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 a common goal and musical celebration at the end of each session fosters a sense of accomplishment in students and empowers them to strive toward even 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 genres that matter to our students 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 help youth experience 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, open houses, and annual youth arts festival Mixtape Live! unite us as a force for positive change and mutual understanding.