Celebrating 30 years of quality music education!

Since 1994, Smiling Strings has maintained a reputation for providing high quality music instruction for Chicago's North Side and surrounding communities. On average, the program operates out of 10-15 schools as well as the Elston Ave. studio location (one block north of Foster.) Major concerts are held at least twice a year, even for our newcomers! The tuition is comparable, often lower, than other options in Chicago.

Besides the Director, Deborah Grimes, the other Faculty members are all college graduates with professional music degrees. Everyone is fingerprinted, background checked, trained as mandated reporters and covered by a three million dollar liability policy.

STRINGS (VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS)

As a beginning string student, there will be a lot of focus on proper technique and performing/memorizing simple folk songs and the Suzuki repertoire. By the second year (depending on age) most students then supplement their instruction with note-reading methodology such as "Essential Elements for Strings". By the 2nd or 3rd year, all students are participating in some kind of performing ensemble offered at each school or through combined groups.

EARLY CHILDHOOD MUSIC CLASSES (AGES Birth-6)

"We All Belong" is an early childhood music program that engages, is inclusive, and rooted in child development practices.
Children learn about steady beat, rhythm, voice, movement and percussion instruments. Within the group they strengthen social skills, musicality and improvisation.

Children birth through 3 yrs old attend with a caregiver for Family Classes. Children ages 4 through 6 attend on their own for PreK / K Classes.

KEYBOARD & GUITAR

Always popular, Keyboard and Guitar (folk/classical) are also offered both privately and in a small group setting.  Smiling Strings has one of the few classical guitar programs offered in the Chicago Public Schools system for students as young as 1st grade!

HARP (currently on Hold)

New this year! Students will learn on smaller scale instruments called "Harpsicles" and we are very proud and excited to offer this program to small children and adults alike!