Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME)

The Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME) provides access to evidence-based music therapy and engagement-based music programs that develop critical skills and foster self and social growth. We strive to inspire a higher level of humanity through music and we believe that everyone should have access to the many benefits of music education. Our program objectives aim to help participants reach their true potential through the joy of music-making and the acquisition of essential life skills. We teach children to value differences and celebrate diversity through repertoire, curriculum, and relationship-building activities. Our goal is to provide everyone with opportunities to tap into their creativity, express themselves musically, and grow their skills and character through music. 

ChiME was founded in 1981 as the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians with the inaugural class of 15 families from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Today we serve around 3,300 participants through Music Classes, Private Lessons, and Music Therapy at our West Town location as well as Classroom Music instruction during and after school at Chicago area partner schools. During 2024 we delivered instruction to students in 182 classrooms throughout our 26 partner schools and organizations (including 17 Chicago Public Schools), 180 after-school program participants, over 100 private lesson students, 40 Early Childhood families, 20 individual Music Therapy clients, and 50 summer camp participants. Every year, we also put on between 20-30 performances for audiences ranging from 10 to 300. Approximately 69% of our participants are economically disadvantaged and 35% have diverse learning needs.