Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The People’s Music School
Legal Name (if Different): Peoples Music School Inc.
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 931 W Eastwood Ave
City: Chicago
State: IL
Postal Code: 60640
Main Phone: (773) 784-7032
Main Fax: NA
Organization Website: https://peoplesmusicschool.org
Employer ID Number: 51-0192597
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3, 509(a)(1), 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/20/2026
Requested Amount: 10,000

Project Title: Tuition-Free After School Music Education
Project Description:

The People’s Music School (TPMS) is Chicago’s oldest and one of the nation’s largest entirely tuition-free music programs. Our mission is to provide equitable access to intensive music education for students who would otherwise face financial barriers. Each year, we serve over 800 students (ages 6–18), helping them build crucial life skills through music.

TPMS operates four sites across Chicago: our flagship in Uptown and three Community Programs. Two are co-located within Title I Chicago Public Schools in Albany Park and Back of the Yards, and our Greater South Side program is based in Washington Park (5410 S. State Street). Across all sites, TPMS serves students from more than 55 zip codes. No student, family, or school partner is ever charged tuition, and no prior musical training or auditions are required.

Students receive four hours per week of high-quality instruction, including private and sectional lessons, music theory, and ensemble practice and performance. TPMS provides all instruments, books, and supplies, technology access, and many family engagement opportunities. We offer training in 21 instruments and voice through an El Sistema-inspired curriculum aligned with National Core Arts Standards. Our General Music curriculum integrates STEM, English Language Arts, History, Visual Arts, and Dance.

Looking ahead, TPMS is committed to expanding access in communities with the greatest need. Demand continues to exceed capacity, with waitlists across all sites. Through new partnerships, we aim to deepen our impact and reach more students. We invite members of The Hermanowski Foundation to visit our programs and explore partnership opportunities, including the submission of a full proposal. For additional information, please contact Institutional Giving Manager Chelsey Bazuro at development@peoplesmusicschool.org or 773-649-9075.

Total Project Budget: $3,515,990.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): FY26 funds raised year-to-date, $2.8M (Goal: $3.5M)

Project Duration: 9/1/2026 – 8/31/2027
Geographical Area Served: Chicago
Age Group To Be Served: 1st-12th grade (the majority of our current students are between the ages of 8 and 12)

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Chelsey
Contact Last Name: Bazuro
Contact Title: Institutional Giving Manager
Contact Phone: 773-649-9075
Contact Email: chelsey.bazuro@peoplesmusicschool.org