The Music Building

Resourcing Music Artists and Deepening Community

We are a nonprofit organization creating a model that meaningfully resources music artists and brings communities back together through music.

Coming Back Together

Throughout history music has led us through our biggest challenges and our greatest victories. It has connected us—with ourselves and with each other. It has inspired us and reminded us of who we really are.Today our world is experiencing unprecedented stress, division, and anxiety.We need the healing, connective power of music now more than ever before.

Resourcing Artists

The Music Building started as a community of local Music Artists—songwriters, composers, and creators—meeting each month for community and sharing.At every gathering, the artists are asked: as an artist, what do you need?The top three answers:
1. Community
2. Spaces to work and play
3. Business supportThe things our community's artists need most are abundantly available within our community. We just need a channel for it to flow.

Thriving Artists = Thriving Community

When artists thrive, community thrives. Countless studies prove it. But we don't need studies—we can feel it...What happens when we feel totally safe and okay? Our thoughts and energy shift from worry and self-protection to creativity and generosity. From scarcity to growth.What does a child do when it feels safe? It explores. It plays.Our world is searching for a sense of safety. But it should be clear by now that we're not going to find it "out there"—it can only be found within.Music reconnects us—with each other, and within.The result is a felt sense of safety which leads to play—not just for artists, but for every human being. We're all creative—we just have to feel safe to play... and we need someone to lead the way.That is the societal role of the artist. That is why it is crucial for the artists in our communities to be supported and fully resourced.

What We're Doing

In order to meet the greatest needs of artists and community, we're piloting three initiatives in Oak Park and River Forest (with more to come!). Read about these initiatives below, and about how you can get involved. ↓

Creator Gatherings

We meet monthly with songwriters, composers, and creators to foster a sense of community and togetherness.The life of an artist can feel isolating. And although many artists appreciate isolation for working, we also need to know that we're not alone in this.Artists are invited to experience togetherness with other artists, and to share anything they're working on—new or old, finished or unfinished—in an environment that is safe to explore.If you are an artist and would like to join our next gathering, reach out to be added to the list.

Home Concerts

People have been gathering in homes to enjoy music together for millennia. We are not inventing something new—we are simply returning to one of humanities oldest, most time-tested ways to find connection.We envision communities where every home owner invites their friends and neighbors into their home to enjoy togetherness, and to take in beautiful music created by a local musician who breathes the same air as they do.In a world that is starving for meaningful human connection, we can be the solution. We can create a moment and a space that invites us to put down our screens and loop up to see the wonderful gifts that exist in our everyday lives. Moments like this transform us. They free us. And they remind us who we really are.We invite you to become a host who provides spaces like this. We will walk you through every step—we'll connect you with a local musician, provide you with a simple template to use for logistics, and even help secure funding so your artist is well paid.If you're interested in becoming a host, read our hosting doc, then reach out via email and we'll start the conversation.

Local Business Sponsorships

Think of Little League Baseball sponsorship, but for music.As a Music Building Sponsor, your name is recognized publicly at events, and materials of your choice are made available to participants.Imagine an intimate house concert, where 20-30 friends and neighbors have just had a meaningful experience of music and togetherness.Now imagine:1. Your business is responsible for making this meaningful event happen in your community.2. At the end of the night, your business is publicly thanked for making this unforgettable experience possible. These community members now have a meaningful, emotional connection to you and your business.As a sponsor, you are not just funding the arts—you are partnering with the local community on a journey that is lifting all of us upward. It's a win-win-win.If you're interested in sponsorship, read our sponsorship doc, then reach out via email and we'll talk!

Our Artists

Here is a list of some local artists (more to come) who would love to partner with you to create an unforgettable experience for your friends and neighbors.If you're interested in working with one of these artists, reach out via email and we'll make an introduction.

Jean Hatmaker, Classical Cellist

As a classically trained cellist, my primary desire as a musician is to serve as a conduit between the gorgeous art I admire and the lovely souls who trust me with their attention, one concert at a time. I believe that classical music belongs to everyone, can and should meet them on their terms, and requires no amount of initiation to embrace. I’m curious about how different pieces of music make people feel, the conversations they inspire, and the passions they can ignite. I live in Oak Park with my husband, my cat, and my dog, and enjoy a robust performance career with several regional orchestras along with my chamber music enterprises: Kontras Quartet, and Merida Trio. I also teach privately in my home and at Grace Lutheran School in River Forest. I’m an emerging composer with a few pieces under my belt, including a ballet I just premiered in Boulder in the spring of 2025. Outside of my musical pursuits, I’m a “retired” amateur ballerina, and am dabbling with reading tarot.Favorite store in Oak Park: Village and Vessel
Favorite OP restaurant: Citrine
Favorite book read in 2025: The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Ask me about: the story behind Janacek’s String Quartet #2Instagram: @cellogenie84Listen to Jean's music →
Learn more about Jean on her website →

Constance Volk, Flutes and Art

Learn more about Constance on her website →

Nathan Peterson, Singer-Songwriter

From Nathan:
I've been singing and songwriting for over 26 years. My songs are my way to try to make sense of life. I write about what is most deeply personal, and find that those are the things that resonate most with others. I played with a band for the first 18 years of my career, and became solo 10 years ago during the incredibly painful and beautiful experience of my 4th child's life and death. I've since also written a couple of books on living fully amidst uncertainty, and I often speak at events—helping groups calm their nervous system and connect more deeply with each other and themselves. To me, music is a powerful energy—a vibration that can break down walls and heal hearts. In addition to making music, I love to support others in find and share their own creative, authentic voice.
Listen to Nathan's music on Spotify →
Learn more about Nathan on his website →

Donny Mahlmeister, Electronic Musician

Listen to Donny's music →

Our Board and Staff

Get Involved

The Music Building is a 501c3 and welcomes donations and partnerships to support our mission. Click below to become a donor, or reach out if you'd like to chat.

Checks can be made payable to:
The Music Building
533 N Humphrey Ave
Oak Park, IL 60302