Everything About Music In Chicago

Local music shops Chicago buy drums guitars in your area

Hey there and thanks for checking out our post that will break down the full local music scene in Chicago over the next few minutes. The best musical instrument stores in your area including some different sections for where to buy guitars and the best drum shops in town seem like the logical place for us to begin.

While there is plenty of crossover between some lists we think we got the right spots in the right sections for you. Up next we will get into quality instrument repair shops near you because some reading this may need a piano tuned, a guitar repaired, or work done on other band instruments and there is somebody out there that can assist.

Then it will be time to pivot to the best music lessons for kids or adults. Following that we will give a shout out to the top stores for music lovers that sell vintage CD’s and records here.

We also think many of you will want to know about the best concert halls and live music venues while some others may prefer to visit bars and restaurants that have free live music around the city.

And we will get you out of here with the best festivals on the Chicago music calendar. Stay with us til the end where you will find a map with the wide variety of stores and venues we are discussing pointed out.

Everyone reading this is welcome to look through more of our blogs on the region at that link.

Chicago Musical Instrument Stores

Some of the best musical instrument stores near you would be:

Evolution Music sells guitars, bass, drums, piano, and other instruments in your area and even provides quality repairs ranging from standard electric guitar setups to speaker replacements.

The Chicago Music Exchange is known for its museum like showroom and collections of vintage guitars and basses.

You can take local classes as well as choose from a selection of guitars, banjos, mandolins, and accessories at Old Town School Music Store.

A large selection of brass, woodwind, keyboard, orchestral strings, general accessories, books, music sheets, and other instruments are available at Music and Arts as well as lessons, rentals, and repairs.

Andy’s Music Chicago has an array of international instruments and standard domestic products plus they offer lessons and rentals services too.

J&B Music in Joliet sells new and used vinyl records in addition to offering guitar repairs as well as lessons for guitar, piano, bass, drums, banjo, brass, woodwind, and voice.

Guitars, vintage gear, drums, percussions, pianos, keyboards, and amplifiers are offered along with music lessons at Naperville Music.

Suburban Music is also a solid option for instruments and high quality lessons in Wheaton.

Sam Ash Music Store excels at providing top quality drums, amplifiers, band and orchestra, and wind instruments in Buffalo Grove as well as used equipment and maintenance services.

Antique and modern instruments, sheet music, gear, and lessons are all available at Chicago Strings.

Austin Music Center in Oak Park specializes in instrument and accessories sales, music books, and repair services.

Where To Buy Guitars

For all the guitars and accessories you need check out:

Rock N Roll Vintage is a full service shop offering a wide array of vintage instruments and amplifiers as well as local repair services.

The Guitar Center in your area is home to one of the largest selections of popular guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards, workstations, drums, percussions, microphones, PA systems, DJ equipment, stage lighting, recording software, studio gear, and more.

Of course many of the stores in our first and upcoming lists will also sell guitars in Chicago.

Drum Shops Near You

And then there are these drum shops too:

Drugan’s Drums and Guitars is a unique family run establishment tailored to meet the demands of Chicago musicians.

Some of Mike’s specialties include new and used drums, lessons, repairs, recording, and much more.

Maxwell Drums is one of your go to sources to find the rarest vintage drums.

Plenty of other stores we have put in different lists sell drums near you too.

Instrument Repairs

Instrument repairs in Chicago are available at:

Since 2008 Chicago Fret Works Guitar and Amp Repair has been specializing in instrument repair, care, and restoration including precise fretworks, setups, electronics, structural repairs, refinishing, and much more.

Gordon Woodwinds specializes in the sale and repair of handmade flutes and piccolos.

For over 100 years Third Coast Guitar Service has been customizing, repairing, restringing, and restoring local guitars.

A large selection of new and vintage instruments and accessories including reeds, saxophone cases, stands, and ligatures can be found at P M Woodwind Repair.

Dana Hofer is pleased to offer high quality brass repairs including piccolo trumpets and large tubas.

