The Puerto Rican Cuatro and Spanish Guitar classes are designed to provide a music learning experience within the Humboldt Park, West Town, Logan Square and Belmont Cragin community of Chicago. The classes are offered to beginners and intermediate learners of primarily school age children and young adults. The intended target group is anyone who is interested in music learning and willing to learn traditional string music originating from the Puerto Rico and Latin America. Music classes are conducted in both English and Spanish in order to address the different languages of attending students.

Classes are offered free of charge. However, students will need to buy a music book, and they are encouraged to rent or buy their own instruments. A very limited number of cuatros and guitars will be made available for use for students currently attending the four Chicago Public Schools that participate in the program.

These classes follow an orchestral format so that participants learn with their peers.

The classes fall into two categories for two learning groups. The Cuatro is taught as the lead string instrument and the Spanish Guitar is taught as the rhythm instrument.

I. Beginner Students

II. Intermediate Students

• Students learn how to read music and chord structure so they can apply these skills to any future pursuit in music learning.
• Students gain a historical understanding of the evolution of the music in relation to Puerto Rican culture and other cultures.
• Each individual is evaluated to ensure that the student is developing the basic music technique which will allow them to progress.
• Each class is evaluated for its orchestral playing.
• Each intermediate class is required to perform publicly at the end of the class session.

1. Have an interest in playing a music string instrument and a C average or better in school.
2. Recommendation letter from a school teacher is a plus.
3. Be at least 8 years old or older.
4. Parental involvement is mandatory. Parents must also provide transportation for their child.
5. Chicago resident.
6. Attend all classes. Anyone who accumulates two inexcusable absences will be dismissed from the program.
7. Compliance with school policies.

Pre-registration begins in March for the following academic year (Fall). This is an eight-month program from October through May with an commencement ceremony at the end of the program for beginners level. Each class meets one hour a week.

Classes are held at the Humboldt Park Field House located at 1440 N. Sacramento Ave., Chicago and at selected Chicago Public Schools.

To register for fall classes, please download the registration form and mail it to:

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance
1440 N. Sacramento Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622

Cuatro and Guitar Classes are supported by the follow entities:
Chicago Public Schools
Office of High School Development
Office of Language & Cultural Education
City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
Illinois Arts Council
Polk Bros. Foundation
Field Foundation
Fry Foundation

The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance is in residency at Humboldt Park through the Chicago Park District's Arts Partners in Residence Program, uniting artists and communities in Chicago's parks.