Cassandra strings is a wonderful store for stringed instruments. We stumbled upon them via the…read moreelementary school, when it came time to rent an instrument for our son. They were one of 2 choices for cello rental and luck of the draw, we picked them. From what I've read, many of these rental companies are dis-honest. Not so with Cassanda Strings - very reputable, providing great quality and customer service at a fair price. We have been with them for 2.5 years and have no complaints. They are also able to provide info on local string music teachers to those who are interested. Yes, I recommend them. Yes, I return to them.

Great place to go for rental or purchase of string instruments and lessons are great too!!read more

Piano Trends is so great, they hooked me up with a piano and lessons; great service, nice people.read more

I'm impressed with Piano Trends. Their staff is helpful and very knowledgable. I am presently…read moretaking lessons with one of their instructors and am very happy with the instruction I am receiving. Their selection of instruments is very good, and they have a nice supply of used pianos in stock, as well as a good selection of sheet music. The owners of the shop obviously care about their customers, and are active in the community's music scene and with charity events. An earlier reviewer stated that they are a great place to buy and consign, but then spent the rest of her review refuting her first comment. I am very certain that no one in this shop would ever lend out a consignment with an aim of "increas[ing] the chance of damage..." Sounds like sour grapes over the fact that no one wanted to pay what she thought her instrument is worth. A piano may appraise for a lot of money, but it is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. That's a bummer, but a simple fact of life. And obviously the piano was not lost if it sold. I generally don't like stepping on someone else's review, but in this case it seemed necessary.

My toddler is part of one of the early childhood classes at Encore. I highly recommend checking…read morethem out! Miss Allison is so great with the babies and toddlers. Once a week, my toddler is engaged in music and dance-- I love it and so does she!

My 11 year old daughter loves taking classes here. She had taken both violin and piano. Her…read moreinstructor is amazing. If you want a highly talented teacher who will have patience, understanding, and warmth, Tom Voss is the teacher for you. As long as he's teaching here, we will never go anywhere else.

Awesome program with great management! Would encourage anyone who plays music to join!!read more

Our children have taken lessons with Miss Anita for a few years and absolutely love her and the…read moreprogram! She is an excellent cello and piano teacher. Kids are looking forward to one day being part of the McHenry County Youth Orchestra!

Highly Recommend, I am an adult that wanted to learn a hard song on the piano. I didn't know how…read moreto read music or play any instrument. They did a great job of teaching me at my pace to accomplish my goal.

From the owner: JC's Guitars & Music Lessons is best known for professional, private music education for children…read moreand adults in instruments such as Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele, and all Brass and Woodwind instruments. We have an amazing staff of teachers with formal music education backgrounds.

Bill Crowley's Guitar Shoppe is the go to place for lessons and guitars. You won't be disappointed…read more He will guide you in your choice of instrument and style that you wish to play. It may be a small store but Bill's expertise is HUGE! I've been playing / learning acoustic and electric for a few years and Bill will encourage you and gently challenge you so you can explore what you wish to learn. His prices are competitive and you will get the advice and help that many other stores fail to provide. Bill has an extensive range of guitar skills and if you've had the opportunity to see him playing you'll know what I mean. Don't think about learning the guitar, go to Bill's and start now!

Crowley taught me how to play guitar and it was the right way, he's a true master with a lifetime…read moreof experience