The People's Music School

The People’s Music School offers after-school tuition-free music education that includes intensive music instruction. Students take part in activities such as music theory games with Musical Caterpillar, note reading, ear training, rhythm practice, and volunteering at a performance.

• Price: 100% tuition-free

The People’s Music School first opened in 1976. Its mission is to offer high quality, after-school tuition-free music education to school aged children in Chicago who would otherwise would face financial barriers to access. The school is the largest completely tuition-free music school serving Chicago metropolitan area children and focuses on removing barriers to access for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of intensive music instruction. The program delivers a rigorous curriculum that demands musical and behavioral excellence and roots this curriculum in a strong culture of support. Research-based benefits of music education are highlighted, and Spanish translations are provided by TPMS parent Cecilia Bocanegra.

Grammy Award-winning ensemble Third Coast Percussion has provided a testimonial, stating, “From the students, to the teachers, to the staff, everything you all do is so engaging, well planned, and creative... [The People's Music School] is such an inspiring organization to be around.” Alumna Senite Barih, Class of ’20 Chicago Artist & Musician and student at Loyola University, shared, “Continuing music means not only passing the education I have, but the love I have for music to students, aspiring musicians, and those who hopefully will be in my position soon. Truly, there is no place like People’s.” The People’s Music School offers a monthly alumni e-newsletter called In Tune. The program invites community members to join its Associate Board, a community of young professionals advocating for accessible music education.

Last updated April 18, 2026.