Chicago Music Exchange (CME) is massive. There is a lot of ground to cover and many instruments to…read moresee. I accompanied my husband to CME during our weeklong trip to Chicago this summer. We took the L to Paulina, and the music store is a short walk from the train station. So many guitars on the street-level part of the shop. Drums, basses, and the repair shop are found on the lower-level. Aside from all the guitars displayed on the walls, there are also so many canvased photos of musicians and groups who visited CME over the years. There are a number of comfortable spots where you can sit and play. There's also a cushy couch area with Gucci pillows where you can sit, especially if you're waiting for your significant other :)

I used to be able to play a little. Love guitars and amps, everyone should…read more Walking in here: I'm not Worthy. I'm NOT Worthy. Beautiful guitars in many different price ranges. From classic American Fenders, to Paul Reed Smiths, Gibson, and a full fledged acoustic guitar room with beautiful acoustics. The people working there are helpful and not elitists cooler than thou musicians. The folks I encountered were warm and welcoming. Really positive and fun.

I randomly stumbled across Disco city records during an afternoon stroll. Wasn't looking for…read moreanything particular but decided to inquire about their Guitars. The man at the counter was incredibly sweet and patient. He guided me well about the different models and prices. Not a huge selection tho but its sufficient if you're a beginner and looking for something on a cheaper end for practice. They have few other instruments like ukulele, congo etc. I've also heard they have a great Latin music selection.

If you're looking for Latin classics, this is your place but other than that don't waste your time…read morehere. It's strictly Latin music and themed.

Marshall is an amazing teacher. Very skilled and knowledgeable while also understanding the trials…read moreand tribulations that come with being a beginner. 11/10

Drum Chicago is the best. Marshall is fantastic with kids and my son has loved learning with him…read more We plan to stay with him for a long time!

As a musician and music educator (harp), music education for my girls is one of my top priorities…read more I've worked at many schools from early education to Loyola University and continuing adult education. The staff at Bucktown Music is unbeatable for all ages. The programs offered here are the best in the city with easily applicable curriculum, clear assignments for home, developmentally appropriate challenges, and fun for parents too! My daughters love music class. They are delighted every time we step into the room. From the courtesy at the front desk to the parking options and surrounding activities; the fully stocked bookshelf to the bathroom with diapers available; the clean kitchen to foster community to the shower to support the active staff, they've thought of everything at Bucktown. Thank you for your beautiful resource to our musical city!

Everything about Bucktown Music is fantastic! The people& the program. And the kids LOVE LOVE LOVE…read moreclass so much.

I don't often write reviews of places unless I really believe there's something to be said about…read morethe place. Such is Evolution Music in Logan Square where I decided to walk an hour on this fair day so that I could sell my keyboard. I came in, told them what I wanted to sell, and what I was looking to receive out of the exchange. Most people, like me, really try to haggle for the best price, and that's definitely what I did. Being that they were a store with financial margins, they realistically set my expectations closer to what was feasible for them. Fact of the matter is that they were respectful, realistic, and most importantly of all fair when it came to the exchange. I ultimately walked away satisfied, having met in the middle of our compromise, and sealed it with a good ol' honest handshake at that. I didn't have to write about this but I thought the person at the store today, Nathan, had good, decent integrity when it came to this transaction. It was a nice and sunny day and after walking back out of the store, the interaction left me feeling it all the more brighter... Nathan, you're fucking cool bro. I'll definitely be back in the future.

Their employees have no problem with hiding damage and defects, so that you don't find out about it…read moreuntil it's too late. It doesn't make you feel like a valued customer, it makes you feel more like some sucker they unloaded their junk on. Made a buck and got it out the door. Win, win. Especially when selling online. The lengths they'll go to hide stuff is impressive, when all they really had to do was be honest, adjust the price, and everything would be fine. But that's not what happens.

My older son has just gradated from SOR after 4 fantastic years there. Although he was heavily into…read moremusic and taking lessons at his "real" school, SOR encouraged him in other directions (vocal and drumming) and of course, gave him the opportunity to take center stage at times, and to be part of a supportive ensemble at others. My younger son has just started this year, (has done 2 shows) and loves it. The SOR teachers are serious about their jobs. This is not a half-hearted or amateur attempt to teach kids to rock out; these guys know their stuff and set high standards and expectations for the kids. The kids in turn, step up and give some amazing performances.

The program is terrific, however, the office isn't super responsive. I tried to pause my son's…read morelessons for the he summer and never got a call back. Now they want to charge me for an additional 30 days. Disappointed.

I get so much junk email asking me to apply as a teacher to teach with Piano Power. But when I did…read morejust that, Piano Power made me drive to the suburbs, show up to a student's house to teach a sample lesson for free, and then they ghosted me. Piano Power is a big old red flag from my perspective as a longtime piano teacher. I would never expect anyone to do free labor for me and then ghost them. I'll beat your tuition you pay to Piano Power if you switch to taking lessons with me! Say no to corporate piano lessons. XOXO

Piano Power is an extremely disappointing organization. After only a few weeks of lessons with one…read moreof their teachers (Rachel), Andrew D. sent me an email with the subject line: "Pausing [child's name] music lessons with Rachel, effective immediately." What? No heads up from Rachel; no phone call to get my input on the situation; just a cold email dropping my child. I responded with the following: "This is the most unprofessional email I've ever received in my life. You should be ashamed of yourself." The founder (Abraham) responds to my email with another email (!). Not a call or invitation to have a conversation about my child continuing piano (or not) or asking for our family's input on the matter. The disappointment and tears on my child's face when I told her that Rachel wouldn't be coming back was heartbreaking. A coach doesn't kick a kid off a soccer team if that kid isn't the star player. Rather, that coach has more patience and offers that child more support. Piano Power is setting a horrible example.

Molly and the Red Cloud team are incredible! My 7 year old daughter started last August and…read moreabsolutely loves piano each week. The teachers are patient and creative and give the kids the confidence they need to put forth their best. The studio is charming and provides a unique learning experience. If you are looking for lessons for your child or yourself, I would highly recommend giving Red Cloud a try.

Both my 8 year old daughter and I are students at Red Cloud and we have loved the experience so…read morefar. It has tons of small business charm, bolstered with lots of solid experience and theory backing the classes. The approach is very holistic and makes learning visible; supports are offered to progress at your own pace, and process is valued heavily over just product. An intimate, caring space worthy of repeat sessions! We have interacted most with Marlena, Abigail, and Molly, and they are all fantastic!