Lesson Programs

We offer a variety of lesson programs that allow anyone to learn music regardless of their age, experience, skill, or goals. Too often we hear people say things like “I’d love to play an instrument but have no musical talent”. That is NONSENSE! Learning an instrument takes nothing more than practice, dedication, and the right guidance. Our teachers primary goal is to make learning as fun, easy, and stress-free as humanly possible! Right from the start you’ll learn things that you want to play.

We offer two private lesson programs outlined below. Each can be customized and modified to suit a particular student’s needs and goals.

 

The Evolution Music Advantage

We guarantee you will not find a better music lesson program anywhere else.

Here are 7 reasons why:

1. Evolution Certified™ instructors to meet your quality and safety standards.

All Evolution Music Instructors have been selected based on their educational and professional backgrounds. We only work with knowledgeable, pre-screened and background checked instructors to be a part of our team so you get the best of the best! We are very selective with our instructors to ensure they all have a fun, positive, outgoing personality that will make your lessons enjoyable and productive.

2. Flexible schedules & affordable lesson plans.

We create a lesson plan based on your specific needs. You choose the the lesson time, length and price point that best fits your schedule and budget. Students can play quarterly, monthly, or weekly. Our policies are transparent and we don’t have any unreasonable cancellation or rescheduling fees.

3. State-of-the-art lesson facilities

We offer accessible personal online accounts to track payments, progress, and scheduling with ease. Each Evolution Music student is given a personal online account with interactive tools to help assist with payments, scheduling, lesson tracking, goal setting and more. Students have the option to have their lessons recorded and/or video taped to allow students to review their lesson while they practice at home. Parents can even remotely ‘sit in’ on a student’s lesson via Skype. Plus, your online profile can be connected to your Facebook account to show off your progress to friends and family!

4. Room for advancement

We won’t just get you started…we can take you all the way. Evolution Music offers programs that help students to learn to play with other musicians in a group dynamic. Students can learn how to play in a band, record in a studio, and perform for an audience for a real live concert. Evolution Music works with local and national artists doing booking, promoting, live sound production, studio recording, management, and more. When you’re ready, we can help you evolve to the next level.

5. The chance to play Congress Theater in Chicago

Evolution Music has close ties to the world renowned Congress Theater in Chicago. We host 4 annual local band concert events per year and starting in 2012 we’re offering our students the chance to share the stage graced by so many of the world’s most famous and legendary musicians. No other lesson program around can take a student from their first chords to their first concert performance at one of the city’s most famous venues within such a short period of time.

6. Beginners through advanced students welcome. Any age. Any stage.

We know how challenging it is to take the first step and understand that everyone was a beginner at some point. We’re here to help you evolve as a musician, no matter what stage you are at in your musical journey.

7. More bang for your buck

With the economy in its current state we understand that taking private lessons are a bit of a luxury. That’s why we strive to make our programs as affordable and competitive as can be while offering more than any of the competition.

We offer far more than anyone else out there and for less money. Simple as that.

There are many advantages of music education beyond learning to play; and working with Evolution Music is a safe and easy way to get started.

The benefits of music and voice lessons

When people of all ages take music and voice lessons, they learn much more than just how to perform! There are many other benefits of learning music.
Parents find that music and voice lessons for kids not only improve their children’s memorization and small motor skills, but strongly contribute to the building of their child’s self-confidence. This in turn helps children succeed not only in music, but in school and other outside activities. Both children and their parents find it truly rewarding when a child reaches a pre-set goal or milestone; whether that is learning a new song, performing in front of others or just finding enjoyment in music.
Adults in their 20′s and 30′s see lessons as a creative outlet and something to help them de-stress after a long day, as well as other health benefits of learning music. For many, music and voice lessons are the beginning steps of a career in live performance or recorded music. For others, music lessons are a way to express emotion or impress others with their new-found talents through a birthday, wedding, or special event performance.
Older adults find that music lessons are a great way to stay mentally active. Many will resume lessons for an instrument they played in the past to polish up their skills while others are interested in learning something brand new and acquiring a special talent. Music is known to be therapeutic and a great way to keep one’s mind young!

Other benefits of music education

Helps develop skills needed in today’s workforce: critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication, teamwork, and confidence

Keeps kids engaged in school and less likely to drop out while helping them achieve in other academic subjects like math, science, and reading

Helps communities share ideas and values among cultures and generations

Quick facts about music lessons

According to a recent Gallup poll:
More than half of U.S. households (52%) has at least one person, age 5 or older, who currently plays a musical instrument
85% of Americans believe that music is a very important part of their life
82% of Americans wish they had learned to play a musical instrument, and 67% expressed an interest in learning to play
94% of respondents believe music is part of a well-rounded education, and that schools should offer instrument music instruction as part of the regular curriculum
85% believe participation in school music corresponds with better grades and higher test scores
Seniors are turning to music making as not just an enjoyable pastime, but also for the health and wellness benefits such as enhanced immune systems, stress reduction, and staving off depression and loneliness.

