The People's Music School is the only completely tuition-free music school in Chicago, and the oldest in the United States. The school was founded in 1976 by Dr. Rita Simó, an accomplished pianist from the Dominican Republic who believed that all children should have access to music education, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status. Today we serve over 1,600 students in the Chicagoland metropolitan area and beyond. Through intensive instruction and performance our students learn more than music. They grow socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem and purpose. We believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of youth, families and communities.