Repair and maintenance services for all electric and acoustic fretted stringed instruments are provided at Shake Shop Guitar Repair.

Cremer Guitarworks in North Aurora specializes in professional setups, flawless fretworks, installations, repairs, and customization of electrical pickup systems. They also have a large selection of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, mandolins, banjos, ukuleles, pickups, accessories, and much more.

Some of the world’s most influential musicians buy top quality instruments at Victoria Amplifier Company.

SMR Double Basses is a specialty shop in Evanston that caters to the needs of double bass players from beginner through students and professionals that rent, sell, appraise, and repair basses and accessories.

Evolution Music, Music and Arts, J&B Music, Sam Ash Music Store, Austin Music Center, Rock N Roll Vintage, and Mike’s Drum Shop from our other lists are also good places to get your instruments repaired around the metro.

Music Lessons

Level up by taking lessons at a music school in your area:

Bucktown Music guarantees a fulfilling experience by providing classes and private lessons.

Chicago School is known for providing top quality piano, guitar, violin, and voice lessons in your area as well as training for music teachers and more advanced students.

Piano, guitar, bass, violin, drums, and voice are some of the lessons offered at Upbeat Music School.

Northside Music Academy is one of the top choices for piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, saxophone, flute, drums, and voice classes.

Since 1957 Old Town School of Folk Music has been providing a wide range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

Violin and piano lessons as well as advanced music audition coaching are all available at Lipeng Chen Music but they are only available by appointment.

School of Rock has programs that combine one on one lessons with group band rehearsals and students can even put on live performances at local venues.

If you want to rock or battle it out with your peers join Naperville Music Academy’s guitar, piano, and drum battles classes. They are known for providing music lessons for students who want to improve their odds in the college admission process.

Private and semi private lessons that focus on the individual’s strengths and weaknesses are the specialties of The Music and Dance Suite.

Music Education Center in South Elgin offers private lessons, group classes, and instrument rentals that best fit your budget and musical goals.

You can take guitar, drums, voice, brass, strings, woodwind, and piano lessons at Jerry Evans School of Music in Wheaton.

Solo Classic Music School is dedicated to providing students in Buffalo Grove with top quality education through unparalleled teaching methods.

Other places we have previously told you about that offer music lessons near you include Old Town School Music Store, Music and Arts, J&B Music, Naperville Music, Suburban Music, Chicago Strings, and Mike’s Drum Shop.

CD & Record Stores

Live music lessons near you Chicago vintage CD record stores

Check out all kinds of vintage CD’s and records at these local stores for music lovers:

Reckless Records buys, sells, and trades CD’s, LP records, 45’s, DVD’s, blu rays, video games, videos, music books, and much more.

Original and rare vinyl records from genres like jazz, blues, soul, soundtracks, folk, classical, and much more are sold at Vintage Vinyl.

Gramaphone Records is a funky record store in your area with a clubby vibe that stocks a selection of dance music and underground tunes.

Shady Rest Vintage and Vinyl is a good place to buy vinyl, cassettes, hi-fi stereo equipment, modern furniture, books, and much more.

Dusty Groove sells rare, new, and used LP records and CD’s from a wide range of genres as well as DVD’s.

You can choose from a myriad selection of new and used vinyl, CD’s, cassettes, movies, accessories, vintage barware, books, posters, and art prints at Rattleback Records.

Out of the Past Records is a good option for soul, rock, jazz, blues, and disco vinyl records as well as DVD’s and other items.

Over 500,000 titles of new and used vinyl, CD’s, collectibles, and other digs are sold at Shuga Records.

Yetee products, video games, record, t shirts, board games, and vintage toys are among the products sold at Superjumbo Records and Collectibles in Aurora.

Audiophil’s is a family owned record store in Joliet carrying new and used local music plus they buy old records too.

Purple Dog buys and sells new and used vinyl records in Naperville.

60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s classics, progressive, hard rock, punk, new wave, and post punk are some of the genres featured at Mile Long Records in Wheaton.

Squeezebox Books and Music is a hip record store in Evanston selling used books, LP’s, 45’s, and CD’s in a variety of music genres.

