Singing Lessons in Illinois

What singing lessons cost across Illinois, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 21 min read

Singing lesson prices across Illinois
Meet teachers
How singing learning works in Illinois
Auditions and events in Illinois
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Area by area
A little singing history in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions

Singing lesson prices across Illinois

A one-hour singing lesson in Illinois typically costs $61 to $97, and a half hour $33 to $53. Most towns sit close to that range. The Chicago area runs highest, up to $102 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a singing lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Chicago area
Chicago	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Round Lake Beach	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Aurora	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Naperville	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Joliet	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Elgin	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Waukegan	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Cicero	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Schaumburg	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Evanston	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Arlington Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Bolingbrook	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
DeKalb	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Palatine	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Skokie	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Des Plaines	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Orland Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Oak Lawn	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Berwyn	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Mount Prospect	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Tinley Park	$33–$54	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Wheaton	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Oak Park	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Hoffman Estates	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Downers Grove	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Glenview	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Elmhurst	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lombard	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Buffalo Grove	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Romeoville	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Crystal Lake	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Bartlett	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Carol Stream	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Streamwood	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Park Ridge	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Wheeling	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Carpentersville	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Hanover Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Oswego	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Addison	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Calumet City	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Northbrook	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Woodridge	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
St. Charles	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Glendale Heights	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Elk Grove Village	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Mundelein	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
North Chicago	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Gurnee	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Highland Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Algonquin	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Niles	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lake in the Hills	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Burbank	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Glen Ellyn	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Lansing	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
McHenry	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
New Lenox	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Huntley	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Wilmette	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Batavia	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Vernon Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Oak Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Chicago Heights	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lockport	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Woodstock	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
West Chicago	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Morton Grove	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Zion	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Melrose Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Homer Glen	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
South Elgin	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Rolling Meadows	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Elmwood Park	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Yorkville	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Lisle	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Maywood	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Roselle	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Bloomingdale	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Villa Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Darien	$33–$54	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Blue Island	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Montgomery	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Geneva	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Park Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Grayslake	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
South Holland	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Dolton	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Frankfort	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Crest Hill	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Libertyville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Harvey	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Mokena	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lake Zurich	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Deerfield	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Evergreen Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Lake Forest	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Brookfield	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Homewood	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
North Aurora	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Matteson	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Round Lake	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Bensenville	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Alsip	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Sycamore	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Shorewood	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Bellwood	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Palos Hills	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Cary	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lemont	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Hinsdale	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Bridgeview	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Westchester	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Country Club Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
La Grange	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Prospect Heights	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Norridge	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Morris	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Antioch	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Warrenville	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Hickory Hills	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lindenhurst	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Beach Park	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Chicago Ridge	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Wauconda	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Midlothian	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Forest Park	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Wood Dale	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Channahon	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Hazel Crest	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
La Grange Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Western Springs	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lincolnwood	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Minooka	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Richton Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Northlake	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Winnetka	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Justice	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Plano	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Palos Heights	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
River Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Schiller Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Markham	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Burr Ridge	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Fox Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Barrington	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Manhattan	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Pingree Grove	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Campton Hills	$32–$51	$60–$92	Lessons Costs
Summit	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Gages Lake	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Worth	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Crestwood	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
River Grove	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Alton area
Alton	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Belleville	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
O'Fallon	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Granite City	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Edwardsville	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Collinsville	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
East St. Louis	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Godfrey	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Cahokia Heights	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Fairview Heights	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Swansea	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Shiloh	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Glen Carbon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Troy	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Waterloo	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Columbia	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Rockford area
Rockford	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Belvidere	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Loves Park	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Machesney Park	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Roscoe	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Peoria area
Peoria	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Pekin	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
East Peoria	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Morton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Washington	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Champaign area
Champaign	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Urbana	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Rantoul	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Bloomington area
Bloomington	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Normal	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Springfield area
Springfield	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Chatham	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Moline area
Moline	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Rock Island	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
East Moline	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Kewanee	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Kankakee area
Kankakee	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Bourbonnais	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Bradley	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Charleston area
Charleston	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Mattoon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Ottawa area
Ottawa	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Streator	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Marion area
Marion	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Herrin	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Other Illinois towns
Canton	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Carbondale	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Centralia	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Danville	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Decatur	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Dixon	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Effingham	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Freeport	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Galesburg	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Jacksonville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Lincoln	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Macomb	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Mount Vernon	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Pontiac	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Quincy	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Sterling	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Taylorville	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs

