ABOUT CLARENDON HILLS MUSIC ACADEMY

The Mission

MEET CHMA OWNER, DEREK BERG

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At Clarendon Hills Music Academy, we believe the best music education lives at the intersection of skill and creativity. Yes, technique matters. So does imagination. Our goal is to help students build real musical ability while staying connected to the part that makes music worth doing in the first place: curiosity, self-expression, and joy.

Every lesson is customized to the student—their goals, their taste, and what actually motivates them. That means scales and fundamentals don’t show up as random homework; they show up as tools that help students play better, create more freely, and feel proud of what they’re building.

Founded by Derek Berg, the academy is designed to be a supportive, low-pressure place where students can explore, grow, and develop a lifelong relationship with music—one that feels personal, meaningful, and genuinely fun.

WHAT CHMA IS ALL ABOUT

About Clarendon Hills Music Academy

At Clarendon Hills Music Academy, we believe in redefining the essence of music education. We’re not just about traditional music lessons — we’re about creating an enriching musical journey that students genuinely love being a part of. Our core philosophy is centered around nurturing a deep connection between students and the music they adore.

At Clarendon Hills Music Academy, the music that fuels our students’ passion is at the heart of our teaching approach. We understand that the key to maintaining and growing a student’s interest in music lies in their freedom to explore and immerse themselves in the genres they love. Traditional teaching methods often miss this vital aspect, imposing predetermined musical choices that might not resonate with every student. We aim to change that by prioritizing each student’s unique musical tastes and preferences.

Skill-Building and Creativity (The Balance Most Programs Miss)

Our Core Lesson Program is designed to strike a balance between skill-building and fostering creativity — elements often treated like they’re mutually exclusive in conventional music education. We emphasize the importance of musical relevance, ensuring that each student’s learning experience is deeply connected to their personal musical journey.

Whether a student is learning their first chords, developing confident technique, or preparing for a performance, our goal is the same: help them build real musical ability while staying connected to the music that inspires them.

Explore our Core Lesson Programs:

Project-Based Learning (Where Motivation Gets Superpowers)

Beyond our core programs, we offer innovative Premier Programs for a range of ages, including teens and adults. These programs disrupt the traditional music lesson mold through our project-based music teaching system.

Project-based learning means students aren’t just “working through pages” — they’re actively building something real.

Depending on the program, projects might include:

  • Recording and producing a fully-realized version of a song they love
  • Developing a signature sound using modern music technology
  • Creating original music from the ground up
  • Preparing a polished performance or creative portfolio

The thrill of turning a musical vision into reality is unmatched — and it’s at the core of what we do.

This project-based approach doesn’t just engage students more deeply than traditional methods; it fosters a creative mindset that students carry into everything they do. When immersed in a meaningful music project, students often experience a heightened level of engagement and commitment, driven by clear goals, creative ownership, and the excitement of creating something that’s truly theirs.

Premier Programs (High-Level, Project-Driven Training)

Our Premier Programs are designed for students who want a deeper, more immersive experience than standard weekly lessons — with high-level coaching, modern tools, and real creative output.

Why This Matters (Especially Now)

Our project-based training isn’t just an artistic outlet — it’s a powerful form of self-expression, especially in times of stress. It empowers students, boosts confidence, and helps them build an identity as a creator, not just a “student taking lessons.”

When students share something they’ve created — a recording, a performance, a finished song — that external recognition becomes a motivator. It creates momentum. And momentum is what makes musicians stick with it long enough to become truly great.

At Clarendon Hills Music Academy, we’re not just teaching music — we’re cultivating artists, innovators, and confident individuals. Join us on this transformative musical adventure, where each note played is a step toward discovering your true potential.