Recent comments from parents

We absolutely love everything about Upbeat and are so happy to be a part of the community! The level of instruction is amazing, the connections with the instructors is so valuable, and the community building is phenomenal. Music lessons are at the center--but Upbeat offers so much more!

Parent of 15 year old student after 6 years of lessons – March 2022

I have seen my son gain confidence and creativity. He is now not afraid to speak in front of others, as the showcases have helped his confidence tremendously. He has also grown as a musician and vocalist. It's exciting to see his progress each session.

Parent of 13 year old student after 5 years of lessons – March 2022

She has had a wonderful relationship with her teacher. Especially, during the lonely times of Covid-19 life at home last year, the call from her Upbeat teacher each week for her virtual lesson was a highlight. She feels seen and heard by her teacher, she laughs with her teacher, she admires her teacher.

Parent of 9 year old student after 3 years of lessons – March 2022

We love the positivity and efforts toward making the creative arts/music an important part of our child's life. I was blown away by the talent of the students, and the support that the instructors offered during the show cases. It really instills a sense of "you can do this" in the kids.

Parent of 9 year old student after less than a year of lessons – March 2022

My daughters’ confidence levels have soared at Upbeat and I’m convinced it’s not just the talented teachers, but also the mission and genuine care for the students that makes all the difference.

Parent of 10 and 17 year old students after 5 years of lessons – March 2022

Testimonials from Yelp

My six year old started taking one-on-one piano lessons with Rachel and she absolutely loves her! Rachel is warm, patient and kind to us and we really like the school environment. There is a small waiting area with coloring books and a few tables for families to wait in. We are so pleased with this music school and would recommend it others!

Stephanie H. Oct.. '18–Yelp

Started my 5yr old and 8yr old taking piano lessons this fall. The kids have really enjoyed it–especially my 8yr old son who was reluctant to play but now is loving it. Justin and Eric make the instruction fun and enjoyable for both of them. We are excited to keep playing, learning and having fun!

Janelle F. Dec. '17–Yelp

We are really thrilled to have discovered UpBeat for our kids' piano lessons. My kids have shown great progress and really love going. There's a fantastic focus on performing in front of a group which really raises the level of the kids and the community aspect of the school.

The staff is terrific and they're really invested and interested in each kid. UpBeat is definitely a cut above other music schools in Chicago.

Michael M. June '17–Yelp

My son has been taking piano lessons from Scott and his team for over a month now, and his enthusiasm can only be explained by the energy and quality of teaching that UpBeat provides. Scott is easy to work with in scheduling lessons, and his staff is wonderful. They are motivating and professional, and I am so glad we found UpBeat and Scott to work with.

Amrith Aakre Oct. '15–Yelp

My 8 year old daughter has been taking piano lessons for about a year with Scott and Justin.  They are really good with kids and make learning fun.  They teach both theory and how to play in a small group lesson.  I like that my daughter gets more time than a standard 30 minute lesson and can learn with her peers too, while focusing on what she needs to do to individually grow as well.  They’ve been good at nurturing and encouraging her talent–even doing a jam session with her during her lesson. She also got to expand her horizons by trying guitar at summer camp, and had lots of fun.

Tracy Baldwin Sept. '14–Yelp

BIG BIG fans of Upbeat Music! Our 6 yr old daughter has learned so much from the kind & generous staff there & seriously looks forward to each & every lesson. They convey technique & theory in a way that is super fun for the kids – HIGHEST POSSIBLE recommendation!

Bill Roe May '15–Yelp

Comments from people in the UpBeat community

Both of my sons enjoyed it thoroughly. It was a fantastic introduction to piano!  They accomplished a lot in just one week, and the teachers inspired them greatly.  Having camp for 5 days was wonderful –  it really helped them learn quickly! Having a combination of group and one on one made a huge difference as well.  Over all, my children really loved it. They felt esteemed! At one point they said that they were at camp rock!

Helena Williams Parent

Scott has been a “rock star” in the Friends First community-based mentoring program of Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.  Scott volunteered to mentor, not once, but FOUR times in our program!  His ability to connect with youth and to both challenge and affirm his mentees is remarkable.

Mary Quinn Manager, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls

Scott is the reason why I have such a passion for music and a desire to become a music professional. He is understanding and never gives up and is very patient.

Zach Piano Student

Scott is more than a piano teacher…he’s a musical mentor; a patient, sensitive instructor that gages the needs of the student and crafts a learning program that encourages and develops their talent; and he’s an accomplished and entertaining professional musician to boot!!! He’s truly been a blessing to our family.

Karen Hiyama Parent

Scott has taught piano to 3 of our 5 kids for over 8 years.  After lessons, Scott jams on the piano and our piano players are inspired while the rest of us get to sing along and dance around our living room!!  He really knows how to connect with kids of all ages and makes piano and music fun for them all!

Phoebe Leopoldo Parent

I would highly recommend UpBeat Music Camp for any child/teen. I have known Scott for more than 25 years, and he provided piano instruction to my daughter for ten years.  Scott is exceptionally gifted and talented musically. He has an innate ability to relate to and communicate with young people, and effectively uses humor to put kids at ease.  The comfortable atmosphere he creates facilitates learning.

Pam Senger Parent