New and used vinyl, cassettes, and CD’s are also available at Val’s Halla Records in Oak Park.

Chicago Live Music Venues

Seeing a concert at Chicago live music venues is always a good time:

The Empty Bottle hosts alternative bands, sells 9 types of beers for a buck fifty or less, and even offers pool for 50 cents a game and a jukebox with everything from Monster Magnet to Bill Monroe.

House of Blues is a rock and blues themed chain offering Southern dishes such as po’ boys and jambalaya along with cool live music.

Indie and alternative bands play at Metro where they also serve smoked plates, nachos, voodoo shrimps, and much more in an intimate setting.

Corporate movies, private parties, and weddings are among the events held at Bottom Lounge.

Thalia Hall is a re-established beer inspired restaurant, punch focused cocktail bar, and a public hall that holds all types of events.

You can watch both traditional and modern musicians perform at Rosa’s Lounge.

In an intimate setting with nighttime neon touches and lit dart boards Silvie’s Lounge hosts an eclectic lineup of live music.

The Venue is a live music performance space and cultural center in Aurora with intimate and stylish surrounds that features regional and national musical acts with genres ranging from classical to rock to blues to bluegrass and jazz to hip hop.

Live recording and music performances as well as podcast production and much more are all offered at Evanston Space.

Fun Restaurants With Entertainment

You can take a date or a group of friends to these restaurants with live music:

Andy’s Jazz is a classy and intimate club and restaurant serving delicious dinner options in addition to hosting live music in your area.

Since 2011 Untitled has been a restaurant, bar, and live entertainment space hosting live music while offering one of the largest selections of American whiskies from all over the world.

Local spirits, wines, craft beers, delicious food options, and more are offered along with live music at Reclaimed Bar and Restaurant.

With seven unique event spaces Carnivale customizes and creates memorable experiences for you and your guests from start to finish and even features world class entertainment.

Live jazz music in Wheaton is hosted weekly at Adelle’s Fine American Fare.

Bars With Live Music

There are also some bars that play live music around town:

In an old Schlitz brewery Schubas Tavern showcases a diverse lineup of bands ranging from indie to jazz.

Alive One features live performances and a jukebox with classic to modern music as well as cocktails and an extensive selection of beers.

All kinds of live music and Saturday dance nights near you are held at The Hideout which also accommodates private events.

The Whistler is an award winning cocktail bar, art gallery, and record label hosting DJ’s and live music in Chicago every night in a laid back setting.

You can watch great entertainment including live music and more at Phyllis’ Musical Inn which also includes a beer garden with hoops.

Joe’s is a 20,000 square foot warehouse style venue offering sports on TV’s and live music for people aged 21 and above.

You can find gaming slots, 10 TV’s, 16 beers on tap, delicious pizza, and more at Aurora Tap which is known for hosting live music and other events.

D Hangout Bar and Grill has a ground floor lounge for live music shows, DJ’s, and karaoke in Elgin.

Ward Eight is a cozy neighborhood cocktail lounge serving artisanal spirits, wines, and beer along with superb live music.

Music Festivals In Your Area

Have as much fun as you can at one of these music festivals near you:

Over 30 musicians usually perform at Pitchfork Music Festival.

Lollapalooza is a four day music festival held at Grant Park featuring more than 170 bands from all over the world performing live on nine different stages.

North Coast is an annual music festival held in Chicago that has been held at SeatGeek Stadium featuring a variety of performance and installation artists.

In the past we have also discussed:

Enjoy The Chicago Local Music Scene

We tried to cover everything as quickly and as well as possible for you on this page. After reading about the best musical instrument stores, drum and guitar shops, instrument repair services, classes and lessons, vintage CD and record stores, concert halls and other live music venues near you like bars and restaurants, and the best festivals in the region you should have a much better understanding of what is available.

And anyone that made it this far might just know a little bit about the local music scene themself and if so feel free to tell us what we got wrong in the comments or share your own thoughts. Now it is time for you to go enjoy the music in Chicago.

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