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Brianna Wilson

Bachelor’s in SingingGreat with BeginnersPerformance ExpertGreat with All Ages

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 5 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

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Taylor Deneen

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in SingingAdult Learner FriendlyVersatile RepertoirePerformance Expert

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 13 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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Larissa Jones

Top Rated 5.0

Master’s in SingingImprovisation ExpertMulti-Genre SpecialistStudent Favorite

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

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Marcus Peterson

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatGreat with All AgesWarm & Encouraging

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

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How singing learning works in Illinois

How does singing fit school music in Illinois?

School singing in Illinois usually begins as a choir elective, with the entry grade set by each district rather than one statewide start. Washington School Chorus in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 welcomes grades 3–5, while Quincy Public School District #172 offers choir from grades 4–12; Urbana School District 116 starts choir in grades 6–8. High school entry is common too: Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit School District 116 offers bass and treble choir in ninth grade. School choirs give you a place to learn ensemble singing, while private lessons build individual vocal technique.

When school music starts in Illinois districts

Round Lake Area Schools Community Unit School District 116Bass and treble choir9th grade

Community High School District 99Freshman choir9th grade

Evanston/Skokie School District 65Washington school chorus3rd through 5th grades

Belleville Township High School District 201Mixed chorus9th grade

Oak Park Elementary School District 97Choir4th through 8th grades

Rich Township High School District 227Beginning choir9th through 12th grades

Township High School District 113Concert choir9th grade

Urbana School District 116Choir6th through 8th grades

Who runs what for Illinois singers?

Illinois has two different school music routes for singers: the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) runs district festivals and the path to All-State choir, while the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) runs its Music Solo & Ensemble tournament through member schools. ILMEA also offers elementary and junior high district programs, with grade divisions that vary by district. That distinction matters because district choir selection leads toward All-State, while the solo contest is a separate school-entry route. A singer's school music educator is central to both nomination and eligibility.

Who runs what in Illinois

Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA)

Runs: Runs district festivals and the All-State student pathway.
For: Elementary through high school students

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

Runs: Runs the Music Solo & Ensemble tournament.
For: High school students representing member schools

Auditions and events in Illinois

How does a singer reach Illinois's top student honors?

For a high school singer aiming at ILMEA All-State, the route starts with a vocal audition submitted through the school. Nominations and audition materials come in September; selected students then attend the full district festival in November, which is required for All-State consideration. ILMEA sends selection results to school music educators in early December, and the All-State festival takes place in Peoria January 27–30, 2027. The separate IHSA Music Solo & Ensemble tournament is an option for students representing an entered member school, with contests in March. These routes serve different goals: one advances through choir selection, while the other centers on solo and ensemble performance.

The singing route in Illinois, step by step

School nominationSubmit a high school vocal audition through the school; materials and nominations come in September.
District festivalAttend the full district choral festival in November to qualify for All-State consideration.
All-State selectionThe festival takes place January 27–30 in Peoria.
IHSA solo routeStudents enter through an IHSA member school for the Music Solo & Ensemble contest in March.

The Illinois singing year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

Illinois State MTNA Performance CompetitionsIllinois State Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece May to Aug

Start the piece May to AugNov 7–8

MTNA East Central Division CompetitionsMusic Teachers National AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan

ILMEA All-State Student ProgramsIllinois Music Education AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 27–30

IHSA Music Solo & Ensemble ContestIllinois High School AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar

IESA Music Solo & EnsembleIllinois Elementary School AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar to Apr

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Illinois voice competitions call for contrasting repertoire rather than a single standard song. For the Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA) e-Competition, junior and senior high singers prepare two contrasting pieces: one classical or other standard work and one selection in any style. The combined judging time is eight minutes, so concise, well-prepared excerpts matter. A private teacher can help choose music that suits the singer's range and style, then build the work over three to six months of weekly lessons. For ILMEA choir, the school-based vocal audition is the preparation focus.

