Mission: Intonation works with the youth of Chicago to experience making music on their own terms, leading to personal growth and the enrichment of their communities.
Offered in partnership with schools, park districts, and community organizations, our year-round classes make music accessible to youth by providing them with instruments, instruction, mentorship, and the chance to perform on stages across the city. Each Intonation student takes part in a personal and team approach to practice, setting goals, and problem-solving; and over time, they gain the confidence to take charge of their direction and seek out new experiences.
From the music Room…
Over the course of the year, instructors guide students through the life of a rock band. They learn the basics on every instrument – drums, bass, guitar, piano, and voice – choose a band name, and select a song for study.
To The Concert Stage…
Each term builds toward a concert, giving students a concrete, tangible goal to work towards. Sometimes it’s in a school gymnasium, sometimes it’s at Lollapalooza. Placing an exclamation point at the end of each session enables students to feel a sense of accomplishment and whets their appetite for bigger stages.
and Beyond…
Our standards-based curriculum creates a musical pathway that includes options for every skill level and for varying interests. As band members develop as musicians, the material and sophistication of instruction grows with them.
What sets us apart
Student Driven
Intonation’s focus on a genre that matters to students, Popular music, is a source of power in our approach. Students make the key decisions, including which songs will become the building blocks of their musical education. We don’t just teach music or instruments, we give youth access to the experience of being in their own band, encouraging them to take charge of their direction as individuals and as a team.
Small-Group Instruction
By keeping our student/instructor ratio at 6:1, students get a deep dive into music learning. They receive Individualized attention throughout the session, and instructors get to know students’ unique learning styles and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly.
Building Community Through Music
Intonation fosters a growing sense of community in the areas we serve. Our concerts and annual youth arts festival – along with open houses – unite us as a force for positive change and mutual understanding.