The Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians
1148 W. Chicago AvenueChicagoIL60622312-738-2646312-738-0285

Program: The Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians Year Started: 1981 Focus: Music Youth Served: 300 Ages: 1-21 Budget: $380,000 Collaborating with a school located in Cabrini-Green, one of the country's most impoverished public housing communities, The Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians provides private Suzuki-method lessons in violin, cello, flute, piano and guitar with Orff-method group teaching of music theory and note reading through rhythm and movement activities. The School's new facility, where classes are taught after school and on Saturdays, has made the program a stable community fixture. Students come one or two times a week and are encouraged to participate in two 17-week sessions and a 6-week summer session. A volunteer group of young professionals, called "Friends," tutors students between music classes. One-third of the students attend classes tuition-free, and many pay reduced fees, in exchange for which The School asks them for a long-term commitment to The School. Those who show progress can take advanced classes at The School in chamber music, performing orchestra and music composition.