We teach all ages and all levels; from beginner to expert.
Core Programs.
Chicago West Community Music Center provides a variety of direct instruction programs for elementary and high school students. From the Business of Music to Suzuki style sessions, students learn to play and perform.
Berklee Music Initiative
CWCMC 100 N. CENTRAL PARK AVE. CHICAGO IL
10 weeks/session; 3X per year
After-school program for high school students
This is a Gallery 37 after school college prep program. Based on a Partnership with Berklee City Music, students learn music theory from Berklee’s College curriculum. The program is designed to deliver high-quality contemporary music instruction to underserved youth across the U.S. It will bring real-time and Web-based music education to students nationwide.
Berklee City Music is the college’s strategic initiative to engage underserved urban 6th- through 12th-graders in a year-round music education program. City Music provides quality music instruction, mentoring, and college scholarships to students enrolled at City Music Network sites. Culminating event occurs at the end of each session.
The Business of Music
CWCMC 100 N. CENTRAL PARK AVE. CHICAGO IL
10 weeks/session; 3X per year
After-school program for high school students
This is a Gallery 37 after school job training program. Students learn the business aspect of the industry along with the techniques of professional performance. A culminating event occurs at the end of each session.
As a result of the student training, they are hired to perform for city events. The program includes Communications, Music Production, Music Theory, and Music Recording. This program accommodates 25-30 students per session and runs concurrently with the school year and summer break.
W.I.S.H. - Westside Instructional String and Harp
CWCMC 100 N. CENTRAL PARK AVE. CHICAGO IL
Saturdays; 9:00 am to 2:30 pm
This program is supported in part by the Department of Family & Support Services
Saturday Strings training for Elementary School Children. Students learn to play various musical instruments. String instruments include violin, cello, harp, and guitar using both the traditional style and the Suzuki style learning method. Each student receives private lessons and group lessons.
Outreach Programs.
Chicago West Community Music Center provides students with consistent music instruction, featuring small group lessons during and after-school while creating platforms for students to showcase their newly developed skills. CWCMC strives to not only close the music accessibility gap of minorities and non-minorities, it also provides artistic skill development and academic achievement. These instructional classes also foster a culture of continuous learning among teaching artists by ensuring that the program implements best practices in arts learning.
Cook County Suzuki Violin/Viola Music Program
POSEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL | 14545 CALIFORNIA AVE. POSEN, IL
Hosted by Chicago West Community Music Center
Posen students learn to play string instruments through the Suzuki method. This internationally known music curriculum & teaching philosophy is dated from the mid- 20th century, created by Japanese violinist and pedagogue Shinichi Suzuki (1898–1998). The method aims to create an environment for learning music, which parallels the linguistic environment of acquiring a native language. Suzuki believed that this environment would also help to foster good moral character.
Students at Posen Elementary School participate in violin and viola instruction twice per week as part of the school’s curriculum. This includes learning music theory and note reading to enhance their ability to add new repertoire. Students also participate in performances for school faculty, family and friends.
Department of Family and Support Services Piano Music Program
Hosted by Chicago West Community Music Center
Westside Comprehensive STEAM Program introduces a set of skills to youth and teens that are essential in a professional environment. They learn music production and the fundamental business aspects of the music industry; get hands-on experience learning how to use recording equipment; incorporate music into stories, songwriting, and script development. They also receive in-depth vocal training and help with other professional performance techniques. The focus is on critical skills development such as teamwork, communications, critical thinking/problem solving, and conflict resolution. This advanced music program requires students to have a musical instrument.
The Summer Camp services students who want to learn to play an instrument. Private and group lessons, music theory, and ensemble training are available. A master class is held weekly for the more advanced student. The 6-week summer WISH Music Camp is also available to reinforce practice in a fun way. Outcomes include advancement to orchestra. These programs are in collaboration with the City of Chicago, Park District facilities.
In addition to program locations throughout Chicago, the Piano Music Program is also hosted at:
THE FIELD SCHOOL | 931 LAKE ST. | OAK PARK, IL
Chicago West Community Music Center
General music instruction is conducted by Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC) staff and provides low-income African-American and Latino students the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive, rigorous, and engaging music education program. This music arts learning program is immersed in the school’s daily academic curriculum and specifically aligns with the National Music Education standards and Village Leadership Academy’s global studies and social justice programs provide youth with the opportunity to learn about the role of music throughout history and the globe. All students are introduced to various aspects of music-making, literacy and interpretation, and music evaluation. As students progress they will develop advanced music skills including composition, performance of complex selections, and the opportunity to audition for school performances.