Our story begins
with a violin
OUR STORY
In 2011, Chicago violinist, Sarah Dupuis partnered with social worker Joi Truman and co-founded MUSIC Inc, a program that combines high-quality music education and social emotional support for students in Chicago’s west side communities. MUSIC Inc. was born out of a desire to restore valuable arts education resources and opportunities to families across Chicago’s west side communities.
MUSIC Inc’s pilot program started with a donation of twenty-five violins from Fritz Ruiter and Sons Violin Shop. Sarah and Joi worked with a group of twenty-five first grade students and their families to provide a strong musical foundation for the young musicians. Our focus on building lasting relationships with the families helped students continue their music education through 8th grade and into high school. Families trusted us to help their children and saw the impact music had to help them overcome challenges and grow in personal confidence.
Decades of systemic divestment in arts education impacts every aspect of a child’s development and future opportunities. Our focus on starting students from a young age provides them with the level of instruction necessary to compete with their peers from more affluent communities. 75% of MUSIC Inc students’ participate for an average of 5 years, providing them a depth of opportunities to use music for their future career or just as a fun hobby. Over the years, MUSIC Inc. has grown to serve over 200 families in the North Lawndale, Garfield Park, and Austin communities.
MUSIC Inc is redefining what it means to provide arts programming in communities suffering from the impacts of systemic divestment and racism.
Our mission
MUSIC Inc. empowers communities through music with restorative, cost-free programs, that support families and students
Our vision
Restore equitable access to music education
Music Inc. Programs
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What is Suzuki Violin Class?
A weekly group class designed for young beginners and THEIR FAMILY
Parent/adult family member attend WITH the student to learn games and exercises
Why are parents a part of Suzuki lessons?
Young students LOVE their music time when the adult learns with them and can guide their practice at home
Parents are able to help reinforce learned techniques and material during at-home practice
Why should students start learning violin at a young age?
Learning a string instrument at a young age provides students with a valuable foundation to learn additional instruments when they are older.
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Student's younger than 5th grade are invited to learn Violin or Cello!
Why ONLY Violin or Cello?
String instruments are sized perfectly for young musicians
Woodwind and Brass instruments are too large and young students will not be able to grip and play them properly
Violin or Cello are GREAT first instruments to learn - many students learn additional instruments when they get older
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This program is designed for students in grades 5th grade through 8th grade.
Students have a wide range of instruments to select. We ask that students commit to their selected instrument for 1 full academic year (September - May).
Instrument Selection:
Strings: Violin, Viola or Cello
Woodwinds: Flute or Clarinet
Brass: Trumpet or Trombone
We recommend students begin with one instrument choice. They may add an additional instrument in following years.
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Lessons for students in grades 9 - 12 are individualized to help each student move along at their own pace and make learning enjoyable.
Instrument Selection:
Strings: Violin, Viola or Cello
Woodwinds: Flute or Clarinet
Brass: Trumpet or Trombone
We recommend students begin with one instrument choice. They may add an additional instrument in following years.