Music in Urban Schools Inspiring Change (MUSIC Inc) 

https://www.musicincchicago.org/

In 2011, Chicago violinist, Sarah Dupuis partnered with social worker Joi Truman and co-founded MUSIC Inc, a program that combines high-quality music education and social emotional support for students in Chicago’s west side communities. MUSIC Inc. was born out of a desire to restore valuable arts education resources and opportunities to families across Chicago’s west side communities. MUSIC Inc’s pilot program started with a donation of twenty-five violins from Fritz Ruiter and Sons Violin Shop. Sarah and Joi worked with a group of twenty-five first grade students and their families to provide a strong musical foundation for the young musicians. Our focus on building lasting relationships with the families helped students continue their music education through 8th grade and into high school. Families trusted us to help their children and saw the impact music had to help them overcome challenges and grow in personal confidence. Decades of systemic divestment in arts education impacts every aspect of a child’s development and future opportunities. Our focus on starting students from a young age provides them with the level of instruction necessary to compete with their peers from more affluent communities. 75% of MUSIC Inc students’ participate for an average of 5 years, providing them a depth of opportunities to use music for their future career or just as a fun hobby. Over the years, MUSIC Inc. has grown to serve over 200 families in the North Lawndale, Garfield Park, and Austin communities. MUSIC Inc is redefining what it means to provide arts programming in communities suffering from the impacts of systemic divestment and racism.