What if the stage had room for everyone?
Chicago ParaArts creates and presents high-caliber orchestral, chamber, and theatrical work made by disabled and non-disabled artists performing as equals through ParaOrchestra and ParaTheatre, and trains the next generation of disabled musicians through accessible music education.
On stage, together
ParaOrchestra
A professional-caliber orchestra where disabled and non-disabled musicians share the stage as artistic equals.
Learn more →ParaTheatre
Integrated chamber and theatrical work, built from the ground up for mixed-ability casts.
Learn more →Music School
Private lessons and a Premiere Program membership that fund the mission directly and seed the next generation of disabled musicians.
Learn more →Chicago has the disability-services infrastructure. It doesn't yet have the stage.
We're currently filing for 501(c)(3) status and building our founding board. Chicago ParaArts exists to close that gap, one orchestra, one theatre company, and one school at a time. BandWith Chicago is already backing that work, donating rehearsal space at The Center while we get there.
$340 funds one student's full term of lessons.
Three programs, one mission.
ParaOrchestra
Our performance ensemble: professional-level orchestral and chamber repertoire, rehearsed and staged so that disabled and non-disabled musicians are equally featured, equally rehearsed, and equally credited. Season and venue details are being finalized alongside our founding board.
CENTER
Rehearsal home: BandWith Chicago
While we build out our program, BandWith Chicago is generously loaning rehearsal space at The Center, their 25,000-square-foot performing arts facility in East Garfield Park. bandwithchicago.net ↗
WORKS
Commissioning new work
As the ensemble takes shape, we're commissioning composers to write original repertoire for ParaOrchestra: music built from first sketch for a mixed-ability ensemble, not adapted for access after the fact. Composers interested in being considered for a future commission are welcome to reach out. Composer inquiries ↗
In concert
ParaTheatre
Integrated theatrical and chamber work built around mixed-ability casts from the first rehearsal, not adapted for access after a show is already set. Programming and first productions are in development.
In rehearsal
Music School
The school is earned income, not a grant line, but grants and donors still carry the rest of the org. Two instructor tiers run in parallel: staff instructors, and lessons with founder Ty Chiko directly, priced higher.
| Length | Staff | Ty Chiko |
|---|---|---|
| 30 min | $45 | $60 |
| 45 min | $65 | $85 |
| 60 min | $85 | $110 |
| Plan | Included | Per mo. |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire staff | 4× 90-min + group | $490 |
| Ruby staff | 4× 60-min + group | $350 |
| Emerald staff | 2× 60-min + group | $200 |
| Gold Ty Chiko | 4× 90-min + group | $595 |
| Silver Ty Chiko | 4× 60-min + group | $420 |
| Bronze Ty Chiko | 2× 60-min + group | $240 |
| Package | Price |
|---|---|
| 6 lessons | $480 |
| 12 lessons | $930 |
Sponsor a Student & the Access Fund
Rather than an income-based sliding scale, two simpler mechanisms let families self-identify need: Sponsor a Student covers staff-taught lesson spots entirely through donors, no documentation required. The Access Fund covers the real added cost of teaching a specific student well, things like a longer slot, a support person, or adaptive equipment, funded automatically by the price gap between Ty Chiko's and staff rates, plus donor gifts.
In lesson
Six seats. One founding board.
We're recruiting founding directors to help set our bylaws, adopt first-year policy, and hire early staff: real governance work, not an advisory panel.
Lived Disability Experience
A governing seat, not an advisory one, a clear sign that disabled leadership in the mission is real.
Treasurer / Finance
Nonprofit board experience, with working knowledge of Form 990 and annual budgeting.
Legal
Nonprofit or arts-law background, a link to incorporation and compliance questions as we file.
Development & Fundraising
Experience running a campaign or managing grant relationships, not just having given to one.
Disability-Services Bridge
A connection to partner organizations like Access Living, opening doors the arts world alone won't.
Arts & Philanthropy Bridge
A separate network of partnerships, so Chicago ParaArts reads as a community effort, not a personal project.
Interested, or know someone who'd be right for a seat?
We'd welcome the chance to talk further.
Two ways to give, one school to fund.
Sponsor a Student
Five staff-taught lesson spots per term, fully covered by donors instead of families. No income documentation, and instructors are never told which lessons are sponsored.
Rate-differential revenue
Automatic. The price gap between a Ty Chiko lesson and a staff lesson ($15 to $25 depending on length) flows to the Access Fund on every booking. Not a cut of staff pay.
Donor gifts
Open-ended, with no fixed annual target. Fills whatever the rate-differential revenue doesn't cover for accessibility costs like longer slots, a support person, or adaptive equipment.