We are a musical home for beginners to bloom and for more experienced musicians to explore their craft. We are proud of our process-oriented teaching philosophy, professional and friendly faculty, investments in local schools, and partnerships with arts organizations equally committed to making music more accessible to all. In 2007, we won the Evanston Mayors Award for the Arts in recognition of our history as an arts incubator and the quality of our programming.We provide students and teachers with collaborative opportunities to learn and perform. We hire gifted teachers who share a process-oriented teaching philosophy and the belief that students learn best in an engaging atmosphere. We carefully match teachers and students to maximize learning potential and enjoyment of music education. A process-oriented teaching philosophy guides students on a course to the joyful mastery of music.
On this journey, they acquire and develop intellectual, emotional, and physical tools such as diligence, critical thinking, expressiveness, and dexterity to harness the potential of music to enhance their lives. This training translates into every area of learning and life.
Highlights and features
- Strings, Clarinet, Violin, Voice, Woodwinds, Flute, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone
People
Rick Ferguson
Piano, Director
As a teacher, I focus on the process of learning to think musically – I want my students to become musically literate, yes, and just as important, to find their musicality, their individual voice as a young musician. I founded The Musical Offering as a place for teachers who value music education as the process of bringing a work to life and sharing your personal joy in that process with students
Cornelia Babbitt
Cello
I think that music is as essential to a balanced and healthy life as sunshine and oxygen is to our physical exsistence. Playing music is one of the few activities that engages both sides of the brain and it can also penetrate the deepest areas of our hearts. Listening to music is always enjoyable but playing music is deeply satisfying.
Rebekah Cope
Violin, Viola
I enjoy developing a rapport with my students of all ages and their families. Adapting my teaching style to each students’ needs is a priority for me. Learning an instrument should foster a life long love and appreciation for music, and at the same time is an experience, which can provide a framework for developing other important life skills, such as self-discipline, motivation, confidence, communication, team work.
Jesse Langen
Classical Guitar, Composition
Jesse Langen studied guitar with Anne Waller at Northwestern University. He has played in master classes for Oscar Ghiglia, Sergio and Odair Assad, Bob Guthrie, Elliot Fisk, David Russell, Roberto Aussell, Nigel North, and Paul O'Dette. In the summer of 2002, he was a featured soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Susan Crandall
Susan Crandall is an active performer and instructor. She has a career as a soloist and chamber musician, performing in festivals and music series throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. She is a member of Duo Dinamico, a professional flute and guitar duo, with fellow faculty member Jesse Langen.
Voice
Sammi Block
I believe that any individual’s spirit, mind, and body can be enhanced by experiencing and engaging in musical activities. I strive to build on each student’s unique talents and creativity by offering new musical perspectives and encouraging them to take risks. I provide a trusting and comfortable environment, where students are free to express themselves, and I challenge them to use their body as a personal instrument to develop their singing technique.
Reviews (9) Parent
Aug 10, 2022
Our son is a third-year piano student at The Musical Offering and we will always feel grateful to the parent who suggested the school and teacher as the ideal fit for our then second grader. The teachers get to know their students as individuals and conduct their studies accordingly. In our case, our son has been guided with a wonderful balance of seriousness and fun. At our son's first recital we enjoyed the grave performance of a James Bond theme, and we are now enjoying his current favorite (ever, he says), Bach's Polonaise in G minor!
Heather Heiman
Jun 19, 2022
Jon S.
Aug 10, 2021
We loved the Musical Offering during the 4-5 years that our son studied there. Tim, his instructor, was great in mentoring our son, who learned to play lead guitar, bass guitar, and the drums while also gaining the confidence to sing. Tim would then arrange concerts around town at block parties, bars, and other events-- at a couple of them, the band members actually got paid!
The levels of expertise and support were tremendous, and they have an eye towards developing musicians in a really holistic way (in contrast with other music schools that really only seem to train students to play 3-4 songs for a one-and-done kind of performance).
The levels of expertise and support were tremendous, and they have an eye towards developing musicians in a really holistic way (in contrast with other music schools that really only seem to train students to play 3-4 songs for a one-and-done kind of performance).
