Business Details
25 Years
experience
Your Premier Music School & Instrument Rental Destination in Buffalo Grove
Since 2001, Solo Classic has been dedicated to fostering musical excellence through personalized education and master-crafted instruments. Founded by Roumen and Dani Raykovski, our family-owned business combines over two decades of expertise in violin making and music instruction. We offer tailored music lessons with 15 master-level educators, specializing in diverse instruments and curricula designed to unlock each student's potential. Our European-trained luthier ensures every rental and sale instrument achieves superior playability through meticulous craftsmanship. With a legacy of serving Chicagoland's musical community, we provide expert repairs, competitive rentals, and a one-stop shop for all music student needs.Our commitment to quality extends to our curated selection of accessories, sheet music, and handcrafted violins, cellos, and bows. Recognized by prestigious organizations like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, we maintain partnerships with leading music institutions. Our transparent pricing, flexible rental credit program, and seven-day availability reflect our dedication to accessible, community-focused service. Having restored instruments for professional musicians and nurtured generations of students, we continue to uphold traditional craftsmanship while embracing modern educational approaches. This balance of heritage and innovation positions us as a trusted partner for musicians at every stage of their journey.
Services
Music Lessons
Instrument Rentals
Repair Services
Instrument Sales
Music School
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of expertise in violin making and music education
- Our European-trained luthier personally sets up every rental instrument
- 15 master-level teachers with global performance and teaching experience
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or mid-contract increases
- Seven-day availability for rentals, repairs, and lessons
What people say
Expert craftsmanship
Great teachers
Superior instruments
Personalized service
Excellent repairs
Services
Music Lessons
Our master-level educators provide personalized music instruction for all skill levels. With 15 instructors specializing in various string instruments and piano, we offer customized curricula to match each student's goals. Our teaching approach combines traditional methods with modern techniques to develop technical proficiency and musical expression.
Instrument Rentals
We offer premium string instrument rentals with competitive pricing and flexible terms. Each rental instrument receives expert setup by our in-house luthier to ensure optimal playability. Our program includes maintenance support, school delivery, and rental credit toward future purchases for long-term students.
Repair Services
Our expert luthier provides comprehensive repair and restoration services for string instruments. From minor adjustments to full restorations of valuable antiques, we use traditional European techniques to preserve instrument integrity. Emergency repair support is available for urgent performance-related needs.
Instrument Sales
We sell handcrafted violins, violas, cellos, and bows made in the European tradition. Our instruments undergo meticulous setup by our master luthier to enhance playability and tonal quality. We also offer a curated selection of accessories, sheet music, and cases to support musicians' complete needs.
Music School
Our dedicated music school provides comprehensive educational programs with performance opportunities. Students benefit from a diverse learning environment with instructors from global backgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes technical development, musical theory, and performance preparation to nurture well-rounded musicians.
People
Roumen Raykovski
Maker/Owner
Master luthier trained at Chicago School of Violin Making, with expertise in European traditional craftsmanship. Restored instruments for Chicago Symphony Orchestra and developed Solo Classic's rental program since 2001.
Dani Raykovski
Managing Partner
Co-founder who established the music school program, overseeing operations and customer service. Brings 20+ years of experience in music education and business management to support students and instructors.
Iliana Raykovski
Music Educator
Started violin at 7, developed junior high orchestra program, and teaches string instruments. Combines performance experience with pedagogical training to nurture young musicians through personalized instruction.
Questions
What music lesson options do you offer?
We provide private lessons for violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano with master-level instructors. Our curriculum accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced students.
Do you offer instrument rentals for school programs?
Yes, we provide rental instruments with free school delivery and pickup. Our program includes maintenance support and rental credit toward future purchases.
What repair services are available?
We offer full restoration, adjustments, and emergency repairs for string instruments by our master luthier. Services include rehairing, soundpost adjustments, and structural repairs.
Are your instruments suitable for professional musicians?
Yes, our handcrafted instruments meet professional standards. We've supplied instruments to Chicago Symphony Orchestra members and maintain a collection of concert-grade instruments.
What makes your music school unique?
Our school combines personalized instruction with performance opportunities and access to expertly maintained instruments. Instructors include professional musicians with global experience.
Reviews (5)
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.
