Business Details
25 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Premier Music School & Instrument Rental Provider in Buffalo Grove
Since 2001, Solo Classic has been a family-owned pillar of Chicago's musical community, driven by the Raykovski family's commitment to excellence in instrument craftsmanship and music education. Founded by Roumen and Dani Raykovski after immigrating from Bulgaria, our legacy began with Roumen's formal training at the Chicago School of Violin Making and decades of experience restoring instruments for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. We offer handcrafted European-style string instruments meticulously set up by master luthier Roumen, combined with personalized music lessons from 15 globally qualified instructors. Our rental program provides high-quality instruments with transparent pricing and credit toward future purchases, while our music school fosters individual growth through customized curricula.With three generations involved in operations, we maintain a unique family-centric approach that prioritizes customer relationships over transactional interactions. Our students have achieved remarkable success in prestigious orchestras, reflecting our educational philosophy that combines technical mastery with artistic expression. From instrument sales to live performance opportunities, we serve as a comprehensive resource for musicians at every skill level. The Chicago Tribune has recognized us as a vital cultural institution, validating our 17-year dedication to preserving musical traditions while innovating educational methods. Our dual expertise in instrument craftsmanship and pedagogy creates a distinctive ecosystem where technical excellence and artistic development coexist harmoniously.
Services
Rentals
Music Lessons
Restoration
Accessories
Sheet Music
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- Master luthier with 30+ years European craftsmanship tradition
- Personalized curriculum developed by 15 master-level instructors
- Rent-to-purchase program with transparent pricing guarantees
- Same-day emergency repair service for student instruments
- Three generations of family involvement ensuring personalized service
What people say
Expert craftsmanship
Superior playability
Friendly customer service
Amazing repair work
Excellent teachers
Services
Rentals
Our premium rental program offers European-crafted string instruments with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Each instrument receives professional setup by master luthier Roumen Raykovski to ensure optimal playability. Customers earn rental credit toward future purchases while accessing free school delivery and repairs.
Music Lessons
Personalized music education from 15 master-level instructors specializing in violin, cello, piano, and string bass. Our curriculum combines technical training with performance opportunities, accommodating all skill levels through flexible scheduling. Students benefit from intergenerational teaching expertise and family-oriented lesson planning.
Restoration
Expert restoration services for vintage and modern string instruments performed by internationally recognized luthier Roumen Raykovski. We specialize in structural repairs, re-varnishing, and sound optimization using traditional European techniques while maintaining historical authenticity through meticulous craftsmanship.
Rent-to-Purchase
Flexible instrument acquisition program allowing rental credit toward full purchase. Customers select from handcrafted violins, violas, cellos, and basses with transparent pricing structures and no mid-contract value adjustments, ensuring predictable investment in musical development.
Accessories
Comprehensive selection of performance essentials including rosin, cases, strings, and sheet music. Our inventory features curated options matched to instrument requirements, with expert recommendations from experienced staff ensuring optimal accessory-instrument compatibility for professional results.
People
Roumen Raykovski
Master Luthier & Owner
Internationally recognized violin maker with 30+ years of experience, trained at Chicago School of Violin Making. Specializes in European traditional craftsmanship, previously restoring instruments for Chicago Symphony Orchestra members.
Dani Raykovski
Managing Partner
Co-founder overseeing music school operations with 17+ years of educational program development. Coordinates instructor recruitment and curriculum design while managing customer service operations.
Peter Raykovski
String Bass Instructor
Professional bassist with extensive performance experience, offering lessons combining technical mastery with stage performance skills. Developed restoration program for student instruments while assisting with business operations.
Iliana Raykovski
Violin Educator
Established junior high orchestra program while teaching at Solo Classic. Provides violin and viola instruction using innovative methods developed through family collaboration and performance experience.
Questions
What services do you offer musical families?
We provide instrument rentals, private lessons, repairs, and accessory sales with transparent pricing and personalized instruction plans.
Are rentals available for all skill levels?
Yes, our rental program offers instruments from beginner to professional quality with expert setup included in all rentals.
Do you teach children's music programs?
Our music school offers age-appropriate lessons for students aged 6+ with specialized curricula and performance opportunities.
How are repairs handled for students?
Free school pickup and emergency repair services ensure minimal disruption to practice schedules with same-day service available.
Can I try instruments before purchasing?
We offer trial periods with all instruments, including loaner programs for final purchase decisions.
What makes your instructors qualified?
Our teaching staff includes master-level musicians with international performance experience and advanced degrees in music education.
Reviews (7)
Roza Doubnik
Jun 03, 2024
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Our experience with Solo Classic Music School in Buffalo Grove, IL, has been absolutely wonderful! Both of my children, one learning piano and the other violin, attended lessons during the 2023-2024 school year, and they couldn't have been happier. The teachers, Inna and Fabian, are exceptional. Their dedication, patience, and passion for music have truly inspired my kids. It's been a joy to see my children grow and develop their musical talents under their expert guidance.
