This month, we celebrated the Grand Opening of our new Greater South Side location – our first investment in a physical space since 1995.
HISTORY
What started as a small program with 15 students 10 years ago has grown to more than 150 students today. This space at 5410 South State Street marks an exciting new chapter, one in which even more students can learn, grow, and transform their futures through music. As we celebrate 50 years of Daring To Play, we’re carrying forward Dr. Rita Simó’s dream: that every child deserves access to high-quality music education.
A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
Thank you to our incredible supporters, staff, faculty, and partners who came out to celebrate with us – and a special thank you to our Greater South Side SLAM Wind Ensemble who provided some outstanding performances in our beautiful new space!
About The People's Music School
The People’s Music School (TPMS) is a 501(c) (3) that envisions a society where all children have access to the unique social, emotional, intellectual benefits achieved through musical excellence. We believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of youth, families and communities.
Dr. Rita Simó, a Juilliard-trained classical pianist, was inspired by the free music education she received as a child in the Dominican Republic. Her dream became a reality in 1976, when she opened the doors of The People’s Music School in a vacant storefront in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago.
Today, TPMS has expanded to serve over 800 students from 55 ZIP codes across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Our Unique Model
We’re 100% focused on removing all barriers to access.
- Financial: rigorous music education provided at zero-cost
- Geographical: We work in the communities we serve – free bus transportation at our community sites and one-on-ones with families to create schedule accommodations for students
- Cultural: Families receive bilingual communications; faculty are provided resources for culturally responsive music education
- Social-emotional: Faculty receive trauma-informed professional development and training