The People's Music School
Wesley Woodward serves as an Adjunct Music Faculty member at South Suburban College, teaching courses including Applied Trumpet and Music Appreciation since January 2022. In addition, Wesley is an Affiliated Teaching Artist at the University of Chicago and a Trumpet Teaching Artist for The People's Music School, where duties encompass private and group lessons, sectionals, and conducting brass ensembles. Prior experience includes serving as Principal Trumpet for the Lake County Symphony Orchestra and substitute trumpet roles in various orchestras. Wesley's educational background includes a Master of Music in Orchestral Studies from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania.
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.