The People's Music School

10/07/2026

is October 8th! If you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), now is a great time to maximize the benefits. Recommending a grant to The People’s Music School only takes a few minutes, and you can easily access over 900 DAF providers through our website! DAF giving is one of the most tax efficient ways to support high quality, tuition free music education in Chicago. https://peoplesmusicschool.org/donate/

Don't have a DAF? They are easier to set up than ever before, and it can help make your non-cash giving go further. Regardless of how you give, thank you for supporting The People’s Music School in our mission to bring quality music education to all.

Now is a great time to maximize the benefits of your DAF.

10/05/2026

"Part of the reason that People’s continues to be part of my life is because I feel grateful for the opportunity to have participated in what the school does and what it stands for. I firmly believe that music education should be free, and that people should have the opportunity to learn music, regardless of ability to pay."

Nalini Kotamraju, Ph.D. attended TPMS as a teen, taking piano lessons at first and then singing in the children’s choir. She returned as a college student for an internship. Now, she serves on the Board of Directors - just as her mother did. She still feels the impact Rita Simó made on her life.

Read Nalini's full story, "Rita’s Legacy, Still in Motion," here: https://peoplesmusicschool.org/yearinreview26/ -nalini-kotamraju

By Nalini Kotamraju, Ph.D.

10/02/2026

📣 Join our Greater South Side music program! The People's Music School offers high quality, after-school tuition-free music education to school aged children in Chicago who would otherwise would face financial barriers to access.

🔗 Learn more and register at surveymonkey.com/r/LQQ8TQS

10/01/2026

📸 Moments from Greater South Side's first day of program yesterday at New Life Covenant Church Southeast !

📣 Interested in joining our Greater South Side program? We're actively looking for new students 🎉 Head to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQQ8TQS to register!

09/29/2026

"Being part of a diverse community with access to quality music education is one of the most valuable things a human can have. The People’s Music School accomplishes this in the best way possible."

TPMS recent alum Freya Javier spent eight years learning cello at The People's Music School. Now, as a first-year at the University of Chicago, Freya is excited to be studying the physical sciences and looks forward to pursuing undergraduate research opportunities. She intends to keep music a big part of her life by playing in the symphony orchestra and chamber ensemble. And she's fundraising for a new cello - linked here! gofund.me/25673ceb5

📌 Save this post and read Freya's full story, "The People's Music School Is My Family", here: https://peoplesmusicschool.org/yearinreview26/ -freya-javier

09/26/2026

The SLAM @ UA Guitar Ensemble, led by Ross Palfrey, meets every Saturday at Uptown Academy. Aleksandar, Raaga, Amran, and Evan have a combined 26 years at The People's Music School! Here's a glimpse into what rehearsal sounds like 🎶

09/23/2026

📣 Our 2025-26 Year in Review is here!

🎵 Our annual report celebrates 50 Years of Daring to Play. Inside, you’ll find highlights from a remarkable year—student achievements, alumni success stories, and community celebrations. Head to our website to read more.

🔗 https://peoplesmusicschool.org/yearinreview26

09/18/2026

Our string ensembles rock at TPMS! 🤘 Enjoy this clip of The Albany Park Transform String Ensemble performing "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes, conducted by Felipe Tobar 🎻

👉 Share this post with a White Stripes fan!

The White Stripes Jack White

09/15/2026

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 🎉 Head to our blog to read about 5 free, musical ways you can celebrate right here in Chicago.

🔗 https://peoplesmusicschool.org/5-free-musical-ways-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-in-chicago/

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage month. Here are five free, musical ways you can celebrate!

09/15/2026

¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! 🎉 Entra en nuestro blog para descubrir cinco formas gratuitas y musicales de celebrarlo aquí mismo, en Chicago.

🔗 https://peoplesmusicschool.org/es/5-free-musical-ways-to-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-in-chicago/

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage month. Here are five free, musical ways you can celebrate!