Lincolnwood: Overview of the top 20 music shops

Ted’s the best, Although, I don’t know when he sleeps?

Very knowledgeable, true music geeks. If you want to have a 15 min convo about trumpet mouthpieces, you know where to go.

Staff is very helpful and willing to assist in many ways to make the customer satisfied. I’ve gotten great book suggestions for teaching various subjects, great help with instrument rentals, and got an old horn that was unplayable fixed in a jiffy within a day. I recommend them to all my students looking to rent or buy books/music.

Ted & Craig do a great job on instrument repairs.

Always great, but does not have a lot of stock. Great repairman.

I always come here for all of my musical needs. I even bought my first trombone here and I’ve been coming here ever since. It’s a great place to get whatever you need for your musical instruments.

I paid $68 by check January 8 to rent a flute for 3 months (J, F, M). The check cleared January 10. I gave them a credit card number at their request which I did not mind doing. I returned the flute early on March 9 in the same good condition: well before the 3 months rental was up on April 8. On March28 , they charged my credit card for $68. I called when I noticed it on my April statement and requested a refund on my cc. The owner apologized sheepishly and offered an excuse, but did credit my card $68 on April 30. Then he charged my card again (!) on May 1. I have requested another refund. He charged me three times for $68 and credited me once. In other words he tried to steal money from me. Avoid.

Avoid this business. I returned a rented flute in September 2021 and I am still being charged in May 2022.

I’m not using my real name for a reason. BE WARNED! Instruments are ridiculously overpriced and you will NOT get the bang for your buck! Look for a different store that sells instruments at their REAL price or LOWER. I’ve recently used Facebook Marketplace or Amazon. Take this seriously! Don’t waste your money on instruments that aren’t worth their price!

I found the owner to be quite helpful. We have our late mother’s viola on consignment here and it remains in a prominent place and kept in great shape.

Attentive and payment plans

I’ve been playing my new violin crafted by Peter Seman for four months, and it is a gem. Peter modeled it after the violins made by the 18th century Italian luthier Tommaso Balestrieri. To begin with, the instrument looks beautiful, with a soft brown finish and subtle striping on the solid-piece back, sides and scroll. The detailing looks terrific. Its feel is very solid and shows that the instrument will last for the very long term. An added bonus is that the shoulders are very slightly narrower than other models of violin, which makes it easier to reach the farther strings. As for acoustics, the violin plays with a pure, strong sound across all the positions I currently play in. After a short break-in, it holds its tuning extremely well. I added Thomastik Vision Titanium Solo strings to augment the already beautiful sound. As I requested of Peter, the sound is very rich and deep but does not go overboard on either darkness or brightness. I also want to add that Peter was easygoing and a delight to deal with throughout. He was both patient and enthusiastic in carefully helping me through the selection of wood, finish and all other matters. He took great care to walk me through the crafting process and how he works. I feel very fortunate to have this wonderful new violin.

Very informative about helping me finding a violin

The concert space was lovely, though amplification would help. We had a great time seeing the band.

Excellent service so fast and efficient!

Very good location! Well managed with a knowledgeable and friendly staff! Very fast wi-fi and fresh bakery goods! This location was well maintained and had clean bathrooms. People commonly play chess and backgammon here so it appears to be game friendly!

They got a drive thru !!!!

They have a PBJ half sandwich, apple slices, baby carrots, roll of string cheese and small bag with maybe 10 chocolate coated raisins. Nice variety in one carton. I grab that a couple times a week when I want to eat light and not drive far.

Jest klimat

We’re here in the drive-through a couple mornings a week.

Nabija, a woman who often works the window of this location, makes every visit a treat. She is gracious, charming and helpful in ways that start our days with feelings of joy. Five stars plus for her.

Overall, this outlet is a Starbucks much like most others and it is fine.

Same as most other Starbucks.

We were walk-ins. Me and my Fiancé waited close to 7 minutes after paying for our order. We only ordered 1 drink and 2 breakfast sandwiches. Not a terrible wait time but not great at all considering how basic our order was. However, we realize that priority is given to mobile orders and drive thru. We wanted to eat outside originally in the patio area but ALL the tables were utterly filthy, so we had no choice but to eat inside (some of the tables inside were unwiped too).

Why 1 star? Its for the atmosphere that we were witness to that is the result of not enough competent staff members. When you have a bunch of staff members who aren’t really proficient in juggling a high volume of orders and/or making them to a satisfactory quality, it starts to upset the customers. There was a lady who came in for a mobile pick up order but it wasn’t 100% completed yet. She sipped one of the drinks that was ready and it was terrible according to her. She asked one of the baristas to remake (a lot of the baristas were kind of avoiding her because they were busy enough as is with their individual tasks). I guess one eventually attended her. By that time, this lady had been waiting 5-7 minutes for an order she probably thought was going to be in and out. It created a sense of “2nd hand frustration/anxiety” in me to witness this lady wait and wait (remember, we waited close to 7 minutes for our order after paying).

Then, this ladies friend came into the store screaming (to who exactly?) after her friend was waiting too long at the mobile pickup area. This hot-head was running late for something I guess. I came in here to eat breakfast in peace, I didn’t need to hear someone freak out and ruin the harmony of the store. So disrespectful to the patrons already here!! But again, why is it taking so long for orders to be completed? Could have all been avoided. Did they ever finish her order? Idk. Did they offer her an apology? IDK. Did they offer to refund? IDK. No one with any authority appeared to de-escalate it.

long wait times+ dirty tables + no manager on site/lack of de-escalation skills = Poor management

I would expect this kind of quality at McDonalds or Dunkin Donuts, not Starbucks.

They don’t fill their hot drinks! I ordered this venti pumpkin spice latte and opened it since it was boiling hot to let it cool off, and this is how full it is. Haven’t taken a single sip yet.

Very bad, my drink was not good, the place is dirty, my sandwich was not cooked well.

Great venue. So intimate. I had a great time. Highly recommend, I hope to go again!

They had someone to repair my mandolin, which was in really rough shape. Not only is it fixed now, but it looks better than ever! And at a very reasonable price, too. I couldn’t be happier!

Great place to take music classes. Amazingly, they have a great dance program. Also available are classes for young children. They bring musicians from around the world. Wednesday is Global Music Night, they have regular concerts all year around — a Chicago institution and true national treasure. Oh, and they have a great music store too!

Cozy little place to see a concert. I don’t think there is a bad seat in this place.

Good acoustics. Would definitely go back.

Muy lindo pero un poco chiquito

Great venue – need better beverage service = it causes a huge line across and through the entire lobby.

After being told I could have my 45 year old dulcimer restrung same day, I arrived, instrument in hand, to find out that it could only happen the following day. So again on day 2, I spent an hour on local Chicago transit – $10 – and returned to have the counter person tell me that they would not be able to do the work. He claimed he’d called me.
Turns out he called (leaving no message) minutes before I arrived at the store.
If you plan on doing anything more than buying an instrument, make sure you are dealing with an adult who has a grip on customer service.

People here was great and the store was a little small.

Mmmm

Friendly and helpful staff ! This is my favorite Hot Topic location. Keep up the great customer service .

Just to see inside

Ok i guess

90s version is missed

Smells weird and it’s pretty cramped.

Clothes only for size 0 to 6

I just got off the phone with a person from Hot Topic and I asked if they received an order I purchased online, she told me to call customer service and before I could ask any other questions, she said “okay thank you, bye”. She hung up on me..SO RUDE!!!

I once heard that the magical fault lines converged upon this place. Power and love are brought into each instrument that is birthed here. This place is destined for historical and cultural breaking of ground. Truly touched by the heavens above.

i’ve been in music all my life and playing stringed instruments for over 50 years. this shop is without question the best experience(s) i’ve had with any stringed instrument shop in that time. the maintenance/repair shop is the finest i’ve seen, staff treat your instruments with loving care, as if they are working on their own instruments and their communication about options/techniques for the work they are doing is first-rate. i will take my instruments (fender/ gibson/ martin/ ibanez) nowhere else.

Neighborhood music store that also has music instruction available for a variety of instruments. Always super friendly and helpful

Stopped by for the first time today. They have the friendliest and most helpful staff you could possibly find.

Great local place with friendly staff!

Reduced offer amount on my pedals substantially over a few weeks.

Curbside service order ahead or at the door

Two stars because of the employees that just give you a glazed over zombie look, no greeting, when you walk into the store. Not cool. A simple “hey, how ya doing?” is always nice to acknowledge ones existence. It’s a small shop otherwise with vintage stuff mixed in with new reissue stuff, so it can probably be a little confusing to the average guitar buyer. However, I’d still rather come to this place than to Sam Ash. The staff, including the owner, just needs to work on some basic customer service skills.

I had the worst experience, I left my guitar for strings replacement and calibration. The gave my guitar back with the truss rod !loose! And the neck with a giant bow. I ended up calibrating the guitar myself.

Brought in two guitars over the summer. An old Ibanez musician and a newer Eastman semi-hollow body. They thought it would be done in about a week and turns out they were busy and that is fine. Several weeks later i was contacted about the Ibanez and I appreciated the recommendations and ultimately did not have any work done on it. The other guitar was supposed to get a new pick-up selector switch, re-strung and set-up (I had already taken the strings off). I picked the guitars up (paid) and did not think to open the cases to look at them. I got home and they had literally not touched the Eastman. No strings, no new selector switch , nothing. I couldn’t believe it. Still can’t…

Flatts & Sharpe Music Co. in Rogers Park is my favorite music store in Chicago! They have a great selection of instruments and a ton of sheet music. Cool little stage in the front room where they have in-store performances. I am always treated nice by the folks there and love stopping in whenever I can to see what new goodies they have out.

Flatts & Sharpe is an awesome store for musical instruments (both purchase & rental) & they have the best repair services on the northside, with a great teaching staff as well. Such a great gem in the Rogers Park/Edgewater/Evanston area.

As a professional musician and teacher, I go to Flatts & Sharpe for most all of my musical needs. They have one of the largest selections of sheet music anywhere in the city. The service is always friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them to both students and professionals.

My daughter says her Violin instructor is very nice:)
It’s better to walk there, if you’re local; no parking 4 to 6pm….
There’s a pleasant, vintage vibe.

Friendly staff. Fun little old school music shop. Sheet music selection kinda light. Look forward to going back, though. They offer music lessons, too.

I bought a couple things and had a setup done here last year. Their selection isn’t great and I needed to re-do the setup after I got it home. It wasn’t *bad*, but nothing was really done. Also, one of my strings broke in the process and they only replaced that one string.

When I called to ask about it because it had a different tone than the rest, they assured me it was just because it was new and that they used the exact same strings. (The bass was also brand new so that didn’t make a lot of sense, but I also didn’t know much about strings at the time so I took their word for it.

I just took my strings off for the first time since then and noticed the string that was replaced had a different color end than it should. (My bass has a string-thru body so it wasn’t apparent before.)

I don’t know why they lied to me about it, but definitely not ever going to go back there or recommend the place to anyone. Sad.

Took my les paul in for a set-up, and it was no longer playable when they were finished. Would not recommend.

i couldn’t believe how nasty to me one of the women at this shop was. feel terrible for anyone that has to work around her cause wow! i would’ve come here again as well if not for her!

Terrific selection.

Best music shop hands down

Excellent selection of both acoustic and electric guitars. Great staff, very helpful and friendly.

CME seems to get excellent reviews from people who visit the store.
But the website is terrible.
If you are indeed a good store, you need a good website. The current website should be tossed in the trash.
I see that a representative of CME has responded here. That’s good.
I do not know how to make a website. I know that if it has “search”, an online shopper should be able to find an item that way. I couldn’t on the CME site. It was a studio interconnect cable with a 1/4″ input end, and an XLR output end. I found them on another music store’s website, and bought 4.
As I was not finding them on the CME site, I saw click-buttons for various areas of the catalog. One was marked “orchestra instruments” and featured a picture of a kick-drum pedal. Another was called “keyboards” and had a picture of some device that was definitely not a keyboard.
I lost all confidence in the site then, and I shopped elsewhere, as many people would.
I did one thing not every online does.
I communicated my disappointment.
CME saw my communication.
That’s the end of my diligence here. The rest is yours.

Another gem in Chicago!

Blasee environment…

Went to go buy an Ampeg SVT 410HLF Heritage model that their website had for sale. Had been looking at it all week, even added it to my cart online, but decided to go to the store to look at it first. After a 2 hour trip through rough Chicago traffic, and waiting around for 30 minutes before I could even talk to the bass “salesperson”, I was told the cabinet sold 6 days ago. The same cabinet is still for sale on its website as I write this. The “salesperson” had no clue whatsoever on bass cabinets either, tried to push an 8ohm cab on me when clearly I wanted an SVT 4ohm. This store touts itself as being “the best in the world” but my experience was far from it. can’t really trust anyone’s advice and can’t trust that they have a piece of equipment online in stock.

Just received a completely destroyed drum head. It was shoved into a box just too small to fit the drumhead. Some genius employee thought it was a good idea to shove it in there… Guess I learned my lesson, will have to go to the nearest music store next time.

Legendary as the CME may be, their drum store was severely lacking. Small and cramped, we were told to wait until a photo shoot was done for a Ludwig kit, and then given mediocre service at best. Though I more than understand as a Reverb seller that attractive inventory documentation is important, you’d think they would have a better location to go about it. As for service, the staff was oddly standoffish, and only helped when I directly asked for specific items. I’m sure that of all of the wonderful experiences there that mine was a fluke, but I was looking forward to the Mecca of music stores, and instead was served with a cheap televangelist special.

I am an adult learner who decided to start learning piano at the start of 2022. I self-taught using an app for 9 months until I decided I wanted a real teacher to help me improve faster than I was on my own. (By the way, don’t do what I did, get a teacher from the beginning!)

I found Anthony via his Twitch stream where he puts on a great show multiple times a week. I had “auditioned” several in-person, traditional teachers as well, and I was concerned that online lessons (which I do with Anthony) wouldn’t be as good. After having a consultation with Anthony, I was certain this was the right way to go.

I’ve now been taking lessons for 5 months, and I think I have made more progress in that time than the 9 months I did things by myself. If you have any doubts about online lessons, don’t! Even better if you are local and can work with Anthony in person.

We started our lessons by talking about what my objectives were and what kind of music I liked. Anthony customizes the lesson plan and assignments based on my goals and interests. We generally have one or more exercise/skill-building pieces (think like traditional piano books), and one or more pieces of repertoire that I am working on at any given time. He is very open to changing the plan based on what I want to do, so I always can look forward to practicing. Over Christmas break, I found a song on my own and was messing with it, thinking it was a diversion from my “real” lessons, but when I met with Anthony next he listened to it, gave me direction on what to work on with it, and that was the song we worked on for the next few weeks.

Lesson time is sometimes spent working on the assigned pieces, layering in additional levels of complexity as I get more comfortable with the piece, and working through challenging sections together. Other times we will work on music theory, which greatly helps understand the structure of the music and ultimately is a short cut to gaining playing skill. We have worked on traditional classical pieces like Bach/Petzold’s BWV 114 Anh. “Minuet in G Major”, Schumann’s Op68 No 1 “Melodie”, and Burgmuller’s Op100 No 2 “Arabesque”, but also emphasized non-traditional music I am interested in, including film scores and video game music. As I write this, we are working on “Searching for Friends,” the airship theme from Final Fantasy VI, and I am having a great time. Anthony has also made custom arrangements of music I want to play to bring it down to my level while helping me grow as a player.

Anthony possesses a deep knowledge of music theory and its application to piano, and has been a great resource in breaking down these songs in a way that shortens the time it takes me to learn them. He is an outstanding teacher who is willing to go as fast or as slow as the student requires. Maybe most importantly, I think he really cares about my progress and enjoyment of this art. I look forward to our lessons every week, and have seen no compromise whatsoever in doing them online vs. in person.

If you are considering Anthony for lessons for yourself or your children, I would strongly encourage you to give him a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Anthony is a very patient piano teacher. He makes it simple and explains the reason behind the theories of fingerings. According to my daughter, his instructions are age appropriate not using complicated words. He provides enough positive reinforcement, and provides better strategies to avoid mistakes. He also finds music sheets that she is familiar with, but not completely forgetting the classics. He is a perfect fit for my daughter. Best of all, she looks forward to each lesson and leaves the studio with a smile on her face. I highly recommend Anthony.

Piano lessons made fun.

Our children have been studying piano at Topher Allan Music for several years. They were not enthusiastic with learning piano with their previous teacher, which almost led them to quit piano. Fortunately, through the introduction of an acquaintance, we found Chris, who is not only an effective piano teacher but also a fun friend. Our children always enjoy the piano lessons and consider them a good time. They have learned piano playing theory and techniques without our constant struggle to pressure them to learn and practice.

