This school year, we’re celebrating 50 years of The People’s Music School!
In 1976, Dr. Rita Simó opened the doors to The People’s Music School in Uptown, bringing her vision of a completely free music school to life. Fast forward to today – The People’s Music School has provided free, intensive music education to thousands of students across Chicago who face financial barriers to accessing music education. From our humble beginnings as an old beauty parlor storefront in Uptown, to our current programming reaching 800+ students representing over 55 ZIP codes, The People’s Music School has enabled Chicago’s children to unlock their creativity, find their voices, and achieve their dreams.
For 50 years, we’ve provided access to the benefits of an intensive music education – and we’ve done it 100% tuition-free.
Honor Rita at Big Night!
Join us Friday, February 27 at The Geraghty for Big Night! We will celebrate five decades of bold dreams, proud accomplishments, and growing impact. This year, we will posthumously honor Dr. Rita Simó, founder of The People’s Music School, as we recognize and celebrate her legacy of impact.
Can’t make it? Consider placing an ad or an in memoriam in our print program. Click here to download the order form.
What is your People's Music School Story?
What is your connection to The People’s Music School? Did you take lessons with Rita? Do you remember camping out in line to reserve a registration spot? Were you a student or former parent? An alum, Board member, supporter, friend? Do you live in the community? We want to hear from you!
Contact ellie.depastino@peoplesmusicschool.org with your story, photos, videos, or any other memories you’d like to share.
TIMELINE
1976
Dr. Rita Simó opens the doors to The People’s Music School for the first time on February 22nd in a repurposed barber shop at 4417 North Sheridan. 45 students enroll in piano lessons, band ensemble, and community singing, with 5 faculty members, including Dr. Rita Simó.
1995
A vacant lot on a residential block in Uptown becomes the permanent home for The People’s Music School in 1995. The land was purchased for $1 from the City under the condition that the site always be used for tuition-free music programming.
2002
The City of Chicago honors our founder by granting Eastwood Avenue the honorary title Rita Simó Way.
2008
In partnership with Hibbard Elementary School, The People’s Music School launches an El Sistema-inspired youth orchestra program in Albany Park. The partnership has grown over the years to serve around 150 students every year.
2014
Jennifer Kim Matsuzawa began her career as a piano instructor at The People’s Music School. She went on to achieve active leadership roles at Bain & Company and PepsiCo. Her return to the school as President & Artistic Director brings renewed vision and energy.
2016
TPMS expands to the South Side of Chicago, launching an orchestra program at Lara Elementary School in Back of the Yards, and a band program at the Gary Comer Youth Center near Englewood.
2016
Yo-Yo Ma surprises our students by joining them in a performance at Forefront’s annual luncheon! We launch our Service, Leadership, Artistry, and Mentorship (SLAM) in the fall of 2016, a program designed for our most advanced students.
2017
TPMS string quintet opens the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago, which features remarks from Lin Manuel-Miranda, Common, Chance the Rapper, and many other musicians.
2019
Mayor Lori Lightfoot meets our students at our annual Performapaloozathon, a six-hour music marathon featuring all sorts of instruments and musicians of all ages.
2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic, the People’s Music School transitions to remote online learning, offering virtual music lessons and performance opportunities.
2022
The People’s Music School appoints Miriam Goldberg Owens as its President and CEO on December 5, 2022. Owens has served on the organization’s leadership team since August 2021, joining as Chief Operating Officer. She became Chief of Development and Operations in April 2022, expanding the organization’s fundraising footprint while driving operational improvements.
2023
We remodel and unveil the Rita Simó Roof Deck at Uptown Academy, a community space made possible by the generous contributions of The People’s Music School community, the Chicago Department of Planning and Development, The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, and TPMS alum and board member Nalini Kotamraju.
2024
The People’s Music School appears on the Jennifer Hudson Show, where Jennifer Hudson presents us with a surprise $10,000 grant.
2025
We open our new Greater South Side program site at 5410 S State Street, the first time since 1995 that the People’s Music School has made an investment to create its own physical space.
Become a part of our story. Donate to The People’s Music School today!
50 YEARS OF IMPACT
A Message from Our President & CEO: Miriam Owens on 50 Years of Daring to Play
Rita Simó on the Founding of The People’s Music School (1988)
FEATURED IMPACT STORY: Avril De la Cruz ’23
Big Night Crescendo – Students & Alums Talk TPMS Impact (2025)
GET INVOLVED
To honor this historic anniversary, TPMS will be celebrating throughout the 2025-2026 school year, holding concerts, sharing stories from our community, and highlighting the transformative impact of music education.
