As students embark on their composition projects this spring, our teaching artists are sharing more about their own musical inspirations. Read through
Join The People's Music School!
The People’s Music School offers high quality, tuition-free music education to school aged children in Chicago who would otherwise not be able to afford it. Based on a student’s age, we offer classes in general music, instrumental studies, music theory, and a variety of ensembles.
We're not just teaching music.
We are teaching young minds how to think, how to problem solve, how to collaborate through music. We set high expectations for all students. We deliver a rigorous curriculum that demands musical and behavioral excellence. We root all of this in a strong culture of support.
One of the only music schools of its kind.
The People’s Music School is the largest completely tuition-free music school serving Chicago metropolitan area children, focusing on removing barriers to access for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of intensive music instruction.
Join us for Performapaloozathon!
Don’t miss our biggest performance of the year on Saturday, June 1 at Northeastern Illinois University. With 700+ students, over 30 ensembles, and 21 different instruments, Performapaloozathon is the day-long music marathon you don’t want to miss! Plus: food vendors, lawn games, prize drawings, and more!
GET INVOLVED
Attend an upcoming event!
View our event schedule and join us at an upcoming community event or concert.
Join our Associate Board!
Be a part of a community of young professionals advocating for accessible music education.
Volunteer with People’s!
Get to know our close-knit community by volunteering at a performance.
OUR IMPACT
year-over-year student retention
high school graduation
college acceptance
RESEARCH-BASED BENEFITS
Studies show that excellence in music transfers to other parts of life.
Students who receive a music education are:
- 2x more likely to complete college
- 5x less likely to drop out of school
- 20% more likely to have gainful employment
- 45% more likely to vote
PERFORMANCE SPOTLIGHTS
FROM OUR BLOG
Our Greater South Side site is our fastest growing program. And the demand for high-quality, accessible music instruction is only increasing. Meet
Our data shows that the longer students remain in our program, the deeper and more sustainable the impact, in particular given the learning disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in our student community.
SOME OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS