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Classes for Beginners

It is never too late to learn a new form of expression.

Accordion 1

Beginner

Monday or Thursday with Heather Riordan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to the Banjo

Beginner

Monday or Wednesday with Joshua Guy or Laird Patten

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

For anyone attracted to the 5-string banjo but not sure which style to try first, this is for you!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Clawhammer Banjo 1

Beginner

Tuesday with Dan Mulvihill

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Begin by using chords to strum simple songs with a technique known as frailing.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Wednesday with Chris Walz or Laird Patten

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

The first of five classes in the Bluegrass Banjo series that will take you through the techniques needed to play in a bluegrass style.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bluegrass Banjo 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Tuesday or Wednesday with Chris Walz

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Now you've got some chords, right hand rolls, and tunes under your fingers, Bluegrass Banjo 1 Repertoire will teach tunes that will strengthen your bluegrass skills.

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Banjo 1

Beginner

Monday with Joshua Guy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

More Bass Line Bass-ics

WorkshopBeginner

Saturday with Vanda Kay

120 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $40 ($35 members)

Location: Online

Adult Beginning Ballet

Beginner

Thursday with Emily Zouras

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Argentine Tango for Beginners 1 & 2

Beginner

Monday with Eduardo Villalba

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bachata

Beginner

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $92 ($82 members)

Continuing Adult Ballet

Beginner

Wednesday with Emily Zouras

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Ballet for Every Body

Beginner

Monday with Sandra Adrian

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 4 weeks  ·  $92 ($82 members)

For everybody and every body, this class is a perfect way to introduce yourself or come back to ballet.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Ballet Light and Easy

Beginner

Saturday with Barbara Silverman

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $244 ($224 members)

Gentle ballet for Saturday mornings

Location: Online

Progressive Ballet Technique

Beginner

30 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $92 ($82 members)

Ballroom for Barrooms

Beginner

Thursday with Louie Stallone

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $228 ($208 members)

Learn partner dance basics to use in any situation, with all kinds of popular music.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bollywood, Bhangra & More!

Beginner

Monday or Saturday with Alka Nayyar or Anjali Julka

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Traditional and modern Indian dance in one energetic class! No experience necessary!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Brazilian Dance 1

Beginner

Saturday with Dill Costa

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Learn to move your hips, feet and body to samba and more! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Breakdancing

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Erika Ochoa with your contact information.

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Flamenco Dance 1

Beginner

Tuesday with Maya Tatiana

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Join us in person!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Hip-Hop Dance

Beginner

Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday with Dylan Wray or Poppin Chuck

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Basic Honky Tonkin Two Steppin

Beginner

Wednesday with Louie Stallone or Marcia Lodl

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $260 ($240 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Irish Step Dance: Beginning

Beginner

Monday with Cheryl Ziemba

55 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $168 ($148 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Latin Dance 1

Beginner

Wednesday or Saturday with Denita Inez

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Let's Mambo with a master! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Modern Dance: Beginning

Beginner

Monday with Ethan Kirschbaum

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $228 ($208 members)

Learn the basics of Modern dance with combinations, improvisation and contemporary music. All experience levels welcome!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Swing Dance Basics

Beginner

Thursday with Louie Stallone

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $244 ($224 members)

Turns, tucks and turns, closed position, cuddles, swing outs -learn more as you swing the night away!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Adult Tap 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Saturday with Reggio McLaughlin

70 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $214 ($194 members)

Rhythm Tap from scratch! Bring your tap shoes and a smile.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Adult Tap 1.5

Beginner

Saturday with Reggio McLaughlin

70 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $214 ($194 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

West African Dance 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Thursday with Idy Ciss

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $280 ($260 members)

Dances from Seneg.al, Ivory Coast, Mali, and more Live drumming, too! Beginner friendly!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Qi Gong

Beginner

Thursday with Al Ehrich

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $184 ($164 members)

Clear your mind, and change tense practice into flowing play.

Location: Online

Conga

Beginner

Sunday with Carlos Cornier

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $244 ($224 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Djembe (West African Drumming)

Beginner

Wednesday or Sunday with Michael Taylor

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Discover the fun playing the djembe! No experience necessary.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Drum Kit 1

Beginner

Tuesday or Thursday with Joel Styzens

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Drum Kit 2

Beginner

Monday with Joel Styzens

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Handpan Workshop 1: Introduction to Handpan (Beginner)

WorkshopBeginner

Friday with Marshall Greenhouse

75 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $30 ($25 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Beginning Mountain Dulcimer

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Beginner's Blues Band Live!

Beginner

Saturday with Steve Hutchins

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $311 ($291 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Irish Session Ensemble

Beginner

Monday with Mike Austin or James Conway

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $288 ($268 members)

If you've ever wanted to learn more about the Irish music tradition, this class is for you

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to the Violin/Fiddle

Beginner

Wednesday with Sean Colledge

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Get comfortable with the violin, even if you've never played a string instrument before!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Fiddle 1

Beginner

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday with Colby Maddox, Jordan Wankoff, Sean Colledge or Maggie Neatherlin

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Begin with the basics of fiddling and learn to play simple tunes in no time.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Fiddle 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday with Colby Maddox, Jordan Wankoff or Sean Colledge

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

This class is the next step between Fiddle 1 and 2. Students get to practice techniques such as rhythm, scale knowledge and other Fiddle 1 skills.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Beginning Cello

Beginner

Monday with Xadie James

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

An introduction to the rich sounds of cello.
In-person classes available!

