Business Details
18 Years
experience
Custom Music Lessons for All Ages
At Clarendon Hills Music Academy, we revolutionize music education by offering personalized, age-specific lessons that prioritize creativity, technical skill-building, and individual expression. Founded by Derek Berg, our approach combines professional-grade studio environments with tailored curricula designed to align with each student's interests, whether they're exploring piano, voice, guitar, or digital music production. Our instructorsselected for proficiency, passion, and teaching excellencefoster growth mindsets through a balance of structured learning and artistic freedom.With programs for children aged 4+ and adults, we emphasize practical music theory, improvisation, and project-based learning, enabling students to master songs they love while developing foundational techniques. Our commitment to transparency, parental involvement, and cutting-edge technology ensures a supportive, engaging experience that transforms casual learners into confident musicians.
Services
Piano Lessons
Voice Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Ukulele Lessons
Music Production
Recording Artist Academy
Drum Lessons
Bass Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer age-specific lessons tailored to individual musical interests and goals.
- Our instructors combine technical expertise with a passion for creative expression.
- Spacious, tech-equipped studios enhance learning with professional-grade environments.
- We prioritize parental involvement through open-door policy and progress transparency.
- Project-based programs foster original composition and real-world performance skills.
What people say
Customized to interests
Patient instructors
Creative freedom
Confidence-building
Professional environment
Services
Piano Lessons
Our piano lessons combine technical mastery with creative exploration, tailored to each student's musical preferences. From classical foundations to modern pop and jazz, students develop finger dexterity, music theory understanding, and performance confidence. Lessons emphasize both structured skill-building and the freedom to interpret songs personally, ensuring engaging, progressive learning experiences for all skill levels.
Voice Lessons
Customized vocal instruction focuses on healthy technique, breath control, and artistic expression across genres. Students learn proper warm-ups, song interpretation, and performance skills while maintaining vocal health. Our teachers adapt methods to age-specific needs, balancing classical training with contemporary styles to help singers develop unique voices and stage presence.
Music Production
This program teaches songwriting, recording, and production using industry-standard software. Students create original compositions, learn mixing/mastering techniques, and explore digital audio workstations. Project-based learning emphasizes creative experimentation while developing technical proficiency in modern music production tools and workflows.
Guitar Lessons
From basic chords to advanced techniques, our guitar lessons cover acoustic, electric, and bass guitar across multiple genres. Students build finger strength, learn scales and improvisation, and master songs they love. Instruction balances structured curriculum with creative freedom, fostering both technical skill and personal musical expression.
Recording Artist Academy
This advanced program guides students through songwriting, studio recording, and performance preparation. Participants create professional-quality recordings, develop stage presence, and learn music business fundamentals. The curriculum emphasizes artistic growth, technical precision, and real-world application through collaborative projects and solo performances.
People
Derek Berg
Owner
Derek Berg founded Clarendon Hills Music Academy with a vision to transform traditional music education. With decades of experience as a performer and educator, he's developed innovative teaching methods that balance technical rigor with creative freedom. Derek personally mentors instructors to maintain high standards while ensuring students receive personalized attention and modern, engaging instruction.
Kate B.
Piano Instructor
Kate B. combines classical training with experimental music production in her teaching approach. Holding degrees from Pomona College and CalArts, she specializes in blending technical fundamentals with creative exploration. Her lessons emphasize improvisation, composition, and adapting classical techniques to modern musical styles while maintaining a strong theoretical foundation for students of all levels.
Evan D.
Guitar Instructor
Evan D. brings professional music production and performance experience to his guitar instruction. With a degree in Audio for Visual Media, he teaches multiple instruments and music technology while maintaining an active career in recording and touring. His teaching style balances technical precision with practical application, preparing students for both live performance and studio environments.
Shelby D.
Voice Instructor
Shelby D. specializes in musical theater and contemporary vocal training, drawing from her New Orleans performing arts background. She focuses on vocal technique, performance preparation, and audition coaching while fostering confidence and artistic expression. Her lessons combine classical training with modern styles to help singers develop versatile, authentic voices.
Tiffany D.
Piano Instructor
Tiffany D. creates personalized learning experiences that balance technical development with creative exploration. With a student-centered approach, she builds strong foundational skills while encouraging musical self-expression. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes confidence-building, parental collaboration, and adapting instruction to individual learning styles and musical interests.
Questions
What age groups do you teach?
We offer programs for children as young as 4 and adults of all ages, with age-specific curricula tailored to developmental needs and musical interests.
Can I choose the songs I learn?
Yes! Lessons focus on songs you love, with instructors helping you master technical elements while maintaining creative freedom and personal interpretation.
Do you offer recitals or performance opportunities?
We provide regular performance events and recording opportunities through our Recording Artist Academy to showcase student progress and build stage confidence.
Are parents allowed in lessons?
Yes, we encourage parental involvement through our open-door policy, allowing observation and participation in their child's musical development.
What makes your teaching approach unique?
Our instructors combine technical expertise with creative freedom, using customized lesson plans and project-based learning to develop both musical skill and artistic expression.
Do you teach music theory?
Yes, practical music theory is integrated into lessons through song analysis, improvisation exercises, and structured curriculum elements tailored to each student's level.
