Learn the Beauty of Music at Any Age

In Business Since 2007

Music Lessons for Piano, Violin, and Viola in Rockford, IL and Beyond

Welcome to Neighborhood Music. Whether you want to nurture your child’s love for music or develop your own talents, Dr. Rosalie Sward of Neighborhood Music looks forward to helping you. She offers piano, violin, and viola lessons in Rockford, IL, and surrounding areas. For long-distance students, private Google Meet lessons are available.

While most of her students are children, she’s also pleased to work with teenagers and adults, including those who are just getting started with music and those with many years of practice under their belt. Her music programs are designed to help students gain exceptional musical proficiency. Contact her today to learn more about her lessons and transform a passing fancy into a lifelong passion.

An Accomplished Musician and Dedicated Educator

Learning to play an instrument well requires discipline, patience, and concentration. As an accomplished musician and dedicated educator, Dr. Sward strives to deliver more than just music lessons; she also helps her students develop the habits and attitudes necessary for exceeding in any field.

Dr. Rosalie Sward has the education and experience needed to work with all skill levels. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Knox College, as well as a master’s and a doctorate in music from Northwestern University. Her experience as a public and private school music teacher has allowed her to develop an approach that enriches and improves the lives of her learners.

More than 2,000 trainees have received instruction from her, and many of them have gone on to win a number of prestigious awards at regional and state competitions. Furthermore, her one-on-one violin, viola, and piano lessons foster growth and creativity beyond the stage.

An Opportunity to Perform

As a retired orchestra director, Dr. Sward understands the importance of giving music students an opportunity to perform. That’s why she organizes two recitals each year for her students to demonstrate what they’ve learned to their family, friends, and the community. Her string students also have the chance to play in a studio orchestra at various events. Contact her to learn more about these opportunities or get the details for the next recital.

Learn to play the piano, violin, or viola while receiving music theory instruction at Neighborhood Music for $20 for a half-hour lesson.

Enjoy 50% Off Your First Lesson

Dr. Sward has produced some of the best and brightest young musicians in Rockford, Evanston, Skokie, Chicago, and other suburbs in Northern Illinois & Northern Indiana. The performances of our well-trained students have earned glowing reviews from parents, students, music teachers, and contest judges. We invite you to read the following testimonials from our appreciative students, parents, and fans:

“Congratulations on having the best junior high school orchestra I have ever heard in forty years of being a musician. What a great performance! I don’t think I’ve ever seen contest judges applaud after a performance, and I know I’ve never heard one say ‘Wow’ before. Your group was simply electrifying and thrilling. Thank you for making my day.”

Dennis P., Chicago, IL

“I enjoyed the recital very much and the kids did really well. It shows your hard work in teaching them and encouraging them to perform and do their best. You are a very dedicated and wonderful music teacher.”

Jodine on Yellow Pages

“I have found Dr. Sward to be very patient with students and she works hard at helping the students learn to read notes and to sight-read music, both on the violin and piano. My children have very much enjoyed taking lessons at Neighborhood Music.”

John P. on botw

“My two children loved their lessons at Neighborhood Music. One of them played piano and the other one violin, and Dr. Sward helped them learn to play together. She also plays duets with the students and accompanies all of the string students on the piano. She communicates well with children and they respond to her in a positive manner.”

NIU Fan on Yellow Book

“Dr. Sward is an outstanding teacher who works very hard to make sure her students learn, yet have fun while doing it. She tries to be flexible with her students’ schedules and other activities. My children have had a very positive experience with her at Neighborhood Music.”

JWT on Merchant Circle

“Neighborhood Music is a very friendly place to take lessons in violin, piano or viola. Dr. Sward is an excellent teacher and is very patient with the students. She makes lessons fun and has great recitals. String students also can take part in chamber music groups, which provides an orchestra experience they may not be getting at school.”

Guest G. on Judy’s Book

“Piano and violin lessons are given in a colorful home music studio by Dr. Sward. You can tell she enjoys teaching and she is always interested in and flexible with her students’ other activities. She is encouraging and is able to accompany all of her string students on the piano. The string students also have the opportunity to participate in a small orchestra with her other students.”

Balleta on Yellow Pages

“We have been very happy taking lessons from Miss Rosalie. She is always happy to see us and my children love their lessons. The recitals are fun and creative.”

Music Lover on DexKnows

“I like taking lessons from Mrs. Sward. She makes lessons fun and I really like her cat Sugarplum.”

Ellen, Student on Yellow Pages

Email us to learn more about our music lessons and classes.

Address

6540 Thomas Pkwy

Rockford, IL 61114

Service Areas

Rockford, IL & Surrounding Areas

Nationwide (Online Private Music Lessons Through Google Meet)

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.