Building Local Community... Through Music

The Music Building ■

A nonprofit 501(c)(3) that supports music artists to fulfill their role of (re)vitalizing local communities.

What Music Can Do

During the height of covid, and in the throes of grief after the loss of one of my children, I ventured out to Target for supplies. I had been lost in a fog of anxiety and numbness for months. I felt disconnected from myself, from my body, from my emotions. My mind looped the same anxious thoughts over and over. Like many of us during that time, I couldn’t tell what was happening, or what I was feeling. I was numb.As I left the store and reached my car, I heard the sound of a violin from across the parking lot. Like a laser beam, it shot through my body—through layers of ice and stone—straight to my heart. Tears and months of buried emotions flowed to the surface. As if I had been released from a spell, I awoke. I could feel again. I felt reconnected to myself and my surroundings—reconnected to life.That’s what music can do. It can break through walls. It revitalizes us. It brings us back.I never did see the violin player that day in the Target parking lot. And I have no way of knowing why they were playing there that day. But I like to imagine that whoever it was woke up that morning, said to themselves, “that’s enough,” and—despite feeling the same fear and uncertainty we all felt during that time—got out of bed, picked up their instrument, walked out into the world, and played.This is the work of The Artist. Work worth doing. Work worth supporting. Work that, if not done, will leave our world lost in a fog.

Supporting Artists

Today, most artists must become famous to succeed.This creates an unsustainable and toxic work-life for artists and leads to formulaic, uninspiring art, and a trail of abandoned creative callings—this leads to a huge loss of the crucial role of artists in our communities.The Music Building is changing the system—from one where a artists must chase fame to survive, to one where artists who are connected can thrive.When artists feel supported and safe they create their most honest, meaningful work—the kind of work that creates healthy culture.The Music Building is building a world where professional artists are focused less on social media statistics, and more on the quality of their work and its impact on their community... a world where artists don’t need to reach the masses, because their work is supported by their immediate local community... a world where artists are seen and valued by society because of the richness they bring to the world.We are building a world where a music artist can make a great living preparing and performing 20 deeply meaningful concerts per year in their own neighborhood—each concert helping to connect and awaken the hearts of the community.We know this is possible because we have experienced it, and we're building a model which can help revitalize communities, not only in Chicago, but throughout the United States and beyond.

Vitalizing Communities

Artists are, and have always been, an expression of society. The songwriter writes our song. The painter paints a portrait of us. This is the function of the artist, and is more important today than ever.As we step into a season of unknowns, it is critical that we are connected to our whole self—as individuals and as a society. This is how we will not only survive these days, but