Grab a bow and join classes for all levels of players from beginners to the more advanced.
Just getting started? Beginning students can learn the basics of bowed string instruments in Introduction to Violin/Fiddle or Introduction to Cello.
Fiddle or Violin?
The simple answer is that the two instruments are really the same, but the style of music and the way it's set up and played is quite different. Introduction to Violin/Fiddle covers basics that are common to both. After that, students can choose which track they want to follow starting with either Fiddle 1 or Violin 1.
The Fiddle track teaches traditional folk genres by ear in a variety of genres including old-time square dance tunes, bluegrass, country, Americana, and regional styles like Irish, Mexican, Nordic, or Cajun. You can listen to examples in our extensive Fiddle Tune Archive.
In the Violin track, students learn genres that are primarily played off of sheet music, such as classical, jazz, film & TV soundtracks. Students learn to read traditional music notation and use classical techniques like vibrato.
Thursday with Brandi Berry Benson
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Get comfortable with the violin, even if you've never played a string instrument before!
Tuesday with Colby Maddox
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Begin with the basics of fiddling and learn to play simple tunes in no time.
Thursday with Patrik Ahlberg
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 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.
Tuesday with Steve Rosen
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
In Fiddle 2, you'll really start feeling the rhythm that defines the fiddle.
Sunday with Jordan Wankoff
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Fiddle 2 Repertoire is the next step to Fiddle 3. Practice correct bowing, scale knowledge, and other Fiddle 2 skills.
Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday with Colby Maddox, Steve Rosen or Jordan Wankoff
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Fiddle 3 is a good place to start for intermediate fiddlers or advanced classical violinists.
Monday with Devin Shepherd
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Learn about different kinds of Irish dance tunes, including polkas and slides, jigs, hornpipes, and reels.
Monday with Devin Shepherd
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Develop the dance rhythms and technical flourishes that give Irish fiddling some of its subtle characteristics.
Tuesday with Brandi Berry Benson
80 minutes · Once a week for 4 weeks · $99 ($89 members)
Monday with Brandi Berry Benson
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Wednesday with Brandi Berry Benson
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
Wednesday with Brandi Berry Benson
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $206 ($186 members)
If you would like to be contacted when this class runs again, please email Program Manager Krista Ortgiesen with your contact information.
60 minutes · Once a week for 4 weeks · $86 ($76 members)
Sunday with Alison Chesley
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $172 ($152 members)
Continue with the basics of bow techniques, scales, keys, and note reading.
In-person classes available!
Wednesday or Sunday with Al Ehrich or Alison Chesley
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $86 ($76 members)
Build upon the basics of Cello 1 & 2 and start playing simple songs in duos and trios.
Saturday with Staff
90 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $35 ($30 members)
Saturday with Colby Maddox
90 minutes · Once a week for 1 week · $30 ($25 members)
Our private lessons like our group classes run in 8-week sessions, however, you can begin private lessons during any week in the session. Please call our customer service folks at 773.728.6000 to register as private lesson availability is based upon individual teacher schedules.
Lessons are scheduled weekly, for 30, 45 or 60 minutes, and are available every day of the week at our Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park locations. Our experienced and professional faculty will work with you to develop an individualized program that helps you achieve your musical goals.
Stop in at either location or call the front desk at 773.728.6000 to register.
$296 for 30 minutes ($286 for members)
$424 for 45 minutes ($409 for members)
$544 for 60 minutes ($524 for members)
8-week lessons: 03/01/2021 – 04/25/2021
Monday 01/25/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 02/08/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 02/10/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 04/26/2021 – 06/20/2021
Monday 05/17/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 05/24/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/02/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 06/21/2021 – 08/15/2021
Monday 05/17/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 05/31/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/02/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 08/30/2021 – 10/24/2021
Monday 07/12/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/26/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/28/21: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/25/2021 – 12/19/2021
Monday 09/20/21: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/04/21: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/06/21: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Patrik Ahlberg »
Violin, Fiddle, Guitar
Lisa Antonio »
Fiddle
Brandi Berry Benson »
Fiddle, Violin, Viola
Geoff Dolce »
Violin, Fiddle, Guitar, Ukulele
Al Ehrich »
Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, Cello, Dance & Movement - Qi Gong
Jonas Friddle »
Banjo, Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ensembles, Band Coaching, School Partnerships
Anna Jacobson »
Fiddle, French Horn, Trumpet, Ensembles
Katie Klocke »
Fiddle, Violin, Piano
Michael O'Toole »
Guitar, Ukulele, Fiddle, Banjo, Mandolin, Theory, Improvisation
Billy Oh »
Fiddle, Violin
Devin Shepherd »
Fiddle
