Our Mission
MeMA-Music empowers young people from underserved communities of all backgrounds and abilities through arts-integrated education that merges music, literacy, historical awareness, and self-discovery for a brighter future. Through our art residency programs, we help students develop empathy, resilience, and a deeper sense of their role in shaping the future.
Our Team
We are a group of teaching artists who have developed engaging multidisciplinary programs that integrate art, music, social studies, technology, civics, literacy, and social-emotional learning in the middle and high school grades to explore how the arts shape perspectives, inspire dialogue, and, reflect the world around us.
Our Goals
We equip young people with the necessary skills to effectively navigate the complexities of the modern world, think critically, and engage meaningfully with their communities. We educate on the impact of history, culture, literacy, civics, and other relevant topics, using art and music as tools for positive change. We strive to advance educational equity in Chicago through partnerships with diverse schools and community organizations.
Our Work
Literacy and history through music and lyrics means using songs and their words to help students understand reading and writing skills and learn about historical events and cultures. Music tells stories and has rhythm, making it easier to remember things. Students analyze lyrics and themes to understand how music reflects moments in history and inspires reflection on the world around them.
By examining these songs alongside related videos and current events, students gain insight into how music and art have reflected and shaped pivotal historical events. This approach fosters meaningful discussions and equips students with the skills to navigate the world by understanding systems, processes, and other essential aspects of 21st-century learning.
PROGRAM PARTNERS
Let’s work together.
