Cleveland has music infused directly into the veins of the city. As the home of rock n’ roll, it has a legacy of popular music performers and a host of live music venues that cater to every genre of today’s music. Cleveland is also the home of the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, which sits in University Circle with its neighbor, The Cleveland Institute of Music. So where does your average Clevelander go to start the journey toward musical greatness? The following schools will provide you with all you need to know about the best places in Cleveland to learn how to create music, whatever style you are looking to master.

Vance School of Music
16426 Madison Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 227.2886
www.vancemusicstudios.com

Instruments taught: Piano/Keyboard, Electric/Acoustic Guitar, Electric/Double Bass, Voice, Drums/Percussion, Woodwinds, Brass, Strings

Located on Cleveland’s near west side in the city of Lakewood, Vance Music Studios offer a variety of musical instruction designed to fit the needs of their students. The school welcomes students as young as five years old, beginners just exploring their relationship with music, and seasoned veterans looking to brush up on some skills. The individualized, personal attention the experienced instructors at Vance Music impart on their students can fit any range of expertise. The live music performance is an integral part of the learning package at Vance Music, with regular recitals and concerts at some of the cities hottest venues. There are also non-instrumental lessons available in recording technology, composition, music theory and ear training. Ensemble group courses are also available in the realm of Rock, Jazz, Blues and Chamber Music.

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Educator’s Music
13701 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 226-6166
www.educatorsmusic.com

Instruments taught: Flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, viola, cello, percussion, piano, guitar and voice

Long known as the place to go for students playing instruments in Lakewood Public Schools, Educator’s Music offers great support for all students of music by providing instruments, supplies and lessons. Their popular rental/purchase program allows beginners (and their parents) a means to explore the world of music before becoming too committed. Degreed instructors offer private lessons on a wide variety of musical instruments, including everything from  the flute and trombone to the violin. With their second location in Twinsburg, Educator’s Music is able to share their expertise with students of music throughout Northeast Ohio.

School of Rock
20148 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
440.333.7625
www.rockyriver.schoolofrock.com

Instruments taught: Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Drums, Vocals

School of Rock is a national music education program with two locations in the Greater Cleveland Area. The philosophy of the School of Rock is focused on live performance and group band dynamics. Offering lessons in guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, drums, and vocals, this music school is designed for those students with dreams of hearing themselves on the radio, more than in the classical concert hall. They offer a variety of programs with strong emphasis on performing and playing with a group, but also offer individualized instruction, and are able to accommodate students of varying skill and expertise levels. An essential element of the School of Rock experience is performing on stage in front of a live audience. The ultimate honor of this school is auditioning and winning a place in The School of Rock AllStars, embarking on a national tour, and getting a taste of what the life of a musician is all about.

The Cleveland Music Settlement
11125 Magnolia Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 421-5806
www.themusicsettlement.org

Instruments taught: Private instruction for Strings, Percussion, Piano, Harpsichord, Music Theory, Woodwinds, Guitar, Brass, Organ, Voice, Music History, Harp
Ensemble and group instruction include: Vocal Ensemble, Group Piano, Percussion Ensemble, Flute Choir, String Quartets, Jazz Ensemble

The Music Settlement, located in the cultural and artistic University Circle neighborhood, is one of Cleveland’s longest standing schools of music. Founded in 1912, The Music Settlement has always aimed to reach people with the power of music, no matter their age or previous experience. Today, The Music Settlement offers programs that extend beyond musical instruction with an Early Childhood Education program and a Music Therapy program that work with people of all ages facing a variety of life’s extra challenges. The music program offers individualized and group instruction, as well as a variety of summer camps.  A Suzuki Method program is also offered for violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano.

Related: Best Live Music Venues In Cleveland

Avon School of Music / Strongsville Academy of Music
37190 Colorado Ave. #103
Avon, OH 44011
(440) 934-9988

13500 Pearl Road #137
Strongsville, OH 44136
(440) 572-9000
www.avonstrongsvillemusic.org

Instruments taught: Private instruction for Piano, Voice, Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Violin, Viola, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Oboe, Bassoon, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Harp, Drums, Percussion

With the sole focus of teaching music to students of all ages and levels, the Avon School of Music and Strongsville Academy of Music enables its instructors to impart their expertise on their students in a focused musical environment. All the instructors at both locations possess university degrees in musical performance and hold no responsibilities in the school other than musical instruction. This enables students to learn from experienced, insightful teachers in an environment that lacks any distractions from extraneous activities—helping them achieve progress quicker in an individualized environment. The schools offer private lessons particularly tailored to the needs and level of the individual student, as well as group lessons aimed at beginner level students. Recitals are held regularly at local churches or libraries, providing students with short-term goals and opportunities to build confidence. Both locations also offer group studio classes and clubs, composition and musical theory lessons, a preschool music program and a Suzuki music program.

Danielle Andes has spent the past two decades documenting the world around her through photography and writing, paying particular attention to the world of music. She was born and raised in Cleveland, and still resides there today. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.