WHY THE ORDINARY VOICE LESSON PATH DOESN’T ALWAYS WORK FOR OLDER STUDENTS WHO WANT TO EXPLORE MUSIC CREATIVELY
Let’s face it, traditional voice lessons can sometimes feel like following a strict script with no room to add your own flair. Sure, classic drills and exercises build technique, but for students who want to go beyond simply singing the notes, the traditional path can feel, well, limiting.
Our approach to voice lessons is different. We’re all about flexibility, creativity, and connecting with your voice on a deeper level. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” curriculum, we customize each voice lesson around your interests and goals, helping you develop a unique singing style that feels authentic to you. Want to explore practical vocal theory, work on improvisation, or learn to perform on the spot with confidence? Perfect—we’re here to make room for that.
For teens and adults who see singing as more than just reading music, our voice lessons offer a fresh, modern take. If you’re ready to build real vocal skills while keeping your creative spark alive, our program gives you the best of both worlds—structured guidance and the freedom to explore your music in the moment.
Is this TYPE OF VOICE Lesson For OLDER STUDENTS a good fit?
If you’re looking for more than just traditional voice lessons, you’re in the right place. This voice lesson program is designed for students ages 13 and up who want to build their vocal skills while exploring their own unique musical interests. It’s perfect for students who want to truly understand their voice, bring personal style into every song, and maybe even jump into a jam session or perform on the fly with confidence.
We’re all about creating a voice lesson experience that’s as unique as you are, with lessons customized to help you reach your specific goals—whether that’s building solid vocal technique, exploring practical music theory, or developing comfort and presence on stage. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, then yes—this voice lesson program was made for you.
But hey, if you’re after a more rigid, non-flexible, and traditional approach to voice lessons, we totally get it! In fact, we keep a “traditional voice lesson” database just for this reason, and we’d be happy to offer referrals. Just let us know, and we’ll point you in the right direction!
EXPERIENCE VOICE LESSONS IN AN INSPIRING, PRO STUDIO ENVIRONMENT
Our studio is crafted to create the perfect environment for voice lessons, where everything is set up to inspire. With smart lighting that sets a relaxed, creative vibe, you’ll feel right at home from the moment you step in. You’ll be surrounded by pro-level audio gear and high-quality soundproofing, ensuring each voice lesson is clear, immersive, and completely distraction-free.
We’ve integrated top-notch technology throughout, making it simple to explore digital music tools and recording when you’re ready to take your skills to the next level. With spacious, comfortable studios and inviting waiting rooms, there’s ample room to settle in and focus on your singing journey. It’s a professional yet warm environment—perfect for developing your voice and diving into your music.
SOME REASONS TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF GROWTH WITH OUR VOICE LESSONS FOR OLDER STUDENTS
FOCUS ON WHAT COUNTS: Our voice lessons skip the fluff and dive straight into techniques that truly make a difference, helping you develop your vocal skills quickly and effectively.
MUSIC THEORY THAT WORKS IN THE REAL WORLD: No dry, over-complicated theory here. Our voice lessons focus on practical music theory that’s instantly useful, so you understand why each note, harmony, and phrase works.
VOCAL STRENGTH, CONTROL, AND RANGE: Build vocal strength, breath control, and range that let you glide through challenging pieces, making even complex songs feel natural and expressive.
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING PLANS: Your goals, your music, your style. Every voice lesson is tailored to your unique interests, whether you’re into pop, jazz, classical, indie, or creating a style all your own.
A CREATIVE APPROACH TO VOICE: We go beyond just technique to help you bring your personality into your singing, making each piece uniquely yours.
SING THE SONGS YOU LOVE: Say goodbye to dull, one-size-fits-all repertoire. Choose music that excites you, making practice something you actually look forward to.
EXPRESSIVE VOCAL TECHNIQUES: Learn to sing with dynamics, phrasing, and emotion, so your voice resonates and connects with listeners, giving your sound a professional edge.
IMPROVISATION AND SINGING ON THE FLY: Master the art of improvising and singing in the moment, so you can create on the spot, whether performing solo or with others.