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool singers can enter the ILMEA route if their family or co-op registers as an ILMEA Participating School and nominates them for auditions. A homeschooled singer selected for a district-level ensemble must attend the entire festival to be considered for All-State. The IHSA solo and ensemble route depends on representing an entered member school, so ILMEA offers the clearer path for a homeschool family.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on singing

A child can begin singing lessons once they can follow a short musical task and enjoy repeating a phrase; there is no instrument to size or hold. Illinois school choir starts at different ages, from grade 3 in Evanston/Skokie School District 65 to grade 6 in Urbana, so private lessons can give a child individual attention before a school choir is available. Lessons also help once school singing begins, because a teacher can work on healthy vocal habits and confidence without the pressure of matching a whole section.

A teen in Illinois

A teen singer in Illinois can enter school choir at many points, but the clearest route to top honors begins with school-based ILMEA nomination and district selection. September audition steps lead to a November district festival, then selected singers may advance toward All-State in January. Weekly private lessons fit alongside choir by developing the voice individually, so a student can approach ensemble rehearsals with steadier breath, clearer pitch, and more confidence. A teen whose school does not offer choir has a specific nomination exception through ILMEA.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults in Illinois can sing with community groups as well as learn privately. Heartland Community Chorus in Highland accepts new singers in mid-August through mid-September and in January, with an audition; City Voices in Chicago is for experienced nonprofessional singers. If you are starting from scratch or returning after years away, it is not too late to build reliable technique and learn music at your own pace. Our teacher meets you where you are, then shapes weekly work around the music and confidence you want to develop.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good singing teacher do?

A good singing teacher listens for healthy sound, clear pitch, steady breath, and music that suits the student's voice, rather than pushing for volume or range. In Illinois, a teacher familiar with choir auditions can connect private vocal work to a student's school goals, while an adult learner may want a more personal repertoire and confidence plan. Fit matters because singers need to feel safe enough to use their voice honestly. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in voice; you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online singing lessons work?

Live singing lessons work well online because the teacher hears your pitch, tone, breath, and phrasing in real time and can give immediate feedback. You need a quiet place, a device with a camera and microphone, and enough room to stand comfortably; the teacher can see posture and facial effort as you sing. Unlike a studio visit, the lesson happens at home, with no commute and access to a teacher who fits rather than whoever is closest. In Chicago and Bradley, you or your child receive the same choice of teacher and the same weekly one-on-one lesson over Zoom.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in voiceEvery Lesson With You singing teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in voice.

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Singing around Illinois, area by area

Chicago area

Chicago gives singers a youth group route and several listening options. Uniting Voices Chicago offers after-school choir programs beginning in third grade. Children ages 6–12 can receive one free UChicago Presents ticket when accompanying an adult who bought a ticket. That combination lets a young singer hear varied music while building ensemble experience.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 11, 39 lesson weeks (Chicago Public Schools)
Town guides: Chicago, Round Lake Beach, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero

Rockford area

Rockford offers accessible listening for families who want to hear live music together. Most Rockford Jams performances are free, with prime concerts costing $5 per person and children 5 and under admitted free. Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra concerts are also free and feature student musicians, giving a singer a chance to hear peers perform even when the program is instrumental.

Town guides: Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe

Peoria area

Peoria has a youth chorus for singers alongside its listening opportunities. Students can attend regular Peoria Symphony Orchestra performances for $15 per ticket. The orchestra also offers two free student concerts on April 30, 2027, for schoolchildren in grades 3–12, making a live performance an easy outing for young musicians.

School year: Aug 5 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (Peoria Public Schools District 150)
Town guides: Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington

Champaign area

Champaign and Urbana give singers ensemble options and informal listening. Central Illinois Youth Chorus in Champaign has Music Makers, Concert Choir, and Chamber Choir, while C4A ensembles meet in Urbana. The Champaign County Arts Council's Sounds of Summer offers free concerts around the county. These settings expose singers to a range of styles.

