The People’s Music School (TPMS) Associate Board is a dynamic group of young professionals, community leaders, and passionate advocates dedicated to advancing the mission of TPMS: delivering free, high-quality, and intensive music education to Chicago students who would otherwise lack access.

The group plays a vital role in fundraising, volunteer engagement, and community-building. Members contribute their professional skills and personal networks to generate resources that support more than 800 students across four sites in Uptown, Albany Park, Back of The Yards, and the Greater South Side. Through their efforts, the group helps ensure that music remains a transformative force in the lives of Chicago youth.

The Associate Board spearheads signature fundraising events such as Play It Forward, a benefit concert and celebration that brings together alumni, supporters, and Chicago’s arts community. Beyond events, members engage in year-round advocacy, cultivating awareness of TPMS’s mission while connecting new supporters, corporate partners, and donors to the school.

For members, serving on the Associate Board is both a leadership opportunity and a way to create lasting impact. They gain experience in nonprofit governance, fundraising strategy, and arts advocacy while joining a network of peers who share a passion for music, equity, and education.

Think you might be a good fit? View our application here.