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Benefits for Kids

Research has revealed strong correlations between quality music learning programs and academic achievement. Here is some research that was compiled by our friends at NAMM (http://namm.org/) and Support Music (http://supportmusic.com).
Improved academics through music lessons for children
Music enhances the process of learning. The systems they nourish, which include our integrated sensory, attention, cognitive, emotional and motor capacities, are shown to be the driving forces behind all other learning.
KONRAD, R.R., “EMPATHY, ARTS AND SOCIAL STUDIES,” 2000
The College Entrance Examination Board found that students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on math than students with no arts participation.
“COLLEGE-BOUND SENIORS NATIONAL REPORT: PROFILE OF SAT PROGRAM TEST TAKERS,” PRINCETON, NJ: THE COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD, 2001
U.S. Department of Education data show that students who report consistently high levels of involvement in instrumental music during the middle- and high-school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.
CATTERALL, J., CHAPLEAU, R., AND IWANAGA, J., “INVOLVEMENT IN THE ARTS AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,” 1999
Young children who received a year of musical training showed brain changes and superior memory compared with children who did not receive the instruction.
FUJIOKA, T., ROSS, B., KAKIGI, R., PANTEV, C., AND TRAINOR, L., BRAIN, A JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, SEPT. 2006
The vast majority—96 percent—of the school principals interviewed in a recent study agree that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school. Further, 89 percent of principals feel that a high-quality music-education program contributes to their school achieving higher graduation rates.
HARRIS INTERACTIVE POLL, 2006
A study of rural and urban inner-city schools found that arts programs helped schools in economically disadvantaged communities develop students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
STEVENSON, L., DEASY, R., THIRD SPACE: WHEN LEARNING MATTERS, AEP, 2006
A study examined the influence of music education on nonmusical abilities, the effects of music lessons on academic performance, and cognitive abilities. The study revealed that students who participated in music lessons showed statistically higher intelligence quotients.
SCHELLENBERG, G., MUSIC LESSONS ENHANCE IQ, PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE, VOL. 15, NO. 8, 2004
Healthy social development through music lessons for kids
With music in schools, students connect to each other better—greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm.
JENSEN, E., ARTS WITH THE BRAIN IN MIND, ASSOCIATION FOR SUPERVISION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, 2001
Students who participate in school band or orchestra have the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs among any group in our society.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONCURRENT RES. 266, JUNE 13, 2000
There is a high relationship between interest in school music and high self-perception, high cognitive competence scores and general self-esteem.
COSTA-GIOMI, E., “THE MCGILL PIANO PROJECT,” 1998
Evolution Music currently offers singing and guitar lessons for children, music lessons for kids, kids guitar lessons, and more.
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Benefits for young adults

Young adults find that music and voice lessons prepare them for their careers—even if they’re not aiming to be professional musicians! Music and voice lessons improve creativity and social skills as well as provide a means for relaxation. Here are some benefits of music lessons for teens.
Preparation for the workplace
The skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, CONCURRENT RES. 355, MARCH 6, 2006
The fact is the education system we’re all trying so hard to improve was developed in the 18th and 19th centuries to meet the needs of a different age—the age of industrialism… But America is rapidly becoming a post-industrial economy. Now we need visionaries who can anticipate the future we face, while building on the traditions we’ve inherited. We need to figure out where we’re going and reconfigure education accordingly.
ROBINSON, SIR KEN, “HOW CREATIVITY, EDUCATION AND THE ARTS SHAPE A MODERN ECONOMY,” EDUCATION COMMISSION OF THE STATES ECS), 2005
Music majors are the most likely group of college grads to be admitted to medical school.
THOMAS, L., “CASE FOR MUSIC IN THE SCHOOLS,” PHI DELTA KAPPA, 1994
The foremost technical designers and engineers in Silicon Valley are almost all practicing musicians.
DICKINSON, D., MUSIC AND THE MIND, 1993
The quality of a young person’s life
The U.S. Department of Education agrees, identifying arts education as core curriculum in the federal No Child Left Behind Act. And a 2006 Gallup Poll revealed that 94 percent of Americans consider music to be part of a well-rounded education.
Students indicate that arts participation motivates them to stay in school, and that the arts create a supportive environment that promotes constructive acceptance of criticism and one in which it is safe to take risks.
BARRY N., TAYLOR, K. AND WALLS K., CRITICAL LINKS: LEARNING IN THE ARTS AND STUDENT ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, AEP, 2002
A Columbia University study revealed that students in the arts are found to be more cooperative with teacher and peers, more self-confident and better able to express their ideas.
BURTON, J., HOROWITZ, R., ABELES, H. CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE, AEP, 1999
Evolution Music offers singing and guitar lessons for teenagers, and other music lessons for teens.
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Benefits for Adults

Pablo Picasso once mused, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Picasso understood that it’s not just kids that benefit from learning to play music. Adults also enjoy the good things that music has to offer.

