Alex's Music Studio has been a great place for my son to start his piano journey. Our experience…read morehas been wonderful from Car at reception to Ian, his teacher, who has been encouraging and kind. Alex sure does have a gem of a studio! Thank you!!

I've never been to the studio and I don't have any clue about the classes they teach…read more But once a week I get a video from my 2 year olds daycare class where Helen is leading the class in interactive singing and dancing. It is the highlight of my workday when I get that video! Watching the joy and pleasure he gets from clapping, stomping and following her cues warms my heart. When he first started at daycare he was a bit shy and reserved and would often just stare at Helen not really participating. But now he's blossomed into a dancing & singing machine. Helen's warm, engaging and supporting spirit have helped him build his confidence and allowed personality his personality to shine! Seeing his development in the last 2-3 months has been amazing and fun. And I attribute a lot of that development to music class with Ms Helen. Now if only she could teach Mommy and Daddy some rhythm so we could keep up with him!

Corky Siegel's workshop "From a Song to a Masterwork" was terrific! Each of 6 students worked…read more1-on-1 with Corky; observing other students' work was also enlightening. This is a real workshop, with plenty of playing during class, lots of practice ideas & even Corky's book to continue exploring Corky's view of "dynamic variation". It's being offered again in May (2026). Highly recommended!

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.

I don't know where my previous review of Green Shirt Studio went, but I am thrilled to have the…read moreopportunity to review these guys again! I can honestly say that Green Shirt Studio has changed my life. The best decision I ever made was on one Sunday in January 2011, I went to a all-day Meisner workshop, where I met Andrew Gallant and Sommer Austin. Several years ago, I completed levels 1-5, and I just keep coming back for more. Currently, I am taking the Accelerated Meisner course, which is 100% worth the investment! Not only does this work "get me out of my head" and help me with my acting, I find that it has made me a better communicator when it comes to public speaking, job interviews, and professional development. Throughout the years, Sommer and Andrew have helped me in so many ways, as both a theatre artist and a professional arts administrator. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today in my career without their belief in my abilities, their careful coaching, and their commitment to supporting the goals of their students. Above and beyond that, they have continued to provide outlets that have expanded my skills as an administrator, which helped me get my fledgling career off of the ground after college. For that, I will always be grateful. Hands down, the best acting training money can buy in Chicago! Thanks Sommer and Andrew!

I took the meisner 1-5 levels and I learned so much about the whole acting process. Now I feel like…read moreI have a specific technique that I can implement that doesn't feel random every time I give a performance.

A passionate, Chicago based theatre company. Halcyon is dedicated to producing works by women as…read morewell as other underrepresented communities. Halcyons casts, crew, and productions are as beautiful and diverse as the Chicago. Halcyon Theatre was formed in 2006 to connect people, transform our borders and ascend toward a more just union. Halcyons mission is "to be fiercely committed to making the stage as diverse as the city of Chicago--presenting new voices from inadequately represented communities and recasting classic works to showcase their contemporary relevance". Halcyon believes that no artist can fully represent a community; however, a community of artists can. Halcyon works continuously to connect artists and organizations from across all of our communities to accomplish their mission. I have seen Halcyon continue to grow over the past four years and respect that they have not lost site of their mission. Halcyon has a radical hospitality program -- which means that a portion of tickets for each performance are set aside for FREE first come first serve seating. For many a $20 ticket is a huge barrier to entry and Halcyon has made sure that anyone who wants to come and experience theatre can and is welcome to do so. Halcyon Theatre has their own space on the third floor of Christ Lutheran Church (Wilson and Spaulding) in Albany Park. Two blocks west of Kedzie Ave and two blocks north of Montrose Ave. For performances, use the side entrance on Spaulding Ave. Theatre is one block south of the Kedzie Ave. brown line station (exit at the Spaulding Avenue side.) It is also within two blocks of the #78 Monrose bus, the #81 Lawrence bus and the Blue Line via the #82 Kimball/Homan bus.

My 10 year old daughter started playing piano 2.5 yrs ago with Stuart Thompson. Musical Chairs…read moreowner/director/teacher Lisa Borelli recommended him as a good fit for her. Lisa couldn't have been more exact. Every week my daughter can't wait to work with Stuart. He's so positive, fun and supportive AND she can actually play...really play! Since starting piano her interest in other instruments and music has grown. She has picked up the flute and the ukelele. Musical Chairs is able to provide lessons for these instruments, too. Rather than some big, over crowded music school, Musical Chairs is very personal and supportive with many ways for kids to explore music and perform. And the per lesson fee is very reasonable. Making up missed classes is also flexible per the teacher's schedule. I look forward to my daughter growing with Musical Chairs.

Musical Chairs is great. I love that it's a neighborhood family and business. Lisa is very…read moreencouraging and responsive and has a great love of music. My 10 year old daughter takes piano and voice from Stuart. Stuart also led a session of Glee that my daughter did. Stuart is kind and patient, nurturing and encouraging. My daughter's piano and singing skills have developed well. Stuart is a master musician and a great model for my daughter. She loves him. Colin teaches guitar to my 8 year old son. He has only been playing for less than a year and is developing playing and music reading skills. Colin chooses some great rock n roll selections that my son enjoys. Colin is very patient. He is a working musician which is great for my son to see. They have a good time together.

We are very happy with BALP. Our youngest daughter will be starting next session, as well. I can't…read morewait to see how she grows! Thank you, Vera!

This is a really nice place for your child to take ballet. The teachers are nice. Depaul is a great…read moreplace, because the moms/dads can have a smoothie or food in the large waiting area while the kids are in class. You can also peak at them through the door. The put on a really nice recital - 2 dances a piece - though it is far out on Division. My daughter loved the experience.

Really nice auditorium for smaller performances, excellent acoustics, decent seating and friendly…read morestaff. Would love to attend more events here

I just took part in a poetry festival at this venue last week, and I've got to say, it was by far…read morethe best experience I've had. The concert hall is absolutely beautiful and totally intimate, despite seating a good number of people. The sound system is great and the lighting was perfect. So many times at readings you have to squint through blaring lights to see the audience. The boards on the stage creak and your voice sounds like it's trickling from a tin can. Not here. The space offers a professional and comfortable atmosphere, for both performers and audience members. Everything from the equipment to the the seats looked brand new. The staff at Columbia was really attentive during the whole thing. Again, I can't think of a better environment. I'd love to get another chance to read in the hall.

I found Studio M while I was looking for a new exercise routine for the spring and summer. I love…read morethe convenience of parking and studio location, but more than that, I love the adult beginner ballet class. Dina, the owner and instructor, gives us a good workout and challenges us each class but never makes us feel inadequate or like we shouldn't be there (especially nice since we are adults in a beginning ballet class, most with absolutely no experience). She does a great job of explaining the steps and making a fun atmosphere. Each week brings a review and a new lesson and the class is definitely becoming addictive. I also get to see the end of her kids' classes and love seeing the smiling faces of the little ballerinas leave each week. Studio M offers great classes for kids and adults and I can't wait to bring more friends to class

This is a hidden Gem. I've been looking for an adult ballet class for months and I'm so happy I…read morefound this one. Dina is a great teacher because she isn't afraid to challenge you especially when she knows you are ready to try a new move. I have little to no experience as a dancer but Dina is right there to make the proper corrections. So don't be shy come and try the adult ballet class. There are also classes for children.