A FUN, MODERN APPROACH TO VOICE LESSONS: Our voice lessons are designed to be engaging and relevant, focusing on skills you can apply right away—no endless, repetitive exercises here.
SEE REAL PROGRESS EVERY WEEK (WITH A LITTLE PRACTICE): Each voice lesson builds on the last, so you can clearly track your growth and see what’s next on your path to vocal mastery.
INSTRUCTORS WHO CARE: Our voice teachers are experienced, supportive, and committed to helping you reach your goals in a positive environment—no pressure, just progress.
What They Are Saying About Clarendon Hills Music Academy
Jennifer S.
"My kids have played piano here for about 5 years. We love Derek who is their teacher and the owner. He mixes things up so they don’t get bored and lets them choose their favorite pop songs to play."
Karyn V.
"My CHMA Instructor has been such an encouraging teacher and I have really grown as a musician over the past 5 years. I would highly recommend him. He is a phenomenal piano player and knows all of the theory to back that up. My lessons have been customized to meet my needs and interests over time. My instructor has helped me get up to speed when I joined a blues/rock band. He came up with creative ideas for me to become good at comping and soloing in my jazz combo group. Most memorable is when I needed to learn about 20 songs in a short amount of time and he helped me come up with a practice plan and a way to tackle the songs so that I was ready for the gig on time and not just winging it."
Rory S.
I took lessons with CHMA for a little over a year. Every lesson was brilliant because we went over old stuff, learned new stuff and I was able to bring in questions and songs I wanted to learn. If my teacher didn't know the answer (rarely), it became a learning opportunity for both parties.
CHMA is really in touch with technology, My instructor's passion for his craft, and you as the student, really is a great motivator to practice and be able to learn something new every lesson. Fantastic experience and I'd happily go back!
Tristan R.
I’ve been playing piano for about 13 years I think, but I have never made more progress than I did within my first few months at CHMA. They perfectly cater their curriculum to each individual student, focusing on their specific strengths and interests. They balance typical ‘by-the-book’ learning with more interesting learning in a way that makes learning any topic fun and engaging. This is the place to go to if you want to advance in any way musically!
Jackie E.
Best in town. Best around. The CH Music Academy team is amazing. All ages are welcome. They really take care of Their clients and community. Highly recommend!!!
Hannah S.
I've been taking lessons at CHMA for six years as a voice student, piano student, guitar student, and a member of the Recording Artist Academy. I had tried many different music institutions before coming here, and I've never looked back. I grew as a student, a performer and as an artist in my time at CHMA. Thanks to Derek and the crew at the academy I was able to release my original music on all streaming platforms and have since gotten several hundred plays on my music! Clarendon Hills Music Academy has been a home for me for the past six years and I intend on going back whenever I'm home from school!
Sonja G
My daughter took both voice and piano for a few years with CHMA. I honestly can't say enough good things about it. From the time she was 7 until 10, she grew so much, both musically and with her confidence in singing. Her instructor was a wonderful teacher who never pushed her (unless she wanted to be pushed), and really bonded with her about music.
The staff was amazing, VERY easy to communicate with, and very understanding if schedules change. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
Ander Iturralde
Clarendon Hills Music Academy is a truly wonderful place. It is one that has had a deep impact on my life. If you want to dive deeper into your musical interests, and potentially further develop yourself as a whole, it is absolutely the place do it. Its owner, Derek Berg, sets the highest standards not only for himself but for the academy overall, putting together a selection of consistently excellent teachers. Previous to coming across it, I had had very little formal musical exposure, yet the growth that I have experienced thanks to them has been amazing. Whether it'd be piano, voice or almost anything in between that you want to learn or improve on, no matter your age, CHMA is a decision that you will be happy you made.
Jamie Shifley
My daughter has been with CHMA for years. Most recently, she is doing the Recording Artist Academy. This endeavor has helped her grow her skills dramatically. She has developed her voice, but has also learned to write her own songs, and is discovering what her own music style truly is. She looks forward to her lesson each week and excitedly sends me recordings of her own songs. It’s a wonderful program
Steve Loan
I wanted to play piano, but thought that being in my 40's was too late in life to learn. CHMA proved that it is never too late to learn, even if you have no music experience! Derek had me learn with the styles of music I enjoy-Jazz and Blues. After a short while I was playing songs and reading sheet music. He worked in lessons on music theory which really strengthened my understanding of how music is put together. CHMA is a fun, relaxing environment and I can attest that with lessons here, anyone can learn to play no matter what your age.
