UpBeat Music & Arts

UpBeat Music & Arts is a nonprofit music school and community arts center dedicated to inspiring and mentoring youth through music education in Chicago’s North Side neighborhood. Founded in 2013, the organization serves over 250 students annually with a mission to help children reach their full potential in life through music while making quality arts education accessible to all students regardless of financial background. UpBeat provides comprehensive music instruction for ages 6 and up through private lessons, group classes, rock band ensembles, and seasonal music camps.

The school offers professional instruction across seven instruments including piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, violin, drums, and voice, with programs designed to develop both technical musical skills and strong character. Students receive a well-rounded music education covering proper technique, music theory, ear training, and reading music across multiple genres from rock and pop to classical and jazz. The curriculum emphasizes not just learning songs but truly performing them, with regular performance opportunities where students play for each other and participate in ensemble showcases. Beyond musical proficiency, UpBeat uses music as a conduit to teach valuable life skills including accountability, discipline, humility, and connection with other artists.

Classes operate in multi-week sessions throughout the school year, with the current winter session running January through March. School year hours accommodate working families with lessons Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 8:00pm and Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Summer hours adjust to 3:00pm-7:00pm Monday through Wednesday. The organization offers special music camps during spring break and summer, providing intensive week-long experiences focused on skill development, creativity, and performance.

As a nonprofit, UpBeat prioritizes equity and access, awarding over 125 scholarships each year based on financial need to ensure under-resourced students can participate in high-quality music education. The welcoming, inspirational environment creates a supportive community where students are challenged to grow while feeling safe to take creative risks. Parents and students consistently praise the impact of UpBeat’s programs on building confidence, self-esteem, and long-term passion for music and the arts.