The school also offers convenient services such as renting string instruments and providing tuning when needed, which has been incredibly helpful. The owners, Dani and Roman, have created a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. Additionally, Lana at the front desk is always friendly and accommodating, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. I highly recommend Solo Classic Music School for any parents looking to nurture their children's musical abilities. It's a fantastic place for kids to unwrap their talent and fall in love with music!
The school also offers convenient services such as renting string instruments and providing tuning when needed, which has been incredibly helpful. The owners, Dani and Roman, have created a warm and welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home. Additionally, Lana at the front desk is always friendly and accommodating, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. I highly recommend Solo Classic Music School for any parents looking to nurture their children's musical abilities. It's a fantastic place for kids to unwrap their talent and fall in love with music!
Shin Hye Kim
Jun 19, 2022
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Had my childhood violin fixed up at Solo Classic, and they did an excellent job. The owners are friendly, the craftsmanship is great, and the pricing is reasonable. I went during a busy season, and they were still very happy to help me out.
Jelly Show
Oct 29, 2021
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I've been using this place for the rental of my daughter for years. The instruments that this place offers are very high quality. Being confronted with the request from my young one to have piano lessons I chose this place too and never regret it. The teacher has been very good for our daughter and we are still staying with her. What is striking about this particular place is not only the professionalism of its teachers (my friends are also taking lessons at Solo) but also the kind atmosphere of the staff. I never felt a slightest sense of negligence or disrespect. My concerns and wishes were addressed. Very happy with the service.
Dhruv Patel
Sep 07, 2021
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You cannot compare the quality of instruments Solo has with any other company, especially their rentals and for such great prices! Roumen is a master luthier and personally adjusts all of the rentals making sure they play well regardless if it is for a child or not. We started renting and taking lessons 6 years ago--my daughter violin and son cello. My daughter got into Patriot orchestra at Stevenson this year, so we purchased a violin for her with the rental credit that we built. Roumen is an absolute master and very thorough in answering all of our questions.
The instrument is exceptional and sounds like it was made by a true artist. His wife Dani also treated us like we were a part of her family and was very considerate in making sure that we were satisfied with the instrument. Great family business, a true gem!
The instrument is exceptional and sounds like it was made by a true artist. His wife Dani also treated us like we were a part of her family and was very considerate in making sure that we were satisfied with the instrument. Great family business, a true gem!
Gabriel Hwang
Aug 18, 2021
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My name is Gabriel Hwang, conductor and violinist. A violin craftsman's name 'Solo Classic was introduced by one of my college student while I was having bridge problems. The precise curves and spacing of the bridge are very important for all violinists. After the fix, I was very happy for upgraded quality sound of my violin. And a few days later, my other teaching violin got a new fingerboard, bridge and overall restoration work, and I was very pleased for improving the sound.
I found that Mr. R. Raykovski is a real true Master of string instruments. To everyone who sees this comments, I would like to give highly, strongly, and utterly recommend to see Mr. Raykovski. And I was deeply impressed his assistant Mrs. Raykovsky. Her warmth and thoughtful personalities makes to all customers happy. I want to give them a great Thanks. As I am conductor, violinist and teacher, I recommend to get a consultation at 'Solo Classic'. The Solo Classic is wonderful Landmark for all string instrumentalists. It was my great pleasure to find Solo Classic. Thank you.
I found that Mr. R. Raykovski is a real true Master of string instruments. To everyone who sees this comments, I would like to give highly, strongly, and utterly recommend to see Mr. Raykovski. And I was deeply impressed his assistant Mrs. Raykovsky. Her warmth and thoughtful personalities makes to all customers happy. I want to give them a great Thanks. As I am conductor, violinist and teacher, I recommend to get a consultation at 'Solo Classic'. The Solo Classic is wonderful Landmark for all string instrumentalists. It was my great pleasure to find Solo Classic. Thank you.
Owen Kim
Aug 18, 2021
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First, Solo Classic has great and flexible hours. Whenever we need to tune our cello or make an adjustment last minute, they are always open and happy to help. Roumen is particularly kind and knowledgable about string instruments and he even showed me step by step how a cello is made from beginning to finish so that I could understand better. It is obvious that he is a master craftsman and has dedicated his life to this art. Over all, Solo always takes great care and I have not seen better rentals for such great prices anywhere else.
Dugarmaa Jidgarav
May 12, 2021
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We known Solo classics since 2018, my daughter got her first violin rented from here and we met these wonderful couple and staff, we appreciated all the support for my daughter's Orchestra they are always polite and quick, best qualified. Very happy to be served by them. Thank you so much, always! I recommend to everyone.
