Our Greater South Side site is our fastest growing program. And the demand for high-quality, accessible music instruction is only increasing. Meet
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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.
GET INVOLVED
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Attend an upcoming event!
View our event schedule and join us at an upcoming community event or concert.
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Join our Associate Board!
Be a part of a community of young professionals advocating for accessible music education.
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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.
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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 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.
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Back of the Yards Program Manager Ariel Garcia: “I strive to be the adult I needed when I was a kid”
Ariel Garcia has been a part of The People’s Music School team since 2019. For years, he has been an integral part
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SOME OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
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![DCASE Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events](https://peoplesmusicschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dcaselogo-768x239.jpeg)
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![Alphawood](https://peoplesmusicschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Alphawood.png)
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