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.
Monday with Colby Maddox
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Get comfortable with the violin, even if you've never played a string instrument before!
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Wednesday with Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Begin with the basics of fiddling and learn to play simple tunes in no time.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Thursday with Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 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
Monday with Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
In Fiddle 2, you'll really start feeling the rhythm that defines the fiddle.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Monday or Wednesday with Jordan Wankoff or Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Fiddle 2 Repertoire is the next step to Fiddle 3. Practice correct bowing, scale knowledge, and other Fiddle 2 skills.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday with Colby Maddox, Jordan Wankoff or Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Fiddle 3 is a good place to start for intermediate fiddlers or advanced classical violinists.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Monday with Devin Shepherd
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Learn about different kinds of Irish dance tunes, including polkas and slides, jigs, hornpipes, and reels.
Location: Online
Monday with Devin Shepherd
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Develop the dance rhythms and technical flourishes that give Irish fiddling some of its subtle characteristics.
Location: Online
Sunday with Alison Chesley
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Monday with Xadie James
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
An introduction to the rich sounds of cello.
In-person classes available!
Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
Monday with Xadie James
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Build upon the basics of Cello 1 & 2 and start playing simple songs in duos and trios.
Location: Lincoln Park - Armitage Ave
Wednesday with Sean Colledge
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $256 ($236 members)
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
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.
$346 for 30 minutes ($336 for members)
$495 for 45 minutes ($480 for members)
$635 for 60 minutes ($615 for members)
8-week lessons: 06/23/2025 – 08/17/2025
Monday 05/19/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 06/02/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/04/25: Open registration
8-week lessons: 09/01/2025 – 10/26/2025
Monday 07/14/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/28/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/30/25: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/27/2025 – 12/21/2025
Monday 09/22/25: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/06/25: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/08/25: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Brandi Berry Benson »
Fiddle, Violin, Viola
Rachael Botz »
Fiddle, Violin, Mandolin, Viola, Songwriting, Wiggleworms
Stella Childs »
Violin, Piano, Wiggleworms
Sean Colledge »
Fiddle, Guitar, Irish Tenor Banjo, Irish Mandolin, Irish Concertina, Cajun Accordion, Clawhammer Banjo
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
Xadie James »
Piano, Bass, Guitar, Cello
Alba Layana Izurieta »
Violin, Fiddle, Piano
Michael O'Toole »
Guitar
Billy Oh »
Fiddle, Violin
Devin Shepherd »
Fiddle
Anonymous
James G. Hart Foundation
Geraldine Keefe
Negaunee Foundation
Rob and Karen Ospalik
Tomford and Grossman Family