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 1

Beginner

Any Day of the Week with Lenny Marsh, Joel Frankel, Alvin McGovern, Charles Kim, Chris Walz, Dan Fulkerson, Shelley Miller, Anne-Marie Akin, Alby Martinez, Scott Besaw, Steve Levitt, Louis Bardales, Alicia Lees, Nikki O'Neill, Otto Anzures Dadda or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

For the complete beginner.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Any Day of the Week with Lenny Marsh, Alvin McGovern, Charles Kim, Dan Fulkerson, Shelley Miller, Anne-Marie Akin, Alby Martinez, Scott Besaw, Tom Ryan, Steve Levitt, Steve Dawson, Louis Bardales, Nikki O'Neill, Otto Anzures Dadda, Julia Mendiolea or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Improve your skills by learning lots of great songs, different strums and a few licks, while singing and playing at the same time!

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 2

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday or Sunday with Carlos Chacon, Jose Luis Murillo, Charles Kim, Dan Fulkerson, Elaine Moore, Shelley Miller, Anne-Marie Akin, Alby Martinez, Scott Besaw, Tom Ryan, Steve Levitt, Nikki O'Neill, Max Berg, Greg Taylor, Stephen Kuhn, Julia Mendiolea or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Your playing will take on a new dimension.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitar 2 Repertoire

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday with Carlos Chacon, Jose Luis Murillo, Lenny Marsh, Dan Fulkerson, Randy Morris, Elaine Moore, Shelley Miller, Alby Martinez, Alicia Lees, Max Berg, Greg Taylor, Stephen Kuhn or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

This class is great entry point for the self taught. You will build repertoire and develop skills.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Guitarra En Español Nivel 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Blues Fingerstyle 1

Beginner

This class alternates every session with Blues Fingerstyle 2. Mark your calendar and be sure to sign up next session.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Fingerpicking 1: Song Accompaniment

Beginner

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

The Johnny Cash Guitar Class

Beginner

Tuesday with Alby Martinez

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Rhythm Guitar Essentials: Building Timing and Groove

Beginner

Monday or Wednesday with Dan Fulkerson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Taylor Swift for Guitar

Beginner

Tuesday with Alicia Lees

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Bass Guitar 1

Beginner

Monday or Sunday with Harlan Terson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

4 strings that hold everything together.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bass Guitar 2

Beginner

Monday or Sunday with Harlan Terson

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Bass is the glue of ensemble music.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Hakikino Hula

BeginnerNew!

Monday with Hinano Sumberg

55 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $204 ($184 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Chicago Blues Harp 1

Beginner

Thursday with David Kachalon

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Whether you're just interested in learning the basics or aspire to play at the highest level, here's where you start.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Chicago Blues Harp 1 Online

Beginner

Tuesday or Saturday with Zoe Savage

60 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $206 ($186 members)

Whether you're just interested in learning the basics or aspire to play at the highest level, here's where you start.

Location: Online

You Gotta Have Harp

BeginnerNew!

Thursday with Zoe Savage

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Online

Introduction to the Mandolin

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday with Chris Walz or CC Cosgrove

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

If you love the sound of a mandolin but have never played a stringed instrument before, this class if for you.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Mandolin 1

Beginner

Monday or Tuesday with Frank Hamilton or CC Cosgrove

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Learn Mandolin fundamentals like left hand fretting, using a pick, and basic chords and melodies.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Mandolin 1 Repertoire

Beginner

Monday with CC Cosgrove

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Take Mandolin 1 Repertoire if you have experience with a stringed instrument and you are comfortable learning melodies by ear and with tablature.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Bodhran: Beginning

Beginner

Tuesday with Mike Austin

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $244 ($224 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Piano 1: Introduction to Piano

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday with Julia Storke, Cassie Fox, Renee Nanzer, Colin Kolasny, Leah Dahline, Libby Apley, Carolina Gomez Jimenez, Xadie James or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

(previously named Introduction to Piano)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Piano 2

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday with John Erickson, Julia Storke, Cassie Fox, Renee Nanzer, Colin Kolasny, Leah Dahline, Libby Apley, Carolina Gomez Jimenez, Xadie James or Brian Payne (Gadomski)

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Piano for Singers

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Songwriting: Fundamentals

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday with Steve Dawson, Kacie Swierk or Josh Ruebeck

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Own the keys that will unlock the songs within you.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus, Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave or Online

Music Theory 1

Beginner

If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Accidental Exploration: Writing Outside of the Key

WorkshopBeginnerNew!

Tuesday with Josh Ruebeck

90 minutes  ·  Once a week for 1 week  ·  $30 ($25 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Audio Engineering with GarageBand

Beginner

Monday with Jordan Paine

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Introduction to Ukulele

Beginner

Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday with Michael Hammerman or Vanda Kay

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Get started with the ukulele by learning basic chords and strums at a pace designed for first-time players.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Ukulele 1

Beginner

Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday with Michael Hammerman, Paula McKernan or Vanda Kay

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Learn simple chords and play a song on the first night.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Vocal Techniques 1: Breath, Free Tone

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday with Carol Kagy, Jackie Jasperson, Nathan Kistler or Josh Ruebeck

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Vocal Techniques 2: Register, Range

Beginner

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday with Julia Storke, Nathan Kistler or Josh Ruebeck

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus or Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave

Brazilian Vocals

Beginner

Tuesday with Luciano Antonio

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Irish Singing

Beginner

Tuesday with Kathy Cowan

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Singing in Tune 1: Techniques for Matching Pitch

Beginner

Saturday with Carol Kagy

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus

Vocal Technique for Guitarists

Beginner

Wednesday with Bill Brickey

80 minutes  ·  Once a week for 8 weeks  ·  $272 ($252 members)

Singing and play all at once with an emphasis on the voice.

Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus