Big Beat is an extremely talented and professional band who helped make our wedding a success. From our first phone call to the event, Becky Cagen was a pleasure to work with and helped bring confidence and ease. From the vocalists to the drummer, we were utterly impressed how talented the musicians in Big Beat are. We were floored by the quality of the set list and we danced truly all night. After the wedding, numerous people told us it was the best band that they had ever heard at a wedding and we could not agree more! Thank you Big Beat!
Second only to my groom and our family and friends, The Don Cagen Orchestra was the highlight of our entire wedding! I have so many positive things to say that I will just go in chronological order. First, contacting and booking with them was easy and they were really flexible with all of our ideas and needs. They were professional and personable from beginning to end. When it came to the planning process, Becky was available via email and phone and she really helped me make creative musical decisions that turned out perfectly.
THE BIG DAY I will admit I was a little bit of a nervous wreck but as we arrived to the venue, Becky approached me and it just made all of my nerves go away because I knew that if everything else goes wrong I KNOW that at least the music would be right and that was so important to my husband and I.
Chitarra played the violin and cello at our ceremony and even accompanied my sister during her musical offering which was a well known song in a different arrangement. They continued the beautiful music into cocktail hour. We requested modern, upbeat music and they nailed it because the ambiance was just perfect.
Don rocked out one of my favorite songs on the trumpet for our introductions and their song choices for dinner and dancing could not have been more perfect for us. I feel like they totally understand our taste and didn’t need much direction with that which eliminated a lot of unnecessary stress from the whole process.
Overall, the Don Cagen Orchestra was my favorite part of our wedding and it also happened to be the least stressful and most fun part of it too. They are so versatile and they sound AMAZING! I highly recommend working with them for your wedding. Thank you, Don and Becky!
They did a phenomenal job. Don and Becky captured the essence of what we wanted while also making sure every guest was dancing all night long. Highly recommend!
4. Bentler Music Studio
Address: 2117 Walters Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
My three kids all take piano lessons here with two different instructors, both of whom are great! My kids love coming here and have really improved over the past few months!
Anderson Musik is a gem. The teachers are talented and caring. Not only will they help improve the student’s ability but they are also encouraging and positive. Receiving instruction here has helped my child remain enthusiastic about playing through the age we’re kids typically loose interest. Scheduling is flexible, rates are competitive and you often see multiple generations of a family, as well as learners of all ages.
My kids have been students at Anderson for several years, we have had a great experience. The teachers are amazing and the schedule is very flexible. The annual student concerts are fantastic as well, the kids love showing off what they have learned. We definitely recommend Anderson.
I took piano lessons at Anderson Musik over the past year and half (after 15 years of not playing) and I had a lot of success with it. I really liked my instructor, Trevor. He taught me a lot of useful improv-jazz techniques and how to read classical sheet music better. I noticed some older negative reviews about the owner… He’s not a bad guy. I gave 4 stars because I think they need one more upright piano in the shop for the students when they are at full capacity.
All in all, it’s a great place to learn piano/guitar/drums/etc
7. Make’n Music
Address: 780 W Frontage Rd, Northfield, IL 60093 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
Thay have been a loyal friend to me since the 70’s. And they love my dog Ariel…
This is the finest guitar shop in Chicago in my opinion. They are the only authorized dealer of Tom Anderson Guitars, which by itself makes this place worth your time. Probably the most important thing though is the fact that these guitars are expertly set up and maintained.
I had a G&L ASAT Bluesboy that had been giving me grief for years. I had it set up multiple times, refretted by Specimen guitar shop, and it always had this weird thing going on. I took it in here and they (Third Coast, the folks who handle setups etc. when brought in here) were able to diagnose and fix the issue. Now it plays perfectly (almost as good as the Tom Andersons).
You can trust these guys, bottom line.
OMG
Great service
Great people. Real nice, know what they’re talking about. Take their gear over the local competition because they just know it better, even if it isn’t spooky. Their techs are very likely great but weren’t in-site available when I visited. It’s still a beautiful shop.
Great store. Middle of nowhere. And definitely not the shop pictured. They had Les Pauls. But would not sell them. What’s up with that.? Very small selection in unless all you want is Airline guitars. No one said much. Just some people hanging out. Not clean and shiny like pictured. I believe they must have downsized big time. Not impressed. oh well. Ive been to the place pictured years ago. Impressive. What happened?
I was in the market for an American made Telecaster and they had nothing to show me. I had my brother n law tell me he wanted to take up bass and they don’t carry basses. I don’t understand what their market is? Another example of how bad the Chicago area music stores are.
It is always closed. Make sure you check its web site to see if it is open.
Store is really different from the earlier locations off Milwaukee Ave., Ohio St., and Artesian. Even the store off Hubbard – after the move from Artesian – had far more inventory.
Though I could be wrong, it seems as though the days of finding tons of high-end boutique, FCS, GCS and PRS guitars hanging on the walls is gone. Also gone are the days of 8-10 really cool high-end amp makers being represented, including several products on the floor from builders like Elmwood, Bogner, Matchless, Victoria, Fuchs and on and on. The effects offerings are also a small portion of what they used to be.
Not quite sure what happened to the store the past couple/few years. Used to be, far and away, the finest boutique shop in the country (used to get regular visits from cats like Billy Gibbons, Keith Richards and many others that would fly in just to buy gear).
I wish the current guys the best of luck. And hope they have a long and healthy ride. Would be cool to see the store return to its former glory years, when it was The Grand Daddy of cool gear.
8. Guitar Center
Address: 143 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
Nice selection of guitars and accessories. Better store for the knowledgeable musician that already knows what they are looking for, as the goal here is to upsell. I would recommend a local guitar shop if you want honest advice about purchasing an instrument.
Husband bought a keyboard and is taking piano lessons here. He is 75, just starting out
I signed up for a four pack of lessons for my son and we have been to one. The next week we went in and I was told that the instructor wasn’t there so no lesson. No biggie, these things happen. The next week the lesson was cancelled and I was informed. The next week was Labor Day so I didn’t go but I guess there actually were lessons that day. Then I noticed I was automatically charged for another four pack of lessons. I have called and emailed four days straight asking to get this refunded and I keep getting told that a manager needs to take care of it. I asked the manager to call me twice now and nothing. I was also told i have one lesson left and I said no, there should be at LEAST two. I have now paid $260 for one lesson. Will definitely be taking my business somewhere with better customer service and organization. Hate writing reviews like this but seems like it may be the only way to get this issue resolved.
I don’t recommend this place (Highland Park, IL; 11/07/22 ~ 1pm). It’s just a warehouse. I walk into this warehouse looking for a first ever electric guitar, and there were at least 3 guys in the “showroom”, one on the phone, one tuning and playing a guitar, and another (looked like the manager) with a baseball cap who was stringing a guitar, whom I approached. I said to baseball cap guy, “I just wanted to see your selection of Yamaha electric guitars”. With almost a disappointed look on his face, said “I’ll let you just talk to one of the guys in sales”, his facial expression saying, “you can see I’m busy, can’t you?”. So I putz around looking like a kid in a candy store, straining my neck so can maybe find a Yamaha guitar. I circle around the showroom, passing these 3 bodies maybe twice. Not even a, “be with you in a minute”, or at least, “come back another day when we have time for you”. I would’ve respected that. But….Nothing; like I wasn’t even there. So I walked out. I’m not going back there.
*Been reading the other bad reviews. NOW I’m not surprised, that poor customer service is a pattern. And if baseball cap guy is the owner, you have no business responding to these bad reviews, trying to slap on some damage control after the fact. Like another poster with a bad experience from this place, I’ll probably buy my stuff online. I know it doesn’t help the retail businesses, but the you reap what you sow in a free market society.
**It’s so upsetting, I keep editing this review!
These stars are for the manager Josh. Otherwise, every employee either doesn’t know about guitars, or knows enough to be dismissive. I have a passion for music and I was excited to get a new guitar and the experience that comes along with it. Every employee there did their absolute best to make sure that DID NOT happen. Tim in particular was very unattentive and condescending. I visited the store 6 different occasions for various problems, each time I would wait for at least 10 minutes before any employee would acknowledge I was there (there was max 3 customers in the store each time). Overall terrible experience. The customer service was abysmal and I’m glad I will not have to shop there ever again.
9. Broken Hipster
Address: 1401 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL 60062 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
I am an adult student who has studied violin at the Christopher Laughlin School of Music for four years. Both of my teachers have been patient, kind, inspiring and thankfully also have a sense of humor! The studio arranged my lesson time around my work schedule. I am grateful for the studio’s flexibility and responsibility during the Pandemic.
We have been very happy with Christopher Laughlin School of Music. My son has been working with Christopher Laughlin on classical guitar for about 5 years and my daughter has been working with Weiwen on piano for about 4 years. They both have made incredible progress with their instruments. Additionally, they have had many opportunities to perform in front of an audience for recitals and competitions, which is great experience for kids early in life. I would highly recommend the school.
Pretty good and very talented teachers.
They would have gotten 5 stars but for their inflexible payment options
12. Jim’s Treasures and Stuff
Address: 940 Waukegan Rd #1BN, Deerfield, IL 60015 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
Meeting Dean is a big honor for me. He help me pick out the right guitar and it kick ass.I can wait to get together with my
band and go nuts
Great guitars. Made the way you want with lots of options.