Suzan Ganzer
I learned so much here about music and recording a song and had a blast!! The instructors are super smart and talented. Great care was taken by the team here in recording my original song to make it the absolute best it could be. Anyone wishing to learn about music / or the recording process would benefit greatly going to this awesome music academy. I know i did! If I could live there I totally would!! Fun, educational, and inspirational. Thumbs up, they rock!!!!
Rita Nelson
I first started taking piano lessons at CHMA when I was really young, and I remember finding it so cool that I got to play music I listened to on the radio. The lessons were really entertaining because not only do you get to learn basic techniques, but also how to improvise and play along with chords and music. You get to basically choose your path and create your own experience. The coolest part about CHMA though is the recording artist program. I’ve loved writing songs since before I can remember, and a few years ago I wanted to start recording and releasing them on platforms. I went back to the academy and started recording, and honestly it’s the highlight of my week as well as a great way to get high quality recordings and work on your own original compositions. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a way to get their music out there or learn an instrument in a more modern way.
Ben Waverley
The best part of CHMA is that the lessons are designed completely around the students’ preferences. The idea that a student can walk into a room and name a tune and instantly have an expert start working on it with them that day is something you don’t find at other music academies. For the most personalized lesson experience, whether it be traditional music lessons or producing a video with the Music Project Lab program that the academy offers, CHMA is the way to go.
Kate Buikema
I’ve been doing CHMA for a year and it’s been amazing having this great creative outlet. The instructors are so passionate about music and helping and encourgaing you in every way they can. I’ve really appreciated all the coaching and it has helped my work so much. It’s a super unique experience and definitely worth doing!
Terms: We offer one free trial per family or individual. If you’ve had a free trial at any point in the past, we welcome you to try a Single Paid Trial.
MEET YOUR VOICE INSTRUCTORS
JODIE L.
Your musical journey with Jodie includes breathwork, body awareness, and clear communication. With training in musical theater, classical, jazz, folk, and contemporary pop, she draws on a wide range of techniques so each student can find exercises and styles that fit their needs as a singer, artist, and person. She supports students through challenges and empowers them to embrace what they naturally bring to the music. Lessons focus on building a solid technical foundation so every student can create the music they want—safely and effectively.
Jodie has been immersed in music for most of her life, including studies at the Chicago Academy for the Arts and at the Dobbins Conservatory at Southeast Missouri State University. She believes no two people—or voices—are the same, and she meets each student where they are to provide the most rewarding experience possible in a judgment-free environment.
SHELBY D.
Shelby Duhé is a vocal coach and music teacher with an extensive background in musical theater and contemporary music and a passion for helping singers grow in both skill and confidence. From studying vocal performance at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts as a young singer to performing as a professional actor in local musicals around New Orleans, Shelby brings a wide range of knowledge across many facets of stage performance. With a focus on vocal technique, performance preparation, and audition coaching, Shelby helps students connect to their voice and tell compelling stories through song. Lessons are personalized, supportive, and rooted in the joy of making music—whether students are just starting out or preparing for the stage. Let’s bring your voice to life!
CHARLTANAE R.
Begin your musical journey with Charltanae Ridgell, a versatile artist and educator whose expertise spans over a decade of classical vocal training and a passion for contemporary music. From the distinguished Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts to the vibrant Visible Music College, Charltanae has developed a deep understanding of both classical traditions and the dynamic energy of pop and R&B.
Charltanae’s teaching seamlessly bridges the elegance of classical techniques with the vibrant expression of modern genres. She focuses on building healthy vocal techniques that promote longevity and precision, ensuring every student can confidently explore their unique sound. In her supportive and inspiring environment, individuality is celebrated as students gain the skills and confidence to perform across genres with passion and authenticity.
Terms: We offer one free trial per family or individual. If you’ve had a free trial at any point in the past, we welcome you to try a Single Paid Trial.