Music Programs at the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME)
Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME), 1148 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60642
About
Music Programs at ChiME (Chicago Center for Music Education) offers a wide range of music experiences, including Buddy Band, group classes, classes for little ones, and classroom music. The program also offers private instrument lessons, after-school ensembles, early childhood music classes, and several summer options such as ChiME Time Camp, Buddy Band Camp, Make-A-Musical Camp, ChiME Music Lab, and Percussion Jam Camp. Music Therapy services, including Buddy Band for partners and other music therapy offerings, are also part of the program, along with professional development for partners.
• Schedule: Facility hours include Monday 1:00–9:00 pm, Tuesday–Thursday 1:00–7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am–4:00 pm; closed Friday and Sunday.
Founded as the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians in 1981, the organization expanded in 1986 by establishing partnerships with a number of Chicago Public Schools and began doing business as the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) in 2014. ChiME provides access to evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth. The organization serves nearly 3,300 children every year through its own programs and at 26 partner organizations, 17 of which are Chicago Public Elementary schools, and it can bring ChiME programs to schools or other organizations through partnerships. ChiME states a belief that everyone should have access to engaging and culturally responsive music programs regardless of ability level, age, economic status, or accommodation needs, and it notes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programming and pedagogy. The organization reports that approximately 35% of the children it serves are children with diverse learning abilities and that over 70% of the children served are economically disadvantaged, and it aims to remove participation barriers by offering tuition assistance to families and partner schools and a wide range of therapeutic accommodations for diverse learners and students with disabilities.
Parent and school feedback includes comments such as a parent of an Early Childhood class student saying that ChiME has provided songs to support their child through life events, a school director describing ChiME as an agent of change in a school community, and a parent noting that music therapy gives their child’s brain a unique opportunity to send signals to her limbs and start moving to the beat.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
• Schedule: Facility hours include Monday 1:00–9:00 pm, Tuesday–Thursday 1:00–7:00 pm, and Saturday 8:00 am–4:00 pm; closed Friday and Sunday.
Founded as the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians in 1981, the organization expanded in 1986 by establishing partnerships with a number of Chicago Public Schools and began doing business as the Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) in 2014. ChiME provides access to evidence-based therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth. The organization serves nearly 3,300 children every year through its own programs and at 26 partner organizations, 17 of which are Chicago Public Elementary schools, and it can bring ChiME programs to schools or other organizations through partnerships. ChiME states a belief that everyone should have access to engaging and culturally responsive music programs regardless of ability level, age, economic status, or accommodation needs, and it notes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its programming and pedagogy. The organization reports that approximately 35% of the children it serves are children with diverse learning abilities and that over 70% of the children served are economically disadvantaged, and it aims to remove participation barriers by offering tuition assistance to families and partner schools and a wide range of therapeutic accommodations for diverse learners and students with disabilities.
Parent and school feedback includes comments such as a parent of an Early Childhood class student saying that ChiME has provided songs to support their child through life events, a school director describing ChiME as an agent of change in a school community, and a parent noting that music therapy gives their child’s brain a unique opportunity to send signals to her limbs and start moving to the beat.
Last updated July 30, 2026.
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