The People's Music School
Joel Block is an experienced music educator currently serving as a Percussion Instructor at The People's Music School since February 2023, providing lessons to elementary and middle school students. In addition, Joel has been a Music Instructor at Music House since December 2021, where responsibilities include creating engaging lesson plans across various instruments and directing group classes. Previously, Joel worked as a Drum Instructor at School of Rock Oak Park, emphasizing private lessons and music fundamentals. Joel's background also includes roles in sales and customer service, such as Account Executive at SPINS and Assistant Manager at Lucky Dorr, showcasing strong interpersonal skills and sales achievements. Joel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Michigan State University, completed in 2014.
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.