AGE-FOCUSED MUSIC PROGRAMS TAILORED TO STUDENT INTERESTS AND CREATIVE GOALS
"At CHMA, we’re transforming the music learning experience with programs thoughtfully tailored to each student's age, interests, and creative ambitions. Our spacious studios offer a comfortable, inspiring environment that brings out the best in every learner. With a focus on personalized, age-specific lessons, CHMA delivers more than just music – it’s a journey fueled by passion, quality, and unwavering commitment to each student’s unique goals."
WHAT MAKES CHMA DIFFERENT?
LEARN THE MUSIC YOU LOVE
Connecting with the music you are passionate about is key to real growth. At CHMA, our lessons are designed to let you dive into the songs that resonate with your style and interests. You’re not just learning—you’re immersing yourself in the melodies you love. Choose the tunes that ignite your passion, and watch as your love for music deepens with every lesson.
SPACIOUS & TECHNICALLY ADVANCED STUDIOS
It's more than just a room - it's your space for true musical growth. Unlike other providers who might squeeze students into cramped spaces, we've chosen to prioritize your comfort in a professional recording studio setting. Our spacious studios provide the room you need to move, express, and fully engage with each lesson, using pro-level audio equipment that enhances your experience. At CHMA, music is about freedom and expression...not confinement.
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Trust and transparency are at the heart of our approach. We believe parents should have every opportunity to witness their child's musical journey firsthand. Being involved doesn't just boost confidence-it can genuinely elevate a student's progress. At CHMA, parents are always welcome to join, watch, and celebrate each note, milestone, and moment of growth.
CREATIVE FOCUS
Go Beyond the Notes on the Page! At CHMA, we’re not just about the traditional approach; we’re here to unlock the vibrant world of musical creativity. Our lessons encourage students to explore improvisation, delve into style studies, and discover the magic of playing by ear. By tapping into these expressive outlets, we spark a deeper engagement and true passion for music. Here, your creativity has the freedom to soar!
BUILD A FOUNDATION FOR MUSICAL MASTERY
Every great musician starts with a strong foundation. At CHMA, we focus on essential skills and practical music theory that allow students to dive deeply into their craft. Through engaging skill-building exercises, we empower each student to tackle more intricate versions of their favorite songs, creating richer, more fulfilling musical experiences. With a solid base, the music follows naturally!
CHALLENGE AND THE INSPIRATION THAT FOLLOWS
At the heart of every memorable lesson is the journey of growth, but we know that real skill-building isn’t always inspiring every step of the way. If it were that easy, everyone would play an instrument with ease. That’s why we balance meaningful, challenging practice with moments that spark inspiration—because the true reward comes when you see your hard work pay off over time. We mix a generous dose of enjoyment with focused skill development, creating lessons that are not only engaging but deeply fulfilling. So, if you’re willing to put in the work, dive in and feel the difference!
TAILORED LESSON PLANS
No two students are alike, so why should their lesson plans be? At CHMA, we understand the individuality of each learner—their tastes, goals, and unique ways of learning. That’s why we create customized lesson plans that focus on each student’s interests and aspirations. Discover a learning journey thoughtfully crafted just for you.
THE FOUR P’s WE LOOK FOR IN TEACHERS WHO JOIN OUR TEAM
PROFICIENCY: Our teachers are the real deal—skilled musicians and talented instructors who know their craft inside and out.
PASSION: Every teacher has a deep love for music that shines through, sparking inspiration and excitement in every lesson.
PROFESSIONALISM: Our instructors foster a supportive, focused environment where students can feel comfortable and confident as they learn.
PERSONALITY: Each teacher brings their own style, making lessons fun, memorable, and tailored to fit each student perfectly. At CHMA, we don’t just find teachers; we find mentors who bring these qualities to every lesson. Dive into sessions where expertise and enthusiasm come together, every time.
What They Are Saying About Clarendon Hills Music Academy
Jennifer S.
"My kids have played piano here for about 5 years. We love Derek who is their teacher and the owner. He mixes things up so they don’t get bored and lets them choose their favorite pop songs to play."
Karyn V.
"My CHMA Instructor has been such an encouraging teacher and I have really grown as a musician over the past 5 years. I would highly recommend him. He is a phenomenal piano player and knows all of the theory to back that up. My lessons have been customized to meet my needs and interests over time. My instructor has helped me get up to speed when I joined a blues/rock band. He came up with creative ideas for me to become good at comping and soloing in my jazz combo group. Most memorable is when I needed to learn about 20 songs in a short amount of time and he helped me come up with a practice plan and a way to tackle the songs so that I was ready for the gig on time and not just winging it."
Rory S.
I took lessons with CHMA for a little over a year. Every lesson was brilliant because we went over old stuff, learned new stuff and I was able to bring in questions and songs I wanted to learn. If my teacher didn't know the answer (rarely), it became a learning opportunity for both parties.
CHMA is really in touch with technology, My instructor's passion for his craft, and you as the student, really is a great motivator to practice and be able to learn something new every lesson. Fantastic experience and I'd happily go back!
Tristan R.
I’ve been playing piano for about 13 years I think, but I have never made more progress than I did within my first few months at CHMA. They perfectly cater their curriculum to each individual student, focusing on their specific strengths and interests. They balance typical ‘by-the-book’ learning with more interesting learning in a way that makes learning any topic fun and engaging. This is the place to go to if you want to advance in any way musically!
Jackie E.
Best in town. Best around. The CH Music Academy team is amazing. All ages are welcome. They really take care of Their clients and community. Highly recommend!!!
Hannah S.
I've been taking lessons at CHMA for six years as a voice student, piano student, guitar student, and a member of the Recording Artist Academy. I had tried many different music institutions before coming here, and I've never looked back. I grew as a student, a performer and as an artist in my time at CHMA. Thanks to Derek and the crew at the academy I was able to release my original music on all streaming platforms and have since gotten several hundred plays on my music! Clarendon Hills Music Academy has been a home for me for the past six years and I intend on going back whenever I'm home from school!
Sonja G
My daughter took both voice and piano for a few years with CHMA. I honestly can't say enough good things about it. From the time she was 7 until 10, she grew so much, both musically and with her confidence in singing. Her instructor was a wonderful teacher who never pushed her (unless she wanted to be pushed), and really bonded with her about music.
The staff was amazing, VERY easy to communicate with, and very understanding if schedules change. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Ander Iturralde
Clarendon Hills Music Academy is a truly wonderful place. It is one that has had a deep impact on my life. If you want to dive deeper into your musical interests, and potentially further develop yourself as a whole, it is absolutely the place do it. Its owner, Derek Berg, sets the highest standards not only for himself but for the academy overall, putting together a selection of consistently excellent teachers. Previous to coming across it, I had had very little formal musical exposure, yet the growth that I have experienced thanks to them has been amazing. Whether it'd be piano, voice or almost anything in between that you want to learn or improve on, no matter your age, CHMA is a decision that you will be happy you made.
Jamie Shifley
My daughter has been with CHMA for years. Most recently, she is doing the Recording Artist Academy. This endeavor has helped her grow her skills dramatically. She has developed her voice, but has also learned to write her own songs, and is discovering what her own music style truly is. She looks forward to her lesson each week and excitedly sends me recordings of her own songs. It’s a wonderful program
Steve Loan
I wanted to play piano, but thought that being in my 40's was too late in life to learn. CHMA proved that it is never too late to learn, even if you have no music experience! Derek had me learn with the styles of music I enjoy-Jazz and Blues. After a short while I was playing songs and reading sheet music. He worked in lessons on music theory which really strengthened my understanding of how music is put together. CHMA is a fun, relaxing environment and I can attest that with lessons here, anyone can learn to play no matter what your age.
Suzan Ganzer
I learned so much here about music and recording a song and had a blast!! The instructors are super smart and talented. Great care was taken by the team here in recording my original song to make it the absolute best it could be. Anyone wishing to learn about music / or the recording process would benefit greatly going to this awesome music academy. I know i did! If I could live there I totally would!! Fun, educational, and inspirational. Thumbs up, they rock!!!!
Rita Nelson
I first started taking piano lessons at CHMA when I was really young, and I remember finding it so cool that I got to play music I listened to on the radio. The lessons were really entertaining because not only do you get to learn basic techniques, but also how to improvise and play along with chords and music. You get to basically choose your path and create your own experience. The coolest part about CHMA though is the recording artist program. I’ve loved writing songs since before I can remember, and a few years ago I wanted to start recording and releasing them on platforms. I went back to the academy and started recording, and honestly it’s the highlight of my week as well as a great way to get high quality recordings and work on your own original compositions. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a way to get their music out there or learn an instrument in a more modern way.
Ben Waverley
The best part of CHMA is that the lessons are designed completely around the students’ preferences. The idea that a student can walk into a room and name a tune and instantly have an expert start working on it with them that day is something you don’t find at other music academies. For the most personalized lesson experience, whether it be traditional music lessons or producing a video with the Music Project Lab program that the academy offers, CHMA is the way to go.
Kate Buikema
I’ve been doing CHMA for a year and it’s been amazing having this great creative outlet. The instructors are so passionate about music and helping and encourgaing you in every way they can. I’ve really appreciated all the coaching and it has helped my work so much. It’s a super unique experience and definitely worth doing!