My 8 year old daughter has been taking piano lessons for about a year with Scott and Justin. They are really good with kids and make learning fun. They teach both theory and how to play in a small group lesson. I like that my daughter gets more time than a standard 30 minute lesson and can learn with her peers too, while focusing on what she needs to do to individually grow as well. They've been good at nurturing and encouraging her talent--even doing a jam session with her during her lesson. She also got to expand her horizons by trying guitar at summer camp, and had lots of fun. Scott plays for the 80s cover band Sixteen Candles (huge following--check them out!)--he's very accomplished, yet very relatable and laid back. Here's a link to a little jam session they had at class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOKYlvD5zOw read more

My 11 year old son and my 10 year old daughter LOVE Upbeat Music. They have been to camp 2 years in a row for several sessions each summer. Scott and Justin are so good at not only teaching music but creating a fun supportive environment. The camp has group lessons, one-on-one teaching, as well as some time for fun each day. Our kids have grown tremendously in their musical skill and their confidence by their participation in this camp. My son has also taken piano lessons from Scott and it's amazing how much he's learned. I am grateful also for the mentoring role Scott and the team have provided for both of our kids. We are signing them up for fall guitar and piano. I highly recommend Upbeat for any one looking for a great music program for their kids. read more

Our second grader began piano lessons at UpBeat only six months ago. Already she had learned a number of songs, excellent hand position, has played at a recital, and absolutely adores going to class! Scott has a way of commanding the children's respect and admiration because he respects and adores each one of them. Lessons are FUN! One on one time is plenty, and the last five minutes of each lesson, parents are welcome to come inside to hear their child's "progress performance," a wrap up of what they've worked on that day. Scott very clearly loves what he does and that feeling inspires the entire school! We are new fans of UpBeat, but I'm quite sure my daughter will be a lifelong student here! read more

My 13 year old daughter attended Upbeat Music and Arts camp last summer and she absolutely loved it! She asked me in January if she was going back this summer because she really loved the camp. She advanced in playing the guitar and learned how to play the piano through Upbeat pretty quickly. I appreciate that Upbeat also teaches music theory. Scott and the staff are amazing with the kids! Besides being great teachers they also have fun during the day. Although, Upbeat is pretty far North for our family the drive there has been well worth it. I totally recommend Upbeat Music and Arts to any parent who is looking to enroll their child in music lessons. Monserrat Perez read more

We LOVE Upbeat Music and Arts! My seven-year-old son has been taking guitar here since the fall of 2014, and he has made huge strides in performance and confidence. Justin is an incredibly talented and encouraging teacher. My son looks forward to lessons and always leaves with a huge smile on his face. Lessons are fun, productive, and inspiring, and I appreciate how accommodating they've been with changes in our schedule this year. Justin and Scott both connect with kids really well and set high but realistic standards for practice, performance, behavior, and self-respect. I view them not only as teachers, but as role models and mentors for my little guy. Huge recommendation! read more

My son and daughter have taken camp with Upbeat for 2 summers and music lessons for over a year.They are so enthusiastic with the wide range of music they learn. They love the class structure, which incorporates individualized, positive, and inspirational learning. They practice their songs without being asked, and can't wait for their next lesson. They definitely have improved their musicality but more importantly,they have learned so much about life by the mentoring from all the instructors. The instructors model how to treat all people with respect and compassion and do it with humor, fun, and an "upbeat" approach. Could not ask for more from a music lesson! read more

My son attended camp at UpBeat and loved it! He is begging me to go back to camp and continue with their after school program in the fall. It was such a positive experience all around...he is 7, so on the youngest end but it was so great to have kids of all ages - they were so encouraging to each other and it worked really well. Scott, Marty and Justin were amazing with him and taught him so much in just the week. They had a performance and I couldn't believe what he learned how to play in that short time. They also got outside to play soccer, capture the flag, etc as well as played board games inside...a great mix of fun and learning. read more

Our son is not a big fan of camps. He'll go if he has to, but it would certainly not be his choice. The one exception seems to be UpBeat Music. This was his third summer in which he attended two of the one-week sessions, and he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience. He has gained significant keyboard skills to go along with his ongoing drum studies, and has learned some music theory as well. Most significantly, he has become a valued member of a community UpBeat creates every week, has enjoyed learning, and has taken pride in his work. UpBeat has been a very valuable experience for him, as a musician and a citizen in the community. read more

