It's a big musical experience that fits in your back pocket!
Our classes are divided into two main tracks based on the two most popular methods for playing the harmonica. Both are easy to pick up and are used by professional players, but beginner students usually focus on one method to start off.
Start with Chicago Blues Harp 1 if you want to learn harmonica through the music and traditions of the Chicago blues masters. Chicago Blues Harp classes prepare students for Blues Harmonica Performance and other ensemble playing.
Start with Harmonica 1 & Repertoire if you want to develop your skills in a variety of popular genres including blues, folk, pop, traditional, country, gospel, and more. This track is great for current guitarists who want to accompany themselves and for fans of our weekly open jams, as well as brand new students.
Thursday with David Kachalon
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 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
Tuesday with Zoe Savage
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $200 ($180 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
Tuesday or Thursday with David Kachalon
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Now that you have the fundamentals in order, build your repertoire of solos in level 2.
Location: Lincoln Square - Lincoln Ave Campus
Tuesday with Zoe Savage
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $200 ($180 members)
Now that you have the fundamentals in order, build your repertoire of solos in level 2.
Location: Online
Monday with Joe Filisko
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Now that you can play some 12-bar blues, explore the elusive techniques of the masters to expand your sound and fatten up your tone.
Location: Online
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 · $264 ($244 members)
Thursday with Zoe Savage
30 minutes · Once a week for 3 weeks · $135 ($132 members)
Location: Online
Monday with Joe Filisko
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Examine the rich legacy of recordings left by the great Blues Harp masters.
Location: Online
Tuesday with Zoe Savage
60 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $200 ($180 members)
Learn authentic traditional Cajun music on your diatonic harmonica.
Location: Online
Monday with Joe Filisko
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Learn authentic harmonica train imitations, fox chases, and accompaniment for blues and folk music.
Location: Online
Thursday with Zoe Savage
80 minutes · Once a week for 8 weeks · $264 ($244 members)
Location: Online
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.
$360 for 30 minutes ($350 for members)
$512 for 45 minutes ($497 for members)
$656 for 60 minutes ($636 for members)
8-week lessons: 06/22/2026 – 08/16/2026
Monday 05/18/26: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 06/01/26: Transfer registration
Wednesday 06/03/26: Open registration
8-week lessons: 08/31/2026 – 10/25/2026
Monday 07/13/26: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 07/27/26: Transfer registration
Wednesday 07/29/26: Open registration
8-week lessons: 10/26/2026 – 12/20/2026
Monday 09/21/26: Re-registration for current students begins
Monday 10/05/26: Transfer registration
Wednesday 10/07/26: Open registration
Click for teacher profiles and schedules
Joe Filisko »
Harmonica
David Kachalon »
Harmonica
Shoji Naito »
Guitar, Harmonica (Blues & Jazz), Ukulele, Bass
Zoe Savage »
Harmonica, School Partnerships
Anonymous
James G. Hart Foundation
Geraldine Keefe
Negaunee Foundation
Rob and Karen Ospalik
Tomford and Grossman Family
