GET INVOLVED
Transform lives through music.
Give the gift of music.
Support Chicago’s oldest and largest 100% tuition-free music school. Your gift will help our students reach their full potential and relieve our long waiting lists so that more children can gain access to the transformative benefits of a high-quality music education.
Sponsorship
Show your support by joining in harmony at our next Big Night.
Planned Giving
Make a sustaining impact on the lives of our students.
Honor Our Founder
Remember Dr. Rita Simó's legacy by donating in her name.
Volunteer
Show up and show out for People’s! Help out an an upcoming event.
Learn about Board Service
Become an invested advocate.
Join our Associate Board
For young professionals looking to make a difference in the music world.
Attend a Performance
Check out our upcoming events - we hope to see you there!
Subscribe to our Mailing List
Get our monthly newsletter in your inbox.
Donate an Instrument
Give your instrument at new home at The People's Music School.
Transforming lives since 1976.
The People’s Music School (TPMS) is the largest completely free music school serving Chicago metropolitan area children.
Our mission is to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, our students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose.
The People’s Music School 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. Founded in 1976 by Dr. Rita Simó, a Juilliard-trained pianist from the Dominican Republic, the legacy of tuition-free music education began in a repurposed barber shop, until a vacant lot on a residential block in Uptown eventually became its permanent home.
At The People’s Music School, we set high expectations for all students. We deliver a rigorous curriculum that demands musical excellence and personal commitment. And we root all of this in a strong culture of whole-child support.