Free Music Education Classes
Next Season of Classes start from October 2026 and run through June 2027!
We offer free beginners and intermediate cuatro, guitar, and Latin Percussion (Conga, Güiro and Bongo).
We offer free beginners and intermediate cuatro, guitar, and Latin Percussion (Conga, Güiro and Bongo).
Orientation details
Summary
Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Project LaunchChicago welcomed participants to the meeting and introduced himself as the executive director and founder of the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Project, which is celebrating its third decade of serving the community through music education. He announced that classes would be free but require serious commitment from students and parents, including attendance and punctuality. Nereida, outlined the logistics, specifying that classes would be held on Saturdays at 5:45 PM in the field house at 1400 North Humboldt Boulevard, with parking available across the street at Little Lake Boat House.
Music Class Schedule Updates
Schedule changes for music classes, with Beginners Cuatro classes starting at 5:45 PM followed by Latin percussion at 6:00 PM and guitar classes at 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Osvaldo Aviles, a professional Latin percussion teacher with 30 years of experience, introduced himself as the new instructor for the Latin percussion class and expressed his enthusiasm about working with the program. The updated schedule would be shared via email with all participants.
Intermediate Ensemble Program Launch
Orlando announced the launch of an intermediate ensemble program where students from different instruments will practice together monthly on the fourth Thursday at 7:00 PM, with beginners able to observe and learn.
All programs first class will be held on Thursday, October 1st, and students need to bring their instruments, a notebook, pencil, digital tuner, music stand, extra strings, and access to Google Drive and a printer. Intermediate students must also download the Orchestra CDs Volume 1 and 2 from the website to prepare for next year's preparatory level orchestra.
Latin Percussion Instrument Purchase Options
Orlando discussed options for purchasing Latin percussion instruments, noting local music stores went out of business after Covid, leaving Amazon and Guitar Center as current options. He recommended Guitaleles as an affordable alternative for children aged 6-9 or adults who cannot afford a cuatro, suggesting they can be tuned like a cuatro by removing the lowest string. Orlando provided contact information for Wilfredo Saez, an artisan who makes cuatros at reasonable prices, and mentioned that production line cuatros should not exceed $350. The discussion also confirmed that percussion classes are available for all ages with proper guardian supervision required for minors.
Free Instrumental Music Program Details
discussed the details of the Free Latin Percussion Music program, including how students can buy instruments through various sources including a conga Drum company called Tycoon Percussion and fellow musicians. The program requires students to attend classes once weekly on Thursdays, with daily practice sessions that gradually increase from 15 minutes to one hour as skills develop. Students and parents must commit to attending the Achievement Night ceremony on June 4, 2027, at Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, and participate in a mandatory fundraising gala on December 5, 2026, to help maintain the free program.
Harold Pratt Performance Announcement
Orlando announced an upcoming performance by Harold Pratts, a renowned Puerto Rican troubadour, scheduled for December 5th at 6 PM, with tickets available for purchase on the www.theccoproject.org website. He outlined the academic schedule, including winter break from December 11 to January 13, and mentioned that April will involve preparatory activities for the graduation performance.
Orlando and Osvaldo addressed questions about parental involvement in classes and percussion instrument recommendations, respectively, emphasizing the importance of family participation and providing guidance on instrument costs and options.
Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Project LaunchChicago welcomed participants to the meeting and introduced himself as the executive director and founder of the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Project, which is celebrating its third decade of serving the community through music education. He announced that classes would be free but require serious commitment from students and parents, including attendance and punctuality. Nereida, outlined the logistics, specifying that classes would be held on Saturdays at 5:45 PM in the field house at 1400 North Humboldt Boulevard, with parking available across the street at Little Lake Boat House.
Music Class Schedule Updates
Schedule changes for music classes, with Beginners Cuatro classes starting at 5:45 PM followed by Latin percussion at 6:00 PM and guitar classes at 7:00 PM on Thursdays. Osvaldo Aviles, a professional Latin percussion teacher with 30 years of experience, introduced himself as the new instructor for the Latin percussion class and expressed his enthusiasm about working with the program. The updated schedule would be shared via email with all participants.
Intermediate Ensemble Program Launch
Orlando announced the launch of an intermediate ensemble program where students from different instruments will practice together monthly on the fourth Thursday at 7:00 PM, with beginners able to observe and learn.
All programs first class will be held on Thursday, October 1st, and students need to bring their instruments, a notebook, pencil, digital tuner, music stand, extra strings, and access to Google Drive and a printer. Intermediate students must also download the Orchestra CDs Volume 1 and 2 from the website to prepare for next year's preparatory level orchestra.
