The People's Music School
Eric Hines, DMA, is a distinguished music educator and performer based in Chicago with extensive experience in percussion instruction and ensemble leadership. Currently serving as a Teaching Artist at The People’s Music School since July 2015, Eric directs the Wind Ensemble and teaches percussion and music theory. As a member of Sones de Mexico Ensemble and a percussionist with the Southwest Michigan Symphony, Eric actively promotes Mexican folk music and performs in various settings. Eric has also contributed to the Ravinia Festival as a Jazz Mentor, founded the Caribbean jazz ensemble Eric Hines & Pan Dulce, and maintained a percussion studio. Eric's academic background includes a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music from the University of Arizona, alongside a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Previous teaching roles include adjunct professor at Olivet Nazarene University and percussion instructor at several music academies.
The People's Music School
The People's Music School is the only completely tuition-free music school in Chicago, and the oldest in the United States. The school was founded in 1976 by Dr. Rita Simó, an accomplished pianist from the Dominican Republic who believed that all children should have access to music education, regardless of their family's socioeconomic status. Today we serve over 1,600 students in the Chicagoland metropolitan area and beyond. Through intensive instruction and performance our students learn more than music. They grow socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem and purpose. We believe music is transformative and empowers the lives of youth, families and communities.