Just received my custom crosshatch and couldn’t be happier. It’s georeous and sounds spectacular. Dean was awesome as I changed my mind on a couple things during build. But what he produced was exactly what I wanted. Thanks so much for the guitar of a lifetime ❤️
14. Raymaker Piano Studio
Address: 1927 Farnsworth Ln, Northbrook, IL 60062 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
Helen is not only the most amazing pianist (accompanist) I have ever worked with, she is is a good communicator, timely, and in this time of virtual choirs – really thinks through what the vocalist needs from her, to be able to provide their own virtual video tracks.
My son has been taking lessons with Helen for about 4 years, two plus years as a remote student. He hasn’t missed a beat as a remote student and continues to make progress. The lessons are well structured and involve piano theory. Helen makes the time so enjoyable & fun for the students. We look forward to the repertoire classes and recitals.
As a working parent, I love and appreciate the flexibility of remote learning.
Helen is extremely generous with her time and committed to the students. She is a wonderful mentor for Liam and I highly recommend!!
There is a difference between piano performers and accompanists. Both need to have stellar abilities to play the music set before them with accuracy, expression, and artistry. But an accompanist must also follow and anticipate the singers or instrumentalists being accompanied, adjusting times, tempos and expression to support theirs. Accompaniment calls for the ability to play seamlessly through the vagaries of other people’s interpretations (and mistakes). A great accompanist makes someone else look flawless, a generous gift indeed.
I knew Helen Raymaker from Harmonium Chorale Society, where she was the piano accompanist for both rehearsals and performances. She can be observed on many Harmonium performances on YouTube. She was always exquisitely well prepared. Singers could depend her crisp playing to help with learning our parts.
I have also had the pleasure of having Helen accompany me for occasional church solos. Those who heard me commented on the sensitivity of her accompaniment. Every time, it was a wonderful experience for me.
15. Bow Supply Corporation
Address: 1806 Clavey Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
We have had a wonderful experience at School of Rock! Our children have grown as musicians and performers. The staff is friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Our son has been taking drum lessons at SOR for the past two years. The instructors are great and they create a productive and fun learning environment for the kids. Highly recommend them.
My son is 13, is pretty introverted. He is mostly into gaming, accept when it comes to going to his lessons and rehearsals at The School of Rock. He sincerely LOVES this place and it has brought out so much personality in him. Music, being a part of a band, the teachers, is helping him come out of his shell- and express himself. I can’t wait to continue this journey and watch him have a great time in this positive environment.
17. Chic Instrument
Address: 1706 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL 60025 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
Mr. Jang is a very nice and friendly guy! I bought a violin which needed stringing to accompany my son’s journey into violin. Also gave me some tips how to tune . He also makes violins. Check it out sometime!
18. The Music Gallery
Address: 2558 Green Bay Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
The best guitar store I’ve ever visited. The staff are amazing and their selection of rare guitars like custom shop Martins and Fenders are unbelievable
Love the place,.get your guitar plekd you won’t regret it.
Excellent experience, I Picked up a Custom shop telecaster at the Music Gallery. The set up on the guitar was perfect right off the rack. The staff was very professional. Thank you Frank and staff!
Got a few of my guitar frets plekked. Great job. My only complaint is they only offer that with their setup and they dont know how to setup a guitar the correct way. Action way off the fretboard. The trussrod is way off with way too much bow. I rather just pay for the plek and not the setup. I have to spend an hour setting it up after paying $285. Which is very high. I found some of the employees to have egos and arrogant.
staff is helpful… but had a guitar fixed a couple months ago and had to bring it back for the same issue…. I thought they fixed it, but guess not. we will try again and see…..
I’m an advanced drummer and had a good experience working with the drum teacher (M.S.) that I met with at the Music Gallery. However, the shop owners were less than professional. The equipment was unsatisfactory to take lessons on. I had to start bringing my own drum thrown. Along with that the bass drum pedals along with the hi hat mechanism were in poor condition. When I confronted the owner he got angry at me for bringing it and said it was my teachers problem. In a community such as Highland Park it’s embarrassing. I would not recommend this location to work with. With all this being said they have ended the relationship with who I feel is one of the best drum teachers in the area. It’s very much their loss! I continue to work with him at another location.
Dumped an unsellable $1900 Chicago blues box on me after my gear had been stolen.
I took the amp back the next day and they told me I’d take a $600 loss.
They knew why I brought it back and they stuck me with it. Didn’t even offer an alternate!
Not interested in artist or musicians only in it for the $
Pompous, elite and unprofessional!
Beware, once they got your money you are SOL.
19. The Hoodie Guitar Cases
Address: 2425 Oak Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062 , Northbrook , Illinois , United States
