Rita Simo Way
Rita Simo was the founder of the People’s School of Music in Chicago, an organization offering free music lessons to people who would not otherwise be able to afford them. Rita was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to attend the Julliard School of Music. She took her vows as a Catholic nun and taught music at Rosary College. She left the order to fulfill her dream of opening her own music school. In 1976 she started the People’s Music School in a former beauty salon, staffed by volunteers and the donation of a baby grand piano. The school expanded to Bronzeville, Back of the Yards and Albany Park neighbohoods. Rita retired in 2001. She remained a board member of the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and a Life Trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Alumni
Julliard School of Music
Boston University, D.M.A. Music Performance
Honorary Rita Simo Way
Eastwood Avenue at Sheridan Road
Approved: 2001
Ward:
Alderman:
Neighborhood: Uptown
Ceremony: 2002
b. 1934. Dominican Republic
d. September 22, 2020. Age 86. Chicago