I have been playing stringed instruments for about 20+ years. I'm self taught and mediocre at best, but I love to play and find myself "stuck" some times and need some help pushing through challenges that I find. To resolve this, I take lessons from a local instructor for a few weeks. As I have said, I've been doing this for 20+ years. I have also lived in many different cities and states, so I have had a lot of different instructors. With all of that said, I have to say that Chet Makowski is my absolute favorite instructor. He got what I was doing and why. He he showed me that music theory is not as mysterious as so many instructors claim. After four Saturdays, I was able to go back to my band and have my improvement recognized by the other guys. I was able to stay better in key and improvise more smoothly. Chet understands that as an adult I have responsibilities and commitments and sometimes I just don't have time to practice. He doesn't judge, and doesn't admonish. Granted, with the style of classes we had together, there really weren't rigid practice assignments that could be defined. I would recommend Chet very highly. The school is just as comfortable and welcoming. It makes for a great learning environment. read more

These are true Professionals who have made learning FUN! My son has been a student of Chet for many years..He has learned to play and most important, always looks forward to his next lesson. Chet keeps the learning process fun, my son has learned the chords, theory, etc. that make a good guitarist, but unlike my music education, they would immediately apply the knowledge to a song, something current that he could relate too..This is so very different from going up and down scales and just playing meaningless chords, as was done "back in the day" and probably is still the norm in many places..All that info has stuck with my son and he (as are we) is delighted that he can actually play along with something that he may have on his portable player- from my observation, this technique seems to keep the boredom out of music school and keeps the interest and attention focused..and practicing is no longer dull! My son has also attended their summer music camp, which he really enjoyed!!. All I can say is that my son will be going to college next year, he will take his guitar with him, and he will probably enjoy playing for himself and others. Playing music is something one is able to do for most of their lifetime, it's a great outlet and balance from the day-to-day "stuff". It has had a really positive affect on our son!!!! We thank Chet profusely for this!! As far as I know, various strings, keyboards and drums are offered. There may be other types of instruments as well as voice, as well.. Obviously, we have only the highest recommendation for Harcum Music School!!! read more

The best music instruction school on the Main Line. I have had three family members take lessons at HMS, myself included, and would not choose any other program. Chet and the staff are not only great instructors, but they are great musicians who love playing as much as they love teaching. They are patient and thorough, and develop a course of instruction that meets your personal goals. HMS taught me how to play the bass guitar at age 45 and now I am in a band the gigs regularly up and down the Main Line. That would not have been possible without Harcum Music School. read more

About a year ago I made the decision to learn to play guitar. Having not played an instrument since 4th grade trombone, the idea was at once daunting and exciting. Chet made it easy to "start-from-scratch" by encouraging me to bring song ideas to my lessons. In some cases, these were songs that I had always loved and wished I could play. By structuring his lessons in such a manner that they combined skills he knew I needed to learn, music theory AND a dose of my own musical/song interests, Chet's teaching style helped me "stay the course." I not only felt more confident as time progressed, but more interested in learning from the very first lesson. I couldn't be happier that I chose Harcum Music School and would recommend them if you have desire to play an instrument. The fact is, if Chet could teach me to play an instrument, he can teach anyone. -Rich S. read more

Chet has been our son's guitar instructor since our son was seven, he's now sixteen. Saturday morning lessons are the only time our son gets out of bed gladly--- I can't think of a stronger endorsement! We've enthusiastically recommended Chet to a number of our friends. We've sent our son to Harcum Summer Music Program 4x and my son had a fantastic time and learned a lot. read more

My son started beginner guitar lessons with Chet 11 months ago. My son played piano for 5 years and wanted a change. I shopped around for a teacher and visited several area music schools. I'm so glad I kept looking and found Harcum Music School. Chet is a fantastic teacher and a great guy! He loves what he does and it's contagious. He connected immediately with my son. Chet has the ability to adapt to where his students are musically and also to their learning style. He covers theory and makes it relevant. He knows when to push a student for more and when to be patient. Most of all, Chet makes lessons fun and engaging. Harcum Music School has been a great experience! Highly recommended! read more