OUR MISSION: The Friendly Music School (501c3) is a musical community that strives to inspire, bring together, and develop musicians of all ages and levels through our unique instructional approach. Our beginner, intermediate and advanced classes are led by professional musicians who guide students at their own pace with attention to individual musical interests. We are a community based organization that is all inclusive, and we strive to make music affordable to all, as well as financially rewarding to our mentors. We provide an environment for all musicians to learn from one another, play together and develop their skills. We encourage our musical family to consider the Friendly School of Folk Music a home where everyone is supported and welcome. We especially encourage our youth to choose music and the arts as a recreational outlet.
Tuition Rates -8 sessions
Group 60 minutes $180
Semi Private 45 minutes $195 per person (60 minutes - $215 pp)
Private 30 minutes $235
Private 45 minutes $315
Private 60 minutes $390
NOTE: You can choose to sign up by calling or emailing us. Choosing a personal sign up will allow you to pay with cash, check, or credit card on the first day of class. Call 708.749.1932 or email registration@friendlyschool.org.
Tuition Policies
Tuition is due in full by the first class meeting. You
can either pay online with a credit card when you
register, or pay with cash/check at the first class. All Credit
Card charges incur a 3% processing fee.
We ofer a $30.00 family discount per student if you
have multiple students enrolled from one family or
you have a student enrolled in multiple classes.
Group 60 minutes $180
Semi Private 45 minutes $195 per person (60 minutes - $215 pp)
Private 30 minutes $235
Private 45 minutes $315
Private 60 minutes $390
NOTE: You can choose to sign up by calling or emailing us. Choosing a personal sign up will allow you to pay with cash, check, or credit card on the first day of class. Call 708.749.1932 or email registration@friendlyschool.org.
Tuition Policies
Tuition is due in full by the first class meeting. You
can either pay online with a credit card when you
register, or pay with cash/check at the first class. All Credit
Card charges incur a 3% processing fee.
We ofer a $30.00 family discount per student if you
have multiple students enrolled from one family or
you have a student enrolled in multiple classes.
Our top-notch musician/instructors (hover on the photo for bio.)
INSTRUCTOR SPOTLIGHT: Jon Williams
Jon Williams Jon Williams has been a gigging musician in Chicago for 25+ years. He’s played with dozens of groups, including Mount Pilot and Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire; he currently performs with the Hat Stretchers, Mountainaires, and Peter Joly Group. Being proficient in traditional jazz, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock circa 1950-75, Jon is a highly respected musician and instructor, who plays and teaches guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, and bass.
Jon Williams Jon Williams has been a gigging musician in Chicago for 25+ years. He’s played with dozens of groups, including Mount Pilot and Andrew Bird’s Bowl of Fire; he currently performs with the Hat Stretchers, Mountainaires, and Peter Joly Group. Being proficient in traditional jazz, country, blues, bluegrass, and rock circa 1950-75, Jon is a highly respected musician and instructor, who plays and teaches guitar, mandolin, fiddle, piano, and bass.
TESTIMONIALS:
"We are very happy to be students and patrons of the Friendly Music School, coffee shop, and tap. Cheryl, our patient and beloved teacher, has been working with us for 3+ years. She has taught our kids a great appreciation for music and playing the piano. We always look forward to the music recitals at the coffee shop, it is such an awesome experience to see the kids musical talents and their progression! Geralyn takes good care of the music school and gives the kids awesome literary recommendations. While the kids are at their lessons we'll stop downstairs and get a tasty cold brew at the tap. The name of this establishment just speaks for itself, everyone is so Friendly. It's like a one-stop shop for all our needs. Thank you Rob! What would we do without our Friendly's!"
Mae & Adam
"My son is excited to go to his lesson each week, and comes out telling me about the fun he is having. These are private, half-hour lessons at a price that is extremely affordable. The Friendly Music School is non-profit, 501c3, as well, which is great because their attitude is all about helping the community." -Grace W.
“Each and every week, he is so excited to come. He loves it. I don't know how, but you guys have him playing almost all day every day at home!” - Lisa D.
“Rob has a great way with kids, and they don't even complain about practicing. Our whole family was so excited to see them perform at their recital.” - Mary R.
"We are very happy to be students and patrons of the Friendly Music School, coffee shop, and tap. Cheryl, our patient and beloved teacher, has been working with us for 3+ years. She has taught our kids a great appreciation for music and playing the piano. We always look forward to the music recitals at the coffee shop, it is such an awesome experience to see the kids musical talents and their progression! Geralyn takes good care of the music school and gives the kids awesome literary recommendations. While the kids are at their lessons we'll stop downstairs and get a tasty cold brew at the tap. The name of this establishment just speaks for itself, everyone is so Friendly. It's like a one-stop shop for all our needs. Thank you Rob! What would we do without our Friendly's!"
Mae & Adam
"My son is excited to go to his lesson each week, and comes out telling me about the fun he is having. These are private, half-hour lessons at a price that is extremely affordable. The Friendly Music School is non-profit, 501c3, as well, which is great because their attitude is all about helping the community." -Grace W.
“Each and every week, he is so excited to come. He loves it. I don't know how, but you guys have him playing almost all day every day at home!” - Lisa D.
“Rob has a great way with kids, and they don't even complain about practicing. Our whole family was so excited to see them perform at their recital.” - Mary R.
The Friendly Music School is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that offers music education through private, semi-private, and group instruction. Our instructors are passionate and accomplished musicians who currently perform locally and beyond; our classes are designed to develop the student’s music skill and appreciation no matter the starting level. At the Friendly Music School, we believe that you’re not just learning an instrument, you’re learning to be part of a musical community.