It’s never too late to pick up a new instrument (singing or dance) or to return to a favorite one that you used to play. It may be too late to perform at Carnegie Hall – but that isn’t the reason the vast majority of people make music, and it isn’t our raison d’être for music lessons at The Shedd. We want you to enjoy your music making just for yourself – whatever that means for you!

Did you use to play but stopped? We have heard from many adults that, as youngsters, they didn’t feel they were “good enough” to continue to play. We ask back, “Good enough for whom?” Often the answer is “for my mother”, “for my teacher”, “for the competitions I had to enter”. At The Shedd, the pressure is off!! Music-making can be a completely private experience if you want it to be.

On the other hand, sharing your music-making or playing with others can be immensely satisfying and fun. At The Shedd you can meet others who are playing at your level and have similar musical interests. Your instructor can coach you as an “ensemble”, as well as private lessons – be it bluegrass, classical, accompanying, duets, jazz, rock band, you name it.

We also encourage you to experiment. Always wanted to try fiddling, saxophone, or piano, but aren’t sure if you’ll like it. Rent an instrument from The Shedd for a month and take a few lessons. If it isn’t the right instrument, try something else. For youngsters we structure an initial hands-on experimentation with the Music Box class (see below). For adults, we encourage you to do your own experimenting to find the right fit just for you with both an instrument and instructor.

What a great way to ring in the New Year! Or start at any time to enrich your life with your own music-making!