A key component of Law Rocks’ mission is to promote music education for underserved youth. In 2023, due to our increased sponsorship and fundraising, Law Rocks has been able to offer a new grant at each Law Rocks show: The Music Matters grant. This grant is given to a local nonprofit that supports youth music education. Omi Crawford, director of Law Rocks, says of the grant initiative:
“Since our 2009 founding, Law Rocks has supported hundreds of incredible nonprofits, with an emphasis on youth music education organizations. The Music Matters grant is a natural evolution of our mission and a chance to formalize our support of amazing music education nonprofits across the country.”
Today’s spotlight is on The People’s Music School, who received a $2,500 grant at The Return of Law Rocks Chicago. Law Rocks is thrilled to be able to increase our support for music education through the Music Matters grant, and Chicago nonprofit The People’s Music School exemplifies our mission. We were excited to welcome Miriam Owens, President and Chief Executive Officer of TMPS and a musician herself, to sit on our Rock Panel of Judges at the show.
By offering the Music Matters grant in each city we tour to, we not only are able to support a wonderful organization, but also highlight the hard work of a local nonprofit to the greater community. Keep on reading for our spotlight interview with Miriam Owens, President and Chief Executive Officer of The People’s Music School.
1) Can you tell us a little about the history of your nonprofit, as well as its mission and focus?
The People’s Music School is the largest completely tuition-free music school serving Chicago metropolitan area children, focusing on removing barriers to access for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity of intensive music instruction. Our mission is to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, our students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose.
Dr. Rita Simó, a Juilliard-trained classical pianist, was inspired by the free music education she received as a child in the Dominican Republic. Her belief was that all children should have access to music education, regardless of their family’s socioeconomic status. Rita’s dream became a reality on February 22, 1976 when she opened the doors of The People’s Music School in a vacant storefront in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, with only $625. In 1995, Dr. Simó and the school directors erected the building currently housing the school at 931 W. Eastwood Avenue, still in the culturally diverse Uptown neighborhood where it first began.
2) What is the best example of the way you’ve seen your organization’s work make a difference?
By providing completely free, intensive music education, we see our 700+ students grow not only as musicians, but as people. With an 83% in-year student retention rate across the school and a 100% high school graduation & college acceptance rate among our seniors, our students stay with us and succeed with us. Each summer, advanced music students at The People’s Music School participate in world-class music programs and festivals, including Berklee College of Music Aspire, National YOLA Festival, Birch Creek Summer Music Academy, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Chicago Chamber Music Festival.
3) What are some upcoming initiatives that you are planning for?
Back-to-school season is almost upon us! We look forward to welcoming back our students to each of our four program sites, and we’re excited to usher in nearly 200 new faces. It’s an inspiring time of year, as students embark on their musical journeys, get to know their music teachers and ensemble leaders, and begin to prepare for their winter concerts where they perform in front of hundreds of audience members.
4) What is the greatest challenge your organization faces?
The People’s Music School operates on 100% fundraised revenue. This means that every dollar that goes into providing free music education comes from a community of people who believe in the power of the arts to change lives. Support for accessible music education is only as powerful as the community who believes in it. We invite you to join our community by supporting tuition-free music education today!
5) What does the power of music mean to you?
I always say that music has expanded my capacity for joy and human connection. In every stage of my life, I have created space to make music both by myself and with others. I feel most like myself when I am making music, and many of my deepest friendships are with people with whom I make music.
6) How will the Music Matters grant be used?
The Music Matters grant will go towards providing accessible music education to students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it - everything from instrument upkeep and classroom resources to student enrichment opportunities and faculty pay.
Learn more about The People’s Music School here.