Town guides: Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul

Bloomington area

Bloomington offers a vocal chamber group for adults: Cantus Novus rehearses Tuesday evenings during fall and spring and invites prospective members to audition. In Normal, the Bloomington Area Choir for Homeschoolers gives homeschool students a dedicated chorus setting. For listening, Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music events in Bloomington are free and open to the public, while Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra concerts in Streator are free for students through 12th grade.

School year: Aug 20 to Jun 2, 39 lesson weeks (McLean County Unit District No. 5)
Town guides: Bloomington, Normal

Springfield area

Springfield has choir options for children and adults. Children’s Chorus of Springfield offers three Thursday choirs for grades 1–12, while Springfield Choral Society welcomes prospective singers to visit a Monday rehearsal as a guest and arrange an audition. University of Illinois Springfield music events, including concerts and recitals, are mostly free and open to the public, giving singers a place to hear a range of repertoire.

Town guides: Springfield, Chatham

Kankakee area

Kankakee-area singers can hear free outdoor music in summer. The Kankakee Municipal Band performs at Bird Park on Thursday evenings during its 10-week season, while the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra and Riverview Historic District offer a free concert series at Cobb Park. In Park Forest, the South Holland Master Chorale is open without audition, giving adults a choral option alongside those concerts.

Town guides: Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley

Decatur area

Decatur's summer and fall listening includes free public concerts and family events from the Decatur Municipal Band. Its annual summer series includes performances at Fairview Park and Central Park, along with concerts at The Devon. For a singer, these outdoor programs offer a relaxed way to hear live music locally and observe how melody and phrasing work in an ensemble.

School year: Aug 12 to May 24, 38 lesson weeks (Decatur School District 61)
Town guides: Decatur

A little singing history in Illinois

Illinois has a strong vocal identity shaped in part by Chicago gospel. The modern gospel choir formed at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in 1931 under Theodore R. Frye, Roberta Martin, and Thomas Andrew Dorsey, and singer Mahalia Jackson became closely associated with the tradition. Illinois native John Prine, born in Maywood, became the state's first honorary poet laureate. For a student, that history shows how individual voice can carry both personal expression and a shared musical tradition, from gospel singing to songwriting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good singing teacher in Illinois?

Choose a teacher who can explain vocal technique clearly and help you work toward your own goals, whether that is choir, auditions, or singing for enjoyment. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in voice; you can choose one or ask us to recommend a fit.

Do live video singing lessons really work?

Yes, because a teacher can hear pitch, tone, breath, and phrasing in real time and respond while you sing. A quiet room and a device with a camera and microphone are enough to begin.

When do Illinois schools start teaching singing?

It depends on the district: Evanston/Skokie School District 65 invites grades 3–5 to Washington School Chorus, while Urbana School District 116 offers choir in grades 6–8. Some districts begin choir in ninth grade, so private lessons can bridge the difference.

How does a singer reach Illinois's top student honors?

A high school singer pursues ILMEA All-State through a school-submitted vocal audition, district selection, and attendance at the full district festival. Selected singers advance to the January All-State festival in Peoria.

Can homeschool students enter Illinois music contests?

Yes, a homeschool family or co-op can register as an ILMEA Participating School and nominate a student for auditions. A student selected for a district ensemble must attend the entire festival for All-State consideration.

What age should a child start singing lessons?

A child can start when they can follow short musical directions and enjoy repeating a phrase; there is no instrument-size requirement. Private lessons can begin before school choir opens, which starts as early as third grade in Evanston/Skokie School District 65.

Is it too late to learn to sing as an adult in Illinois?

No, adults can begin or return to singing at any age, and lessons can start with the music and skills you already have. Illinois also has adult groups such as Heartland Community Chorus in Highland and City Voices in Chicago for singers ready to perform with others.

How much are singing lessons in Illinois?

Singing lessons in Illinois typically cost about $72 an hour, or $33 to $53 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Singing lesson prices across Illinois

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How singing learning works in Illinois

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Auditions and events in Illinois

How does a singer reach Illinois's top student honors?

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Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on singing

A teen in Illinois

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Singing around Illinois, area by area

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A little singing history in Illinois

Start singing lessons in Illinois with a free first lesson

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