Latin Percussion Instrument Purchase Options
Orlando discussed options for purchasing Latin percussion instruments, noting local music stores went out of business after Covid, leaving Amazon and Guitar Center as current options. He recommended Guitaleles as an affordable alternative for children aged 6-9 or adults who cannot afford a cuatro, suggesting they can be tuned like a cuatro by removing the lowest string. Orlando provided contact information for Wilfredo Saez, an artisan who makes cuatros at reasonable prices, and mentioned that production line cuatros should not exceed $350. The discussion also confirmed that percussion classes are available for all ages with proper guardian supervision required for minors.
Free Instrumental Music Program Details
discussed the details of the Free Latin Percussion Music program, including how students can buy instruments through various sources including a conga Drum company called Tycoon Percussion and fellow musicians. The program requires students to attend classes once weekly on Thursdays, with daily practice sessions that gradually increase from 15 minutes to one hour as skills develop. Students and parents must commit to attending the Achievement Night ceremony on June 4, 2027, at Humboldt Park Fieldhouse, and participate in a mandatory fundraising gala on December 5, 2026, to help maintain the free program.
Harold Pratt Performance Announcement
Orlando announced an upcoming performance by Harold Pratts, a renowned Puerto Rican troubadour, scheduled for December 5th at 6 PM, with tickets available for purchase on the www.theccoproject.org website. He outlined the academic schedule, including winter break from December 11 to January 13, and mentioned that April will involve preparatory activities for the graduation performance.
Orlando and Osvaldo addressed questions about parental involvement in classes and percussion instrument recommendations, respectively, emphasizing the importance of family participation and providing guidance on instrument costs and options.
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Where:
All classes will be taught live in-person at the Humboldt Park Fieldhouse. 
Classes are wheel chair accessible.
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Class Descriptions
Beginners Cuatro Class: Thursday 5:45 pm – 6:25 pm Learn to play Puerto Rico's national instrument! Students with little or no prior experience will learn essential hand positions and playing techniques in an Orchestra setting, culminating in a performance opportunity in June. Our beginner’s music repertoire includes Caribbean and world music selections. Instruments are not provided but we can help you acquire a cuatro that is right for you and your budget. Classes are free of charge. Ages: 9 years old and up. Beginners and Intermediate Latin Percussion (Bongo, Güiro and Conga): Thursday 7:00 pm – 7:50 pm Learn to play the Bongo and the Conga with the best! You will learn hand techniques, sound effects, the clave, and various rhythm patterns. You will also have an opportunity to perform in June with one of our cuatro orchestras! Classes are free of charge. Ages: 9 years old and up Beginners and Intermediate Spanish Guitar: Thursday 7:00 pm – 7:45 pm Learn to play the Spanish Guitar, the most popular instrument in the world! You will learn basic hand techniques, how to follow a chord chart, basic Caribbean and World Folkloric repertoire, and how to perform in an orchestra setting. You will also have a performance opportunity with the beginners/intermediate level orchestra in June. A lot of fun! You will need your own instrument, a nylon stringed classical guitar. Classes are free of charge. Ages: 9 years old and up. Advanced Level Cuatro Class: Monday 6:30 pm – 7:50 pm Learn more advanced repertoire, and build towards a performance opportunity in June. You will need your own instrument. Classes are free of charge. |
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The Chicago Cuatro Orchestra Experience
What You Can Expect.
Our classes are completely free! Our student's ages range anywhere from 7 years old to 75 years old. So age is not a factor. If you want to learn how to play the Cuatro, we're here for you. Ethnicity is no factor either. Our Orchestra and our classes are very diverse. The only thing we ask is for the student to provide their own instrument, music stand and materials.
The music teachers on staff are very knowledgeable and are also professional Cuatristas with years of experience. Not only will you learn to play the Cuatro, you will learn how to read music as well.
The music teachers on staff are very knowledgeable and are also professional Cuatristas with years of experience. Not only will you learn to play the Cuatro, you will learn how to read music as well.
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More on Education: La Décima Puertorriqueña
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Que es la Decima? historia, estructura, diferentes tipos, y videos demostrando. Bien educativo! Todo Boricua debe saber esta informacion.
La base de la melodía y el ritmo de la música de la montaña puertorriqueña es el seis. Pero la base de la forma poética de su canción es la décima. The foundation for the melody and rhythm of Puerto Rican mountain music is the seis. But the foundation of the it's song lyrics is the poetry of the décima. |
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