The People's Music School

The People's Music School offers after-school, tuition-free music education for school aged children in Chicago who would otherwise face financial barriers to access. The program provides intensive music instruction and delivers a rigorous curriculum that demands musical and behavioral excellence, rooted in a strong culture of support. It is described as the largest completely tuition-free music school serving children in the Chicago metropolitan area and focuses on removing barriers to access for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of intensive music instruction.

• 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 face financial barriers to access. The program highlights research-based benefits of music education, including that 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, and 45% more likely to vote.

Community members can volunteer with The People’s Music School by volunteering at a performance or by joining the Associate Board, a community of young professionals advocating for accessible music education. Third Coast Percussion, described as a Grammy Award-winning ensemble, shared that “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.” A graduate, Senite Barih (Class of ’20, Chicago artist and musician, student at Loyola University), stated, “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.”

Last updated July 30, 2026.