Mar 6, 2006: Peggy Wise, Founder of the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians’ receives accolades.

The Chicago CIty Council and Mayor Daley offered their “heartiest congratulations to Peggy Wise as she celebrates the 25 th Anniversary of the Suzuki-Orff School for Young Musicians” via a resolution at the March 1, 2006 City Council Meeting. In the quarter-century since Wise founded the school, Suzuki-Orff has built a tradition of music in the lives of tens of thousands of Chicago-area children and their families.

“Music educator Peggy Wise recognized the value of music and pioneered musical education that exceeded beyond traditional boundaries and brought academics into the equation as a way to reach children and enhance their learning process.” She has created innovative music programs through combining the distinct but complementary methods of Shinichi Suzuki and Carl Orff. Belief in the unlimited potential of children; a positive, stress-free environment; and parent involvement at every stage, together enable students to develop an appreciation for music that will last an entire lifetime.

Suzuki-Orff is steadfast in its belief that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background or level of skill, should have access to high-quality music education. At its facility in West Town, the School offers Baby STEPS® early childhood classes for students as young as 6 months; Orff classes, Suzuki instrument instruction, and Composition and Music Theory classes. It also delivers sequential music education via programs in Chicago public and private schools. The outreach programs are free to every participating public school family, and the School offers need-based tuition assistance for its on-site families.

In recognition of Peggy Wise’s amazing contributions, the Suzuki-Orff community of students, families, friends, colleagues, and admirers join the Mayor and City Council in paying tribute “to this visionary educator” and celebrate the School’s 25 th Anniversary in her honor.