What should I expect from private percussion/drums lessons at Northside Music Academy?
The percussion instructors at Northside Music Academy will create a personalized program based on each student’s developmental stage, personal characteristics, and goals. Our percussion instructors teach rock, metal, jazz, funk, blues, classical and many other styles. Percussion language can be complex and our instructors will challenge any drummer or percussionist with a wide variety of technical exercises designed to improve your speed and comfort.
What levels do you teach?
Northside Music Academy offers private percussion lessons to students of all abilities. Our instructors are experienced at teaching students from beginners to advanced.
Who are the teachers?
All of the percussion teachers at Northside Music Academy are professional musicians with degrees from reputable schools such as Northwestern University, DePaul University, and Roosevelt University, among others. We carefully select our faculty not only for their strong musical background, but also for their dedication and passion for teaching music. All of our faculty are trained in pedagogy and experienced in working with younger generations.
What is a good age to start percussion/drums lessons?
Students must be at least 5 years old to enroll in private percussion lessons.
Do I need a drum set or other percussion instrument at home?
You do not have to purchase a drum kit to take lessons. Beginning students can learn with a drum pad and sticks for only about $25.00. Students use our drum set at their lessons and do not have to bring anything except their drum sticks and a notebook.
Do you offer performance opportunities for the students?
Yes! Northside Music Academy hosts student recitals twice a year at churches and libraries around the Edgebrook-Sauganash neighborhood. We also offer opportunities to perform in professional venues throughout the city, such as Millenium Room at the Chicago Cultural Center, Curtiss Hall in the Fine Arts Building, and the Recital Hall at PianoForte.

At Northside Music Academy we believe that performing often is a very important aspect of a music student’s development. It teaches students how to present themselves in front of an audience, boosts self-confidence, and offers opportunities to share the joy of music making with others. In addition, performing at Northside Music Academy recitals provides students with the opportunity to learn by watching their peers as well.
How can parents track their child’s progress?
There are many ways parents can track the progress of their child in music lessons. Talk to your child’s teacher about attending the lessons and participating in home practice sessions. If you are not able to attend the lesson or your child is older or more independent, check in with your child’s teacher before or after the lesson to hear how the session went. Some of our families have found success using daily or weekly practice tracking charts. If you think this might be a good fit for your child, talk to his or her teacher.
For dedicated students who are interested in tracking their progress in a more formal way, we encourage preparation for a standardized graded testing program such as Achievement in Music exams, Royal Conservatory Method exams, or ABRSM exams.
Experience the NMA difference!
Comprehensive Music Education
Our comprehensive music program ensures that all lessons include note reading and music theory, proper technique for each instrument, and exposure to a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire.
Convenient Location
We are located on a quiet residential street, away from heavy traffic. There is plenty of free street parking, and drop-offs and pick-ups are safe and easy. Many children from the neighborhood walk to their lessons on their own.
Highly Qualified Teachers
Our faculty is university-trained, dedicated and experienced, with a proven track record of successful teaching. In addition, they perform professionally both throughout the Chicago area and internationally.
Modern, Renovated Facility
Our space was completely remodeled in 2017 to provide an inspiring environment where learning and creativity thrive. It features a spacious and comfortable waiting area with free wi-fi available for parents.
Performance Opportunities
Frequent performing opportunities are an important part of the learning process. Our students play regularly in local churches and libraries, as well as professional venues throughout Chicago such as the Chicago Cultural Center and Fine Arts Building.
Monthly Tuition Rates
We are open year-round, so you can start lessons any time throughout the year. Tuition is paid monthly, so there is no long term commitment and you can stop lessons at any time with notice by the 15th of your last month.
Northside Music Academy is proud to have a 5-star rating on Google as one of the top choices for music lessons in the Chicagoland area!
Northside Music Academy provides music lessons for the following Chicago neighborhoods: Edgebrook, Wildwood, Sauganash, Forest Glen, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, Norwood Park, Edison Park as well as the suburbs of Skokie IL, Niles IL, Park Ridge IL, Morton Grove IL, Lincolnwood IL, and more!
We offer piano lessons, violin/viola lessons, guitar/ukulele lessons, singing lessons, clarinet/saxophone/flute lessons, percussion lessons and also early childhood music classes and group classes.
Northside Music Academy | 6736 N Loleta Ave Chicago, IL 60646, US | contact@northsidemusicacademy.com | 773-455-6363





