has created a space that goes well beyond a stale old lesson. The build-out is part industrial, part lounge, completely inviting and always about the rock! Jason, the lead guitar instructor, is as nice and approachable as they come, and really great with just about any / every level. The guys work so hard on making this music "club" something special - jam sessions, live shows at real venues, access to the space to work on your instrument outside of lesson time - I'm not exaggerating when I say that this place essentially doubles as my sanctuary, if not my shrink! I hope you at least check this out, you'll immediately notice a local business run by people who care about your enjoyment more than anything else - and it shows. read more

This is a great place to learn and play music! For over a year I've been taking guitar lessons with Jason Steele, who is a fantastic teacher. He got me started learning the rock and pop classics right from the start - It's easy to do when the guitars are hanging on the wall at the studio. Altered Stage offers me a community feeling because everyone there is having fun and wants to play in bands together. So it's much better than going to a sterile lesson and then looking for people to jam with. There are lots of opportunities to play monthly gigs or drop in on workshops to create bands and songwriting, etc. Nick, the drum teacher, is also terrific. All told, not only is the staff is super experienced and professional but the vibe there is great. read more

I'd been looking for a place to learn guitar for a long time, after moving up from Saint Louis last year I started doing research and found Altered Stage. It was actually the reviews on their page for their old location that hooked me. I sent Jeff and email to get more info and was totally blown away when he followed up by calling me to make sure I had all my questions answered. After going in and working with Jason that first session I was hooked. These are really great people doing what they love and it shows. If you're looking for a place to learn, whether it's your first time trying out guitar or you've got some experience under your belt I would HIGHLY recommend you give it a try. read more

Altered Stage is hands down my favorite place to take music lessons in Chicago because it really feels like a community. I've been taking drum lessons there for over a year and I have learned a ton. The instructors I've had have been real pros and great teachers. So in a nutshell what do I love about Altered Stage? It's got really talented instructors who care; it's in a very cool space where you can hang out and practice - very chill; it offers unique opportunities to play live, record, learn music theory; and all the people who are involved there, from the folks who run it to the other members, are so friendly and supportive. From beginner to advanced, you can get so much from joining. read more

One of my favorite things about Altered Stage (other than the space itself and the patience & knowledge of the instructors) is how conveniently located it is in the West Loop. I usually commute on two wheels during the spring and summer time and there are a couple of bike racks in front of the building but when it rains I can always hop on the train as is close to the Blue/Green Lines. Plus, it is next door to loads of awesome restaurants and bars in the West Loop. So, Whether you are a novice or a pro, I highly recommend you stop by and at least check this place out as it has a bit of everything for everyone, from private classes to group jam sessions. This place it wicked cool! read more

I use these studios nearly every day! The ability to take a break from work and just let my soul bleed through the guitar is cathartic. The people (owners, instructors, and members) are simply the best - they don't just know music, the live and breathe it. It's refreshing to spend time in a place where everyone - from the beginner to the most skilled musician - come together for instruction and fun. And because they have drummers, bass players, guitar players, keyboards, etc, I have the the opportunity to jam with others - both at the studio and as part of the on-going gigs they arrange for us. Great job! read more

Best thing about this place? You don't need to be a pro. One of the many reasons why I decided to join Altered Stage is the feeling you get when you first walk in: I'm a Rockstar!! The instructors here are so friendly, so patient and knowledgeable. I had never played an instrument before but with their personalized instruction, I learned to play Green Day's "Brainstew" on bass, in less than an hour. It just proves these guys' talent and commitment to turning me into a rock star. Here I am, 3 months later, playing at my first live gig. I am beyond happy I found this hidden gem and joined their club!! read more

What an amazing place! I started learning the guitar and within a month was playing a gig with a band!!!!! What makes Altered Stage so great is how kind and supportive they are to beginners. They make you feel like you're never too old to start a new passion and the atmosphere is relaxed but exciting. If you have ever felt like you wanted to learn an instrument and be a part of a band, but didn't know where to start, Altered Stage is perfect. read more

Great place to hone your guitar, drum and music skills. If your are trying to learn an instrument or become a greater musician this place is a library of information! Leave your ego at the door for you will not need it, Altered Stage works with musicians of all levels and skill sets. I come from a primarily Hiphop and R&B background and this community has expanded my boundaries. Jason and Jeff are awesome, highly recommended! Best, Jibri read more

Awesome place. I had zip musical experience and 3 days of intensive work with Jason on the guitar got me going enough to actually play something and develop the confidence that I can learn this thing. It's become my new obsession (and much healthier and satisfying than some of the old ones). Jason gives just the right mix of theory and practical. The Altered Stage concept is perfect. I joined right away after my intensive sessions. read more

I love me some Altered Stage! Took my first drum lesson with Dave Agee a week ago and loved the place. Besides a great vibe and a patient instructor, I love that they have fully equipped the space with some great equipment. Good instructor, good equipment, good vide -- hope it adds up to decent drummer! read more