Check out the Latest From the Latin Music Project
We’re not just teaching music, we’re nurturing an artistic legacy and keeping our cultural heartbeat alive.
Classes Now Enrolling
Guitar Beginner
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Adult Cuatro
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Percussion Beginner
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Beginner Ensemble
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Cuatro Beginner
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Little Genius
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Advanced Ensemble
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Intermediate Ensemble
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Violin Beginner
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Percussion Beginner
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Guitar Beginner
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Cuatro Beginner
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Violin Intermediate
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Beginner Ensemble
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Percussion Intermediate
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Beginner Drums
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Advanced Ensemble
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Sound Engineering
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Cuatro Intermediate
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Guitar Intermediate
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What Students Will Learn
Cuatro, Guitar, and Violin
Instruments rooted in Latin tradition with universal appeal
Music Reading & Theory
That builds academic skills and opens doors
Performance Experience
That builds confidence and stage presence
Setting Your Child Up for Musical Success
Our curriculum is developed with Chicago Public Schools, local universities, and educators from Puerto Rico's Conservatory of Music. This means your child gets instruction that connects with their school music program and sets them up for success.
Skilled Teachers
Our conservatory-trained instructors know how to work with Chicago kids and understand the challenges families face
Mentorship That Matters
Older students and community members who provide guidance and support
Community Connection
A place where your family belongs and your child can tap into a celebrated heritage.
Hear from Our Community
Hear from Our Community
“You are constantly put in a group of kids the same age, ice breakers, socialize and get to know each other. [LMP has] given me a chance to grow as a person and get out my shell.”
“LMP has been amazing…I found my passion for music through it. I use to have such stage fright and social anxiety compared last year. I found friends that became family."
“The program creates a beautiful community atmosphere. My child feels seen, valued, and excited to learn every week.”
“My daughter’s confidence has grown so much. She’s learning about our music and culture, and even picking up Spanish along the way.”
“Being part of LMP connected me deeply to my Puerto Rican roots. Performing at the National Cuatro Festival was life-changing—it showed me what I’m capable of.”
Meet Our Instructors
Our diverse team of arts professionals, instructors, and guest artists are actively engaged in Chicago's art and music scene and communities. Most instructors are bilingual (Spanish/English), ensuring accessibility for our predominantly Latino community. Each brings professional experience and cultural understanding that enriches our students' learning experience.
Benjamin Laboy Ruiz, cuatrista and composer from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, is an award-winning musician celebrated for advancing Puerto Rican folk music worldwide. A graduate of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and ESMUC in Barcelona, he has performed internationally, composed acclaimed works, and collaborated with renowned orchestras, ensembles, and artists.
José, a graduate of the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico in Jazz and Caribbean performance, is an award-winning educator and performer. He has taught extensively, toured internationally, and collaborated with renowned artists.
Zabdiel Santiago, Music Education Manager & Instructor, is a Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico graduate with advanced studies in music education and piano performance. With over 20 years of teaching and directing ensembles, he now leads PRAA’s Latin Music Project, overseeing curriculum, school programming, and inspiring award-winning young musicians.
Latin Music Project Youth Ensemble
Our Youth Ensemble showcases the talent and dedication of advanced LMP students through professional performances at community events, festivals, and cultural celebrations throughout Chicago and Illinois. These young musicians represent the best of Latin musical tradition while developing stage presence and ensemble skills.
Bring Puerto Rican and Latin American Traditions to Life at Your Event
The ensemble performs traditional Puerto Rican and Latin American repertoire alongside contemporary pieces, creating bridge-building experiences for diverse audiences. Booking our ensemble brings authentic cultural programming to your event while supporting student musicians. Performances are available for schools, community centers, festivals, and private events.
Latin Music Project FAQs
Students have the opportunity to learn traditional Puerto Rican instruments such as the cuatro, guitar, and percussion (congas, bongos, claves), as well as classical and contemporary instruments including violin, drums, piano, and voice.
Yes. PRAA is committed to making music education accessible to all. Thanks to the support of our partners and donors, scholarships are available for families who qualify. Please contact us for more information on financial assistance.
The Latin Music Project serves students ages 8 to 18, from beginners to advanced musicians. We also offer Little Genius classes ages 4-7 and adult workshops and community classes—check our website or contact us for the latest updates.
Classes take place at the PRAA Latin Music Center (2958 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago) and in select partner schools across Chicago. Locations vary depending on the program, so be sure to confirm the site when registering.
No prior experience is required! The program welcomes beginners as well as students with previous training. Our instructors provide lessons tailored to each student’s level of experience and growth.
Registration can be completed online through PRAA’s website or in person at our main office. Space is limited, so we encourage families to register early. For assistance, please call our office at 773-342-8865 or email zabdiel@praachicago.org.
Classes are offered after school and on Saturdays during the academic year. Session length and times vary by instrument and level. A detailed schedule is provided upon registration and is posted on our website each semester.
Yes! Students showcase their learning and talents at PRAA’s community concerts, recitals, and flagship events such as the National Cuatro Festival. Performances are an important part of building confidence and connecting with the community.
All classes are taught by professional musicians and teaching artists with expertise in both performance and music education. Many are active performers in Chicago’s vibrant arts scene.
Yes, there is a modest program fee that helps cover instruction and materials. However, PRAA works hard to keep costs affordable and offers scholarships to ensure no student is turned away.
PRAA provides access to instruments for students who do not own one. In some cases, students may be encouraged to purchase or rent their own instrument as they advance.
Families are invited to attend performances, volunteer at events, and participate in PRAA’s community activities. We believe family support is essential to each student’s success.
