At the ACM School of Music, creativity and fundamentals go hand in hand.
Our teachers help students master the basics while exploring composition, improvisation, and their own musical voice.
The ACM School of Music is part of Access Contemporary Music, a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to bringing music into people’s lives through creation, performance, and education. For twenty years, ACM has built bridges between musicians and audiences, making the act of music-making visible and accessible. Our school extends that mission to students of all ages and skill levels, offering a place where learning an instrument becomes an act of creative discovery and connection.
Being an ACM student means becoming part of a larger artistic ecosystem. Our teachers are professional performers and composers who share not just their technical expertise, but their passion for creativity and collaboration. Students learn in an environment that values curiosity, expression, and community — with opportunities to perform at recitals, join jam sessions, and participate in events at The CheckOut, ACM’s own neighborhood venue.
At ACM, lessons don’t happen in isolation. They’re part of a living, breathing arts organization — one that believes music is a lifelong pursuit, a form of wellness, and a vital thread in the fabric of Chicago’s cultural life.
Class Finder
Not sure where to start? Let us help. See our full list of classes. Browse all classes by age, instrument, or even time of day.
Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination…” — Plato
FAQs
Q: What’s a good age to start lessons?
A: Piano- as young as 3+ / Strings- 6yrs+ / Voice- Intro voice-7/ Trad. voice- 13
Q: Do I need an instrument before my first lesson?
A: Yes (we already mention A440 for strings
Q: How long before I start to see results?
A: It really depends on how consistently a student practices and attends lessons.
Q: Can parents sit in on lessons?
A: Generally speaking, parents do not sit in on lessons so as to allow proper focus on the task and teacher instructions.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: There is street parking available at all locations.
Q: Do you offer adult lessons?
A: Yes, we offer adult lessons in all categories. It’s never too late to start!
Testimonials
I’ve been taking piano and vocal lessons at ACM for a couple years and I love it!
My teachers are great at challenging me while keeping their expectations fair and realistic for my current level as a student. The teachers have their own specialties and teaching style, which helps create new learning opportunities for us as students.
My current teacher is a wealth of information and has given me guidance and exercises that have helped me improve tremendously and become more confident as a musician in training. Thank you ACM!
– Kevin Roman
We love ACM! My children have been taking piano lessons here for 3 years and we are very happy with the teachers, the facility and the community. The teachers are kind, good at what they do and best of all, my children love working with them. I really appreciate that ACM as an organization actively supports current composers – and give their students opportunities to compose, showcase their work and hear contemporary classical music at events throughout the year. This is a great learning environment and we are happy to be a part of it!
– Melissa Schulze
ACM music school is a wonderful school. My son has been taking piano lessons for the past three years and he has learned so much. He has participated in several concerts that are offered throughout the year. His teacher, Rebecca, is a wonderful teacher. She is very dedicated, flexible, patient, and very talented. My son is always excited to come to his weekly lessons. I would definitely recommend ACM to anyone who wants to learn how to play an instrument.
– fEvelyn Camach