Testimonials

“Working with Bill transformed far more than my guitar playing—it elevated my entire performance. He helped me refine my sound, strengthen my stage presence, and confidently engage audiences in ways I never had before. What started as lessons turned into a complete upgrade of my keynote, making it more dynamic, interactive, and memorable. If you want to stand out on stage, Bill delivers.”

“If you have never heard Bill Brickey sing, you are missing out on one of the most brilliant performers in Chicago. Bill has a wildly creative musical ability to jump in and out of genres, improvising all the way and taking the listener on a once-in-a-lifetime listening adventure. He is a beloved music teacher at the venerable Old Town School of Folk Music where he inspires students to create their own unique sound. His songwriting lives in a magical place between soul, folk, & gospel. Do not miss an opportunity to see or hear Bill at his iconic Shoobooty Studio, one of many albums he graces, or a groovy gig near you.”

“Bill is amazing. He's warm, engaging, talented, and a wonderful presence in the class. Both my daughter and I loved him.”

“Playing in Wood, Bone and Steel and Shoobooty for well over a decade with Bill Brickey has been an absolutely amazing experience! Bill's compositions are great — they tell me what to do! Running the musical realms with my Brethren Bill is always super groovy and just what it needs to be, always!”

"Bill Brickey is a Chicago treasure and a musical gift to kids and families. His music is joyful, uplifting, nurturing and and lots of fun. His songs celebrate and inspire all!"

"Bill has an encyclopedic knowledge of music, a warm demeanor, a great sense of humor, and decades of experience.  I've enjoyed him as a guitar teacher and leader of an ensemble in which I played keys and sang. He's a treasure."

"I consider Bill Brickey to be the finest teacher at OTS (Old Town School) due to his sensitivity and interest for each student! Bill is not distracted nor displeased if a student asks a question. Rather, Bill spends thoughtful time and thoroughly responds to each student's concerns — frequently by asking the student a follow-up question. Bill's student-centered inquiry approach has motivated me to continue my music practice and then practice some more! I am enjoying my music learning journey thanks to Bill."

"As a non-professional musician, I have taken several ensemble classes at OTSFM under a variety of fantastic instructors. Every class has been enjoyable and provided a rewarding creative outlet. This term, however, my experience playing in Bill's Poets of Pop ensemble was something truly special.

"Bill treated every member of the ensemble with respect, quickly recognizing each musician's strengths and areas for growth. He constantly reminded us that listening, supporting one another, and serving the music are far more important than focusing on our individual parts. In less than two months, he helped every one of us become a better musician than when we first walked through the door.

"Bill's enthusiasm, insight, and ability to bring out the best in every musician made this one of the most rewarding musical experiences I've had since my days of yore playing in high school and college jazz ensembles. I consider Bill a mentor, and hopefully a friend."

"I have known, learned from, and taught with Bill Brickey for a very long time. I have seen him captivate individuals, small groups and large auditoriums with his powerful energy.

"As a teacher he is patient, kind and intuitive. As a performer he is perfection. As a colleague he is the best. Always there to lend a hand or be a shoulder to lean on.

"The world could use more just like him. He is the greatest."

"Learning from Bill Brickey has been a standout experience. Bill doesn’t just teach songs — he genuinely cares about helping each student grow as a musician. His feedback is practical and insightful, and his stories and anecdotes add great context to the material. After two classes with him at Old Town School of Folk Music, I wouldn’t hesitate to sign up for another."

"Bill Brickey will accelerate your guitar ability big time. He has many years of experience on the guitar, plays several other instruments, ... and has a deep appreciation for all categories of music. He is very good with small children and has taught the Wiggleworms classes where even babies and toddlers learn rhythm and music making. 

"As an individual instructor he is very supportive. His group classes such as ensembles are always fun, and he won't perform a song unless everything is as close to perfect as it can possibly get. Bill has been an asset to Old Town School for many years. You will learn a lot from him and enjoy yourself in the process."

"[Bill] really challenged me to be a better musician. And because of that I genuinely think of myself as a much better guitar player ... when playing with my best friend ... instead of just strumming up and down .. I really thought of how our instruments fit together ... how I could lay back to the vibe shine through. Thank you for helping me grow!"

"Bill is a joy and an inspiration to our community and I'm so glad he works with me at the Old Town School of Folk Music and that I've had the opportunity to sing with him onstage. He's also very funny and can extend a coda better than anyone I've ever met. I hear from his students all the time how much they love him and have learned and been inspired by him. Invested with years of deep knowledge and true love of teaching and sharing. Hooray for Bill!"