Liz H.
Mar 29, 2021
Strange business. You pay upfront for 3-4 months of weekly lessons. Then if your teacher cannot make your agreed upon lesson time, the burden is on you to find another time for your lesson. If you can't find a different time for a "make up" lesson, then you have the pleasure of paying anyway. No refunds even if it's the teacher who cancels.
Tanya V.
May 24, 2014
I'm really rating my instructor, not the school as much since I haven't needed to interact with the school since starting lessons, but that's a plus too, so. Five stars! I contacted the school a while ago to learn more about their piano lessons for adults, and the owner responded quickly that they had opportunities and instructors available for about $30 for 30 minutes lessons.
I went in for a test lesson to see where my skills were and if their recommended instructor was a match, and he was! Nate Raskin is my instructor and he is fantastic. He's young, but already has the patience and instinct to guide his student in exactly the right way. He is super talented, but doesn't have an ego about it, and he's extremely aware of strengths and weaknesses, and how to work with them right away.
I seem to be the only adult student around during my lesson times right now, but I couldn't be happier with my choice to take piano here and would highly recommend the school. Their online sign up and payment process is a little clunky, but they're aware of it and are very easy to work with. Their pianos are fine and the lesson rooms are a-ok. Love it here and wouldn't go anywhere else!
I went in for a test lesson to see where my skills were and if their recommended instructor was a match, and he was! Nate Raskin is my instructor and he is fantastic. He's young, but already has the patience and instinct to guide his student in exactly the right way. He is super talented, but doesn't have an ego about it, and he's extremely aware of strengths and weaknesses, and how to work with them right away.
I seem to be the only adult student around during my lesson times right now, but I couldn't be happier with my choice to take piano here and would highly recommend the school. Their online sign up and payment process is a little clunky, but they're aware of it and are very easy to work with. Their pianos are fine and the lesson rooms are a-ok. Love it here and wouldn't go anywhere else!
Sheri Y.
Apr 05, 2013
The Musical Offering is a wonderful music school - - it makes meaningful contributions to the community, has great teachers and offers wonderful, intimate performances. Vikkie Holland is a great and knowledgable voice teacher. She is very patient. She accepts you wherever you are and takes you to the next level. She listens and watches carefully to determine how to provide meaningful guidance regarding technique and musical interpretation.
She provides her instruction in a very calm and positive manner, recognizing what you do right while helping you understand what you need to do differently. She is passionate about making people better musicians. Rick Ferguson is a great and knowledgable piano teacher. He also is great at working with you where you are and making you a better musician.
He is great at explaining techniques and musical expresssion, and coming up with exercises that really help improve your ability and understanding. He is also very patient. Vikkie and Rick are great teachers both with kids and adults. We have seen performances in the Musical Offering's performance space. It is a treat to hear great music in such an intimate space. We also like the musical choices they make.
She provides her instruction in a very calm and positive manner, recognizing what you do right while helping you understand what you need to do differently. She is passionate about making people better musicians. Rick Ferguson is a great and knowledgable piano teacher. He also is great at working with you where you are and making you a better musician.
He is great at explaining techniques and musical expresssion, and coming up with exercises that really help improve your ability and understanding. He is also very patient. Vikkie and Rick are great teachers both with kids and adults. We have seen performances in the Musical Offering's performance space. It is a treat to hear great music in such an intimate space. We also like the musical choices they make.
John D.
Mar 27, 2012
Victoria Holland is a wonderful teacher. I have worked with a number of different vocal coaches, and Victoria was the first to help me understand where and how my voice was being created and affected. She allowed me to view singing in a completely new way, and I feel more empowered with my voice than ever before. The Musical Offering is a great place and has a wonderful community. Thank you for all the help.
Jeanine B.
Mar 13, 2012
Alan I.
Feb 21, 2012
Cindy Lam is a wonderful teacher and very talented pianist. She makes the music sound so beautiful. My son will soon be 15 years old and loves taking lessons from Cindy! http://www.themusicaloffering.org/mo/cindy-lam-piano The Musical Offering did a great job remodeling the building, and has many excellent programs for all aspects of our community.
