Programs

MUSIC Inc. Programs

MUSIC Inc. partners with schools, parks, and community organizations throughout Chicago’s west side to offer music all students can access. Whether a student is just starting out or wants to continue their education, they can find a K-12 tuition-free orchestra program that’s right for them.

Early Childhood (Daytime Programming)

KinderMUSIC: In this foundational program, kindergarten students explore and engage in a variety of new musical concepts. Teaching artists create lesson plans alongside classroom teachers. Music skills go hand-in-hand with school objectives such as counting, letter recognition, and social-emotional development.

  • 45 minutes of instruction per week during the school day
  • Serves the entire kindergarten grade level
  • Lessons taught at Chicago schools

Suzuki Strings: Designed specifically for first and second graders, Suzuki Strings offers beginner-level lessons that can lead youth to a lifetime of love for music and the arts. With additional Saturday Family Suzuki classes, parents can learn alongside their young beginner.

  • 2.5 hrs of instruction per week during the school day
  • Serves first and second grade students (ages 6-8)
  • Lessons taught at Chicago schools

El Sistema Project (After-school programs)

The El Sistema philosophy is to create access to high quality music education in underserved communities. MUSIC Inc. promotes this mission by providing at-risk youth with multiple after-school and weekend programs that are affordable, flexible, and focused on character development.

  • 8-10 hours of full orchestra ensemble instruction per week
  • Serves students ages 8-18
  • Lessons taught at Chicago schools and community youth centers

School sites: Orchestra programs are taught at Chicago schools in a safe and engaging space for students to learn and grow during after-school hours.

Youth centers: Provides after-school orchestra programs at community youth centers to reach students who do not attend school sites served by MUSIC Inc.

Saturday Conservatory Program: This supplementary program is designed for highly dedicated and motivated students. Students gain additional ensemble training in a chamber setting, music theory, and semi-private lessons.

Community Engagement

Part of MUSIC Inc’s commitment to music education is community engagement. We love bringing music to all areas of a community, whether that’s through concerts at community centers or mentorship opportunities with professional musicians. Youth enrolled in MUSIC Inc programs and students in surrounding school communities can participate in these programs.

  • Artists in Residence: Connects students with professional musicians through interactive concerts and workshops.
  • Honors Orchestra: Engages an elite student performance group with active volunteerism by providing concerts at community centers, senior homes, and hospitals.

Where We Serve

MUSIC Inc. currently serves students at these locations. If you are a school, community center, senior home, hospital, or park district who wants to partner with MUSIC Inc., contact us at info@MusicIncChicago.org or call (312) 854-9895.

Are you a parent? Register your student today. Register Now!

North Lawndale

  • KIPP Ascend Primary
  • KIPP Ascend Middle
  • Blessed Sacrament Youth Center
  • St. Agatha Catholic Church

Archer Heights

  • Academy for Global Citizenship

Garfield Park

  • KIPP One Academy

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