Learning to play music…
Helps with job skills such as creative thinking, collaboration, social aptitude, expressive communication, and confidence.
Provides a creative outlet that balances work life, family life, and personal time.
Helps lower stress
Provides a way to be involved with others that share similar interests
Helps seniors stay active, vibrant, and mentally sharp
No matter what your dream, music has a way of helping you get there. Most adults don’t have plans of quitting their day-job to start touring across the world, but they do use music to express themselves and share their passion with others.
The reason I am taking lessons is because I’m planning a big surprise. In two years, my wife and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary. We met at a campfire on the beach, and I want to take her back to that beach, build a campfire, and sing goofy 80′s pop tunes—just like we did back then.
Jake McDonald, San Francisco, CA
According to the 2008 NAMM Global Report on Music, 82% of adults who don’t play a musical instrument wish they did. And the reason is because, at the most basic level, music helps us feel better about ourselves.
I used to be part of the choir growing up, and I remember how great it felt to be on stage, singing, expressing myself, and being a part of something. Those feelings never left me. So, at age 47, I decided to start taking lessons again with my daughter. I don’t have plans of being a performer or anything. I just want to get better and enjoy myself.
Rhona Daughterty, Atlanta GA

Adult Piano Lessons
Sometimes, work gets in the way of life, and the fun things we used to do are forgotten. Staying involved in music helps us remember our youth and have fun being ourselves. Something as simple as piano lessons for adults who once played the piano can bring back a sense of youth not found in any other activity. Evolution Music offers piano lessons for adults, adult singing lessons, adult music lessons and more.

Why take private music lessons?

There are a myriad of music self-study courses, books, CD’s, and DVD’s. Add in the hours of video on YouTube and across the Internet, and you’ve got an endless supply of information on how to learn music.
But information alone isn’t the key to having fun and learning. It’s the application of the information that makes the difference. That’s why private music lessons work.

When you take lessons with a live instructor, you get added benefits that simply cannot be attained through all the do-it-yourself media.

Speed up your learning curve, slow down your frustration

When you first start with music, it will most likely be a bit odd to you. That’s ok. Its normal. It takes some time to learn to read music, understand the fundamentals and mentally digest why notes, chords, and songs sound good together.

Working with a private instructor helps you quickly understand the fundamentals while making learning fun. You will learn faster, which helps build your confidence and increases the likelihood of you continuing with your lessons.

The first step is the hardest

With music, there’s a phenomenon called the “First Month Hump”. During the first month, you’re at an important stage that determines whether you keep going or whether you call it quits. Everything is new. Some things make sense—other things do not. And inside, you’re trying to decide whether the dream of making music is worth the fear of failing at it.

It’s at this stage where private instruction really starts to make a difference. With the help of a good program and instruction, you see more improvement, which helps build your confidence and increases the likelihood of continuing. Your lessons are customized around you, so you get to learn the things you’re most interested in. This naturally speeds up your learning curve as well. You also have personalized attention that helps you fast-track through the First Month Hump and into the next phase of learning.

Staying motivated

Without a doubt, there will be times during the first few months when you feel disappointed with your playing. Perhaps you didn’t find time to practice, are still struggling to learn to read music, or you can’t quite figure out how to work your left and right hand with the proper timing. Again, that’s ok! It’s normal.

The benefit of working with a private lessons company is that you have the support of your music counselor, your instructor, and a community of other people learning at your level.
A good lessons program will help you A.I.M. High!
A — Accountability
I — Inspiration
M — Milestones
Accountability
Private or group lessons help you become accountable to yourself, to your instructor, and others. As a general rule, we always work harder when we know someone else is counting on us. By telling others what our goals are, we trigger something inside the mind that helps us give a little extra effort. A good program will help you set your first goal and then help you share that goal with others.
Inspiration
A good lessons program helps inspire you by having people that believe in you. You get to hear stories of how other people are living their dream and can then apply their learning to your own situation. By taking lessons, you’ll tap into the wisdom of instructors that have been through your situation before, and are willing to help you get to where you want to be.
Milestones
Part of the job of private instruction is to help you see yourself living your dream and discovering the music inside you. A good lessons company will understand your current skill level and help you set reasonable milestones for your growth. Using our online toolkit, our music program should be able to help you keep track of your progress with lesson notes and practice logs that can be accessed via the web. They should provide you with candid feedback after each lesson to help you see where you’re doing great, and where you need help.

Nobody’s a natural. You work hard to get good and then work hard to get better.

With music, you’ll never hit your target if you don’t know what you’re shooting for. With a solid lessons program, you’ll always know where you’re heading.

If you’re interested in signing up give us a call at 708-468-8158 or Click Here to register!