best vocal-singing programs in Evanston, IL

For over 50 years, Frontier Camp has been dedicated to making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word amidst the beauty of His creation. Since our founding in 1969, we’ve been licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services and are proudly accredited by the American Camping Association. We’re also a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association. Our mission is to use Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a means to support local churches in fulfilling the Great Commission—evangelizing people of all ages and discipling believers toward deeper maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp offers a dual ministry: during the summer, we host a 10-week youth camp, and throughout the rest of the year, we serve as a retreat facility for churches and like-minded religious organizations. Whether through summer camps or retreats, our goal remains the same: to expose people to Christ and encourage their spiritual growth through His Word and by reflecting His character in everything we do. While we provide top-notch recreation and exciting programming, the heart of our camp is the spiritual impact, rooted in the truth of God’s inerrant Word.

At the ECC, we believe that our ensembles help build confidence and self-esteem in our singers. We also strive to create an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, where everyone feels safe, accepted, and valued. We strive to create an environment in which every singer is encouraged to do their best and to be part of something bigger than themselves. The Evanston Children's Choir (ECC) is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for children and young adults in grades 1 through 12 to explore their musical talents. We offer several choirs and ensembles that aim to achieve musical excellence. Our core program is an after-school treble choir program for students from all over the Greater Chicago area. We sing a wide variety of secular and sacred music with an emphasis on multiculturalism. We also strive to make the choir accessible to everyone, no matter their financial situation. We provide free outreach performances and self-produced concerts to ensure that everyone in the community can experience the joy of music. At the ECC, we understand the power of music in helping to build confidence and self-esteem. We do our best to foster an atmosphere of inclusion and respect, where everyone feels safe and appreciated. We strive to create a space where every singer feels empowered to do their best and be part of something bigger than themselves. We believe that our ensembles can help enrich the lives of every singer and the entire community.

At Jamberry Music, we recognize the importance of fostering a love of music in our little ones. We believe that music should be experienced and interacted with, regardless of talent or experience. To help children develop a natural inclination to music, we offer classes that introduce them to the language of music. In our classes, we nurture and encourage the natural musical tendencies and instincts of the children. Our goal is to help them grow into adults who are able to enjoy the beauty and intricacies of music, whether it be through clapping along to a beat, singing along with a simple song, or understanding the nuances of a live concert. At Jamberry Music, we strive to provide a positive and encouraging environment for children to explore their musical passions. We want to ensure that all little ones have the opportunity to develop their musical skills and find joy in music. Our classes provide the perfect platform for this to happen.

For nearly 90 years, the Music Institute of Chicago has been a beacon of music in the city. Founded in 1931, this nonprofit community music school provides resources for high-quality music teaching, performing, and service activities. With the belief that music is an essential part of a well-educated and compassionate community, the institute strives to make live music and quality music education accessible to everyone. The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to educate, inspire, and bring comfort to the communities it serves. Music bolsters the brain, strengthens community bonds, and nourishes the human spirit. The institute is committed to leading people on a lifelong journey of engagement with music and harnessing the power of music to make the world a better place.

Kindermusik classes provide much more than a fun way to learn about music. The research-based and developmentally appropriate curricula offered by Northwestern are designed to help children succeed in school and in life. Children are welcomed into a playful and nurturing environment where they will learn an array of musical styles, genres, and cultures. Through a variety of activities, they’ll develop a variety of music, language, and motor skills. With the guidance of instructors, children also learn important social skills, such as taking turns, following directions, and interacting with other children.

If your child is ready to explore the wonderful world of music, look no further than the Old Town School of Folk Music's Wiggleworms®! Established in 1957, this 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization offers an expansive range of music, dance, theater, and visual arts courses for children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. From private lessons to workshops, the Old Town School has over 700 accredited class offerings to choose from. Your contribution helps to fund financial aid and arts programming for Chicagoans in need. Join us today to make music and friends!

At School of Rock Evanston, our Performance Program is designed to challenge students to express their musical abilities and to reach a level of confidence and mastery that extends beyond the stage. We’ve seen our students transform from absolute beginners to rock stars in the community, and to witness the growth of our students is truly an inspiring experience. Through our Performance Program, we provide students with the opportunity to perform live in front of family, friends, and the local community. Photos, videos, posts, and more showcase the amazing progress our students have made in such a short amount of time. At School of Rock Evanston, we strive to provide the best possible music education experience for our students. We are dedicated to creating an environment where our students can explore their musical abilities and grow into confident and inspiring musicians. Our Rookies and Rock 101 programs provide the perfect entry point for beginner musicians, while the Performance Program helps students take their music to the next level. From beginners to music superstars, our students are making their mark in the Evanston community.

Founded in 2016, Stages Chicago is dedicated to providing the highest quality, developmentally appropriate performing arts experiences. Our curriculum is designed by a team of professional actors and early childhood development professionals, who have decades of experience both onstage and in the classroom. At Stages Chicago, we are proud to offer a wide range of inclusive programming for all ages and abilities. For infants, we offer developmentally appropriate music classes that are both entertaining and educational. We also offer after school programs, which provide a great training ground for the next generation of performers. We are committed to making quality performing arts education experiences accessible to all children and families. That’s why we transitioned to a not-for-profit organization in 2021, so we can expand our reach and better support our mission of providing access to the performing arts.

In addition to our commitment to quality music education, we are proud to be an active member of the Evanston community. We support local schools and partner with organizations that have similar goals of making music more accessible to all. In 2007, we were honored to receive the Evanston Mayor’s Award for the Arts, recognizing our dedication to music education and our history as an arts incubator. We look forward to continuing to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore and learn music.

At Mudlark Theater, we believe in the power of theater to unlock the potential of every child. Our not-for-profit organization provides children with the opportunity to learn theater arts in a meaningful way. Through our residencies, classes, and camps, our students learn more than just theater skills; they develop life skills such as empathy, listening, public speaking, critical thinking, and collaboration. Our productions provide entertainment for audiences of all ages, while also helping to build confidence in our students. At Mudlark, we take pride in creating an environment where every young person's story and identity is embraced and celebrated. We want our students to feel welcome and safe, so they can explore their own potential and develop skills that will help them succeed in any field they choose. Our program is designed to be an enriching experience that helps students grow academically and personally, preparing them to make a difference in the world. Mudlark Theater is dedicated to equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed. Our unique approach to theater education combines life skills with theater arts, while also emphasizing the importance of honoring and celebrating all young people. We strive to create a space where students can learn, explore, practice, and grow, so they can make their mark on the world.

At the Piven Theatre Workshop, children and adults alike have the opportunity to explore the joys of theatre within a safe and playful atmosphere. Through a wide variety of games and techniques, students can open their imaginations, act on impulse, and focus on their fellow actors instead of self-critiquing. With this, the Workshop builds a community and an ensemble in which students can take risks and find their individual voices. It also provides them with the necessary skills to communicate truthfully and with conviction on stage or screen.