Chris is flexible in accommodating our ever changing schedules, which we greatly appreciate. Our children also love the creative and innovative style of teaching and learning. The current studio, still shiny, is also a pleasant place to visit. As an educator, I can appreciate how hard it is to make learning fun and interesting.

When my children were 6 and 7 years old I was looking for a place for music lessons to take my children but after going to a few places I really didn’t see any progress until I ran into Chris and he had a connection with my children and they learned to play piano enjoying it. Today I enjoy listening to my teens ( now 16 & 17 ) play the piano at home.
Christopher Morrow is an excellent teacher who loves to teach and has a lot of patience to teach.
If I could give 100 stars to TOPHER ALLAN MUSIC STUDIO I would.
Now Chris has a new studio, my whole family is very happy for his work, achievements and great love for music.
After searching in many music places I can say that Chris is the BEST PIANO TEACHER in Chicago for all ages, he is very patient, intelligent, caring and very charismatic.
I recommend it one hundred percent

Giuliano/ Giacomo & Lourdes Laszlo

Chris is a charming teacher. My son learns from him 5 years ago. It seems he knows how to communicate with my son better than me! Every time the learning lesson and recitals are wonderful moments for us. He is a patient, kind, humorous and straight but not stressed teacher. I am so happy that he build up the strong and bond relationship with my son. Also I am surprised that he has so many great ideas to make the kids enjoy the music and be a better musical players. Feel very lucky to find him as my son ‘s teacher！

My son attends this school and I can say he enjoys learning the piano. Friendly staff and very attentive teacher. I find it very helpful that they communicate with the parents to let them know where your child is struggling and what areas need improving. I highly reccomend this school.

Five Hands has great teachers and a convenient location. Students have opportunities to participate in periodic recitals that are very supportive and fun.

My son started in 2nd grade and just finished his 2nd year of piano and is loving it. The owner, Rick, has years of experience teaching kids and knows how to encourage them. Rick hires great teachers, and my son has flourished under his teacher, Mike. Just the right amount of challenge, encouragement, and affirmation to help him want to get better at home. I can’t believe what my son can do on the piano already and he’s teaching his little sister and me a bit on the side. I highly recommend Five Hands Studio if you’re thinking about lessons for your kids. If you need a piano, there’s often someone giving theirs away for free (so long as you hire movers to move it – too heavy to move w/o professionals), that’s how we got ours on NextDoor (social media for neighbors/neighborhoods).

Instructors are very knowledgeable and experienced and patient…..

Good studio. The teachers and staff are quite capable and great with the students. Progressive lesson plans. Also has programs with area music competition/achievment groups. They also do a recital 2x a year. Good for all skill levels.

My 13 year-old son has been taking drum lessons at North Shore Music for 2 years. He’s also in the studio’s band camp which places him with other students to form a rock band. They perform in public around Wilmette. He absolutely loves it and so do we parents. Alejandro and his staff are terrific!

Great place to take guitar, drums or bass lessons! My Son’s been in 3 sessions here and has progressed immensely.

Highly recommend! Alejandro went out of his way to accommodate us and it is much appreciated. So nice to deal with a music shop that is not corporate, wonderful to have someone who is proud of his craft and supportive of the community as well as their love of music!!!

Northside Music Academy offers a variety of private lessons fit for any skill level or age. The school’s location and décor provides quiet learning atmosphere while encouraging vibrancy. The variety of instruments and lessons offered is wonderful, and the only real question becomes “which instrument do I want to learn to play”? My 9 year old began piano lessons here two years ago and her progress combined with growing love for music has exceeded our expectations. I also have a drummer-to-be waiting to start lessons at Northside Music Academy, who got inspired by listening to other students’ lessons and performances at the recitals organized throughout the year.

My daughters love their piano lessons. Ms. Hanna and Mr. Giorgi are excellent with my kids and their personalities perfectly suit each of my kids’ learning styles. One daughter has had a couple of substitute teachers but both of them (Ms. Summer and Ms. Janna) have been wonderful as well.

Alin and Natalia are wonderful teachers and founders of this music school. My children have been really happy and lucky to have this school in our neighborhood. They also find wonderful opportunities and venues for the students to perform. Thanks for coming to Edgebrook!

We love this neighborhood gem that is filled with so much talent and creativity! Watching my daughter grow and improve has been a joy. More importantly, watching her enjoy her lessons and her instrument is even better. Highly recommend!