Bass Lessons in Chicago, IL

Lesson Inquiry

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Our Approach

At Bucktown Music, anyone can learn to play the bass 

The bass is more than an instrument with a wooden body and metal strings. It’s a tool you can use to express your emotions, share your musical talent, and connect with others. That’s why we offer personalized bass lessons taught by qualified instructors in an engaging and fun environment. Each lesson is designed to support your development as a musician and individual.

musician playing the bass at a concert

Our Approach to Bass Lessons

Bass Lessons Should Be Fun!

We all know the feeling: you hear your favorite song come on and you can’t resist the urge to play along on your air guitar! We can help you convert your musical fantasies into reality – while preserving that irresistible sense of joy you feel when playing along. We want each of our students to LOVE their musical experience with us!

Whether you come to us planning on becoming the next Flea or simply wanting to play songs around the campfire with your friends, our top-notch instructors will help you progress quickly toward your goals while ensuring you have fun along the way.

We Emphasize Healthy Technique

Regardless of your ultimate goals, our teachers will prioritize strong fundamentals including proper posture, hand positioning, chords, fretting, picking, and strumming. As students progress, these basics will become second nature – and serve as the foundation from which students can apply their skills across a variety of genres and styles.

We want our guitar students to be literate, well-rounded musicians. Beginners and seasoned performers alike will find value in our approach, coupling technical instruction with elements of music theory and music history in each lesson.

We Care About Your Musical Interests

We teach beginners, intermediate, and advanced students who are interested in a variety of styles – including rock, jazz, classical, pop, blues, and more. Whether you’re inspired by modern day singer-songwriters or the rockers of the 1970s, we can’t wait to get started with you!

Our seasoned instructors will draw upon years of playing, performing, and teaching experience to guide you in improving your skills and exploring the many possibilities of your instrument, and advancing toward your goals at a pace that works for you.

Our Bass Teachers:

James Cross

James Cross

Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Private Lessons Instructor Group Class Instructor

“Our son has been going to Bucktown Music 1-2x a week since he was 6 months old (he’s almost 2) and we cannot say enough great things about the Kindermusik program and, more specifically, the Bucktown Music staff!”

— Shannon Masson

“Bucktown Music has been amazing for our boys, now ages 4 and 19 months. We have been a Bucktown Music family since our oldest was two months old. His appreciation for rhythm and ability to notice similarities between two seemingly unrelated songs is tremendous. ”

— Tiffany Bedwell Reidy

“I have been taking my kids to Bucktown music since they were babies. They are 6&8 this year and now taking piano lessons. We love the teachers, owners and community of people that we have met there over the years. I highly recommend this business to everyone from babies to adults!”

— Cheryl Jones

“My toddler loves taking music classes here! The teachers are the best and the kindermusic program is amazing for toddlers and babies! I’ve watched my toddler develop a love for music and ability to play instruments.”

— Nikki Schay

“This music lesson studio provides great music education with friendly, knowledgeable, and personable teachers. Their passion for teaching anyone from birth to adults of all ages is unmatchable.”

— Danielle Brown

What you can expect

Tell us about your musical goals.

Match with one of our expert instructors.

Play music! Parents get progress reports.

We Offer Simple Pricing to Fit Your Schedule & Budget

Weekly

30 min

$135

Monthly

There is a one-time $35 registration fee.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What Age Should My Child Start Bass Lessons?

Playing the bass requires physical dexterity, muscular development and coordination as you hold the instrument, pluck strings, and create chord patterns. Contact us to find out if your child is ready for bass!
Of course, older students and adults are also welcome to take lessons and gain the confidence, self-discipline, and other benefits that result from playing the bass.

Do I Need Any Prior Experience?

Students of all skill levels may take bass lessons. We’re here to support you whether you’ve never picked up a bass before, have played casually for a while or hope to become a professional soon.
Your first few lessons may be easier if you’re familiar with the bass and can read music, but you will receive a solid foundation of knowledge, technique, and understanding that helps you master the bass.

What Styles of Bass Can I Learn?

The bass definitely features prominently in a variety of musical styles, including rock, pop, country, bluegrass, folk, R&B, blues, and classical. We offer lessons in all of these styles and more, which means you can learn to play your favorite songs or type of music. 
Your teacher will also introduce various musical styles during lessons and encourage you to expand your capabilities and develop new skills.

What Books Will I Need?

Our instructors create a unique curriculum for every bass student, so you will not receive a standard list of books to buy. Instead, you’ll spend time at your first lesson discussing your goals, interests, and needs. Your teacher will then recommend the books that fit your needs.

Is Bass the Right Fit for Me?

With so many different types of instruments available, you may question if the bass is the right fit for you. We suggest you listen to music that features the bass and try a lesson! 

You may also consider why you want to play the bass and ensure you’re motivated enough to practice regularly in order to support your ongoing learning. These strategies help you decide if this instrument is one you want to invest in and will enjoy playing.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today and schedule your first bass lesson. Discover how our student-focused approach creates a learning environment that’s engaging and fun. We’re here to help you achieve your bass-playing goals, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Why Come to Bucktown Music for Bass Lessons?

You have a unique reason for playing the bass, and your teacher will help you reach your goals. 

We cultivate a fun, engaging, and student-focused environment that promotes curiosity, creativity, and talent. You’ll appreciate the personalized curriculum and individual attention you receive during bass lessons.

We offer weekly guitar lessons and bass lessons to beginners and virtuosos alike in a variety of styles including rock, blues, jazz, funk, R&B, classical, and more.  Our increasingly popular ukulele lessons are a good fit for smaller kids and beginners of all sizes! 


Start your musical journey today

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