Lessons & Play-Alongs
Make Music Chicago is for everyone! Drop into a play-along, learn a new instrument, or just make some noise with us this June 21st.
Lakeside Pride—Sousapalooza
Saturday, June 21, 1–2pm
Spirit of Music Gardens (601 S. Michigan Ave.)
Play some marches with us on June 21st! Whether you last played 20 minutes ago or 20 years ago, we invite you to relive the good ol’ days of concert band! Join us for Sousapalooza—the annual band instrument play-along event. Chairs will be provided, but you will need to bring your own stand or flip folder.
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CCPA Musical Theatre Sing-Along
Saturday, June 21, 2–2:30pm
Spirit of Music Gardens (601 S. Michigan Ave.)
Join us and sing some of your favorite musical theatre songs! We’re singing everything from Wicked to Rent to The Sound of Music!
Make Some Noise with CCPA!
Saturday, June 21, 2–4pm
Spirit of Music Gardens (601 S. Michigan Ave.)
Boom Whackers! Rhythm Sticks! Egg Shakers! Make Music with your favorite instruments with CCPA!
Second City Samba—Drum Circle
Saturday, June 21, 3:30–4pm
Spirit of Music Gardens (601 S. Michigan Ave.)
All are invited to join Second City Samba for a drum circle! Drums and sticks and other noisemakers will be provided. Second City Samba was inspired by the samba schools of Rio de Janeiro, which gather large groups of percussionists, dancers and singers from all backgrounds to parade during the Brazilian Carnaval each year. Based on this framework, the Second City Samba fulfills its mission while building bridges across ethnic, generational, and social groups. All ages and levels are welcome to participate in EEDS. EEDS offers workshops and residencies in the greater Chicago area as well as ongoing classes.
Skip Landt—Harmonica Jam
Saturday, June 21, 12:30–1:30pm
Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 North Lincoln Avenue)
Come learn harmonica with veteran Old Town School of Folk Music teacher Skip Landt! People with no experience will be taught to play the Nickel and Dime Blues—no need to read music. The Old Town School of Folk Music will offer a free harmonica for the first 20 who attend.
Skip Landt—Kazoo Workshop
Saturday, June 21, 1:30–2:30pm
Old Town School of Folk Music—Gallery (4544 North Lincoln Avenue)
The Old Town School of Folk Music will offer a Kazoo workshop with free kazoos. These will be provided only to those who take the Kazoo Oath, declaring the freedom to play the kazoo—an instrument that is humble but proud. They will vow to stand up for the kazoo’s right to be heard and that no one should be denied their basic human right to play their kazoo.
An Phan—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 11am–12pm
McKinley Park (2210 W. Pershing Rd.)
An Phan is a Chicago-based classical pianist, music educator, and collaborative artist passionate about connecting people and the community through music. Ms. Phan is an award-winning pianist receiving recognition from the Musicians Club of Women, the Avanti Arizona Steinway Association, Arizona Yamaha and Bosendorfer Competition, and the Evanston Musician’s Club. She is a practicing School Psychologist supporting diverse learners in public schools by providing academic, social emotional, and behavioral support in multiple school settings. Join An Phan in McKinley Park and make music on the piano!
Pam Sawyer—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 11am–12pm
Jackson Park (6401 S. Stony Island Ave.)
Hello I am Pam Sawyer also known as Mama Pam. I love teaching music. Its a love language. Music is about relationship with self and others. Music is also about realizing your objectives through clarifying communications. In addition to this, music is about identifying obstacles and discovering how to overcome them. Music is also about telling a story. You can accomplish much by finding Your musical key to opening the doors of understanding and expression. Join me in Jackson Park and make some wonderful music!
Neko Cortez—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 11am–12pm
Kennicott Park (4434 S. Lake Park Ave.)
Neko “Suave” Cortez is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, ethnomusicologist, and educator originally from Dayton, Ohio (the home of the funk), now based in Chicago, IL. He was introduced to music at a young age through his father, who is a bass player. Neko quickly fell in love with music that makes people dance, and he keeps that rhythm close to his heart. Musically, Neko seeks to act as a vessel for the music that already exists in the universe. He seeks to play honestly and to heal others through music. As an educator, Neko seeks to guide students towards creating music that is a reflection of life, and to empower students by deepening their musical connection with their identity and ancestors.
Michelle Isaac—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 11am–12pm
Margate Park (4921 N. Marine Drive)
Chicago-based composer and orchestrator Michelle Isaac is known for creating playful and poignant works for the concert hall, stage, and screen. Michelle is enthusiastically active in music education, and her work as faculty and guest lecturer includes The People’s Music School, Roosevelt University, OPUS Chamber Music Camp, and Chicago Area Music Teachers Composition Festival. She is currently in her fourth year of collaborating with Keith Carlson, director of bands in Woodridge (IL) School District 68, on a groundbreaking project combining classroom composition curriculum with commissioned works for junior high band. Join Michelle at Margate Park and make wonderful music!
Cassandra Kaczor—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 2:30–3:30pm
Washington Square Park (901 N. Clark St.)
Cassandra Kaczor is a Chicago-based composer, pianist, multimedia artist, multi-instrumentalist, and entertainer. She has performed piano, drums, bass, and as a vocalist in nineteen states, on cruise ships, and in Europe. Cassandra works as a professional piano bar entertainer with a catalog of over 1000 songs that guests can request on the spot. Over the years, Kaczor worked as a professional pianist and singer at venues such as Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, Sluggers, Redhead Piano Bar, the Zebra Lounge, and as a freelance teacher, performer, and composer. Join Cassandra at Washington Square Park and make wonderful music!
Margaret Murphy-Webb—Learn to Play Piano
Saturday, June 21, 3:30–4:30pm
Bessemer Park (8930 S. Muskegon Ave.)
Margaret Murphy-Webb is a musician and arts agitator. A graduate of Chicago State University with a degree in music performance, this award-winning vocalist has been showcasing her talent nationally and internationally for over 30 years. Margaret was named Chicago’s 2018 Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists of America and one of the 2024 Creative Spirits of Chicago by Arts In The Dark for her work as executive director of The South Side Jazz Coalition. Join Margaret Murphy-Webb in Bessemer Park and make wonderful music!
Learn to Play Guitar with Zhivko Nikolov & Richard Larson
Saturday, June 21, 1–3pm
Goudy Square Park (1249 N. Astor St.)
🎸 Free Guitar Lessons! 🎸 Stop by for a free guitar lesson with Zhivko Nikolov, founder of 6VibeZ Music Inc., or award-winning guitarist Richard Larson! Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, you’re welcome. Bring your own guitar, or if you don’t have one, we’ll provide one for the lesson. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best!
Marsha Melsheimer—Marsha’s Music and Music Together
Saturday, June 21, 12–1:30pm
Cornell Park (1809 W. 50th St.)
Marsha Melsheimer developed her love of music early in life, growing up in a family of six kids surrounded by singing and musical accompaniment. With classical music training and a passion for early childhood education as a preschool teacher, she decided to introduce the Music Together program to the Hyde Park community in 2001.
Linard Stroud—Bucket Drum-Along
Saturday, June 21, 1–3pm
Jesse Owens Park (8800 S. Clyde)
All are welcome to join a bucket drum-along with Linard Stroud, Jr. Buckets and sticks will be provided! Mr. Stroud began playing drums at the age of three, alongside his father at Chicago’s legendary Lakefront Drum Circle. Since then, he has performed and recorded with notable artists including Lionel Hampton, CeCe Winans, Jennifer Holliday, Rickey Dillard, Buddy Guy, Syl Johnson, and Steve Arrington.