Your Support Matters…

Known as "the Music School Where West Side Youth Become Global Citizens," the Chicago West Community Music Center (CWCMC) delivers high-quality contemporary music instruction to underserved youth across the Chicago area. For more than 20 years, the Center's music programs have enriched young lives while strengthening bonds within communities. The rigorous music curriculum prepares students to play, read, learn theory, and attend master class as preparation to move from private lessons to performing in its community orchestra.

The Center, affiliated with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's African American Network, offers lessons and performance opportunities to over a thousand students annually in classical, jazz, blues, and other genres. The long-term partnership between CWCMC and the Berklee College of Music in Boston allows students to participate in the Berklee City Music PULSE program.  This cutting-edge curriculum centered around present-day music styles and instruments that youth tend to select while developing theoretical, listening, improvisational, and performance skills. Qualifying students are recommended for scholarships to attend the university.

As part of its innovative international exchange program, CWCMC students have had the rare opportunity to perform and experience the local culture in São Paulo, Shanghai, and Paris.

Your donation supports our efforts to provide the availability of quality music education to underserved youth on Chicago's West Side and beyond—as well as to strengthen young lives, expand opportunity, and build more vibrant, unified communities.