Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME)

Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) offers Classes for Little Ones, Buddy Band, group classes and ensembles, music therapy, private lessons, classroom music, after-school ensembles, early childhood music classes, instrument lessons, Buddy Band for Partners, and Professional Development. Classes for Little Ones start at 6 months old and are held on Saturdays and Thursdays. Buddy Band is for ages 4 to 15, with Saturdays and times varying, and no experience is necessary.

Programs

• Classes for Little Ones — Starting at 6 months old; levels: 6 months-18 months, 18 months-3 years, 3 years-5 years · Saturdays and Thursdays
• Buddy Band — Ages 4-15 · Saturdays, times vary · No experience necessary. Inquire with ChiME for eligibility.
• Group Classes — Group classes and ensembles for students and families of all ages.
• Music Therapy — Evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs; music therapy services are offered.
• Private Lessons — People of all ages · Weekly reserved time slot · $47.50–$95 · In-person one-on-one private lessons. Remote lesson options are available when necessary. 30-, 45-, or 60-minute lessons. Tuition assistance is available.
• Classroom Music — Program listed among the services ChiME serves the Chicagoland through.
• After-school ensembles — Program listed among the services ChiME serves the Chicagoland through.
• Early childhood music classes — Program listed among the services ChiME serves the Chicagoland through.
• Instrument lessons — Program listed among the services ChiME serves the Chicagoland through.
• Buddy Band for Partners
• Professional Development

At a glance

• Ages: 0–15 years old
• Price range: $47.50–$95
• Facility hours: Monday 1:00-9:00 pm; Tuesday 1:00-7:00 pm; Wednesday 1:00-7:00 pm; Thursday 1:00-7:00 pm; Friday closed; Saturday 8:00 am-4:00 pm; Sunday closed

About the provider

ChiME was founded as the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians in 1981. In 1986, it expanded partnerships with Chicago Public Schools, and in 2014 it began doing business as the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME). ChiME says it serves nearly 3,300 children every year at the West Town location and 26 partner organizations, including 17 Chicago Public Elementary schools.

Classes for Little Ones: no prior experience is necessary; children participate with their grown-ups in person; class size ranges from 3 to 10 students; make-up options include attending another day that week, Zoom live stream, or requesting a recording with advance notice; no refunds for missed classes. Private lessons: parent presence is required for Suzuki lessons and students under 8; for all other students, parental presence is highly recommended; daily practice between lessons is necessary.

What families say

“Music [therapy] gives her brain a unique opportunity to send signals to her limbs and start moving to the beat.” — Joanna, parent

“ChiME has been an agent of change in our school community.” — Matthew Katz, School Director, Tamayo Elementary

“We can’t thank you enough for what you have provided for us as parents to help our son have songs to hear with whatever life event he comes across.” — Ty, parent of an Early Childhood class student

Last updated November 8, 2026.