Connecting with UpBeat this past summer was the best connection I've made for my daughter. The After School Matters partnership summer music and arts program opened the doors for her to express her desire of music, so much that she wrote me the most wonderful thank you note for giving her that opportunity. UpBeat instructors offers much more than just their expertise in music instructions, but a true connection and mentorship. The center connection to the community and City services for youth is awesome. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed. My daughter and I are quite pleased, and have continued using the fall program. read more

UpBeat Music and Arts is a must try if you have a youngster interested in trying out an instrument AND it's right in our hood. The teachers are kind and very flexible, which is key in motivating parents and students in today's hectic, over-scheduled world. They bring enthusiasm and joy to lessons vs guilt and stress, which keeps kids coming back. They also offer summer camp that kids actually LIKE and want to attend. If there is any drawback, it is only I wish it were larger / had more space as I anticipate it doing quite well. read more

I wanted to get back into piano after 15 years of not playing and UpBeat offers adult classes which allows me to do just that. Scott and Justin have been so great in reteaching me what I have since forgotten and teach me at a level and pace that works for me. I come from Lincoln Park and it is easy for me to get to with street parking always available. The space is beautifully set up with all new keyboards and a comfortable place to learn. Scott has such a passion for this, and it is obvious! read more

I'm so excited to have this amazing place in the neighborhood! My two children (ages 7 and 9) did a week of music camp at Upbeat this past summer. After the first day of camp, my 7 year old came home and asked us to buy her a piano! She was hooked! After the week of camp was over (amazing week of camp!), we immediately signed the kids up for weekly classes. They both love the classes and have already learned so much in such a short time. The instructors are amazing! read more

After several years of in-home private piano lessons, my daughter attended Upbeat summer camp in 2013. In just a few short weeks, her playing improved significantly. She enjoyed the camp and learning from Scott so much that she has continued her lessons with him at Upbeat this past fall/winter. Scott is so talented and his enthusiasm makes learning fun for the kids. Upbeat offers such a special musical experience and highly recommend it! read more

Our son is not normally eager to experience new environments, especially if there is a component of study and education. But he loved UpBeat, and was even eager to work on what he had learned each day when he came home that evening. Scott and his staff have a wonderful energy and were clearly gifted at working with kids. The curriculum seemed to have an ideal mix of work and play. We will certainly patronize UpBeat in the future. read more

I'm so happy to have a great music education program in the neighborhood! My son has been taking piano lessons from Scott and his team for over a month now, and his enthusiasm can only be explained by the energy and quality of teaching that UpBeat provides. Scott is easy to work with in scheduling lessons, and his staff is wonderful. They are motivating and professional, and I am so glad we found UpBeat and Scott to work with. read more

I'm so thankful to have UpBeat Music & Arts in our neighborhood. Scott and his team truly care about the students and do a fantastic job of balancing top notch instruction with relating to the kids in a way that makes lessons fun and engaging. My son just began piano a couple of months ago, so he is definitely a beginner, but having attended a recital, it's clear to me that Scott can work with all levels of musicians. read more

My 7 year old daughter LOVES taking piano lessons here! We used to take lessons at Old Town Music, which was also great, but she's improved so much here. They're on the keyboard the whole time (a full hour) and the instruction is strong but done in a fun and gentle way. On top of that, they're super encouraging to the kids. We feel so lucky to have found this gem in the neighborhood! read more

It's been a long time since I've brushed up on my piano skills. UpBeat Music and arts are there to help. Their hands-on approach to adult classes have me excited about playing an instrument again. The teachers are helpful and attentive and are willing to work with whatever skill level you are at to help you achieve your goals. I am glad I took the leap with UpBeat. You will be, too. read more

My son has never played an instrument and in two days was playing two songs on the piano! Scott and the guys at UpBeat made him feel very welcome, he was the youngest in the summer camp, but that did not matter, he thoroughly enjoyed it. He loved the high fives he got and the general encouragement he received every day from the small group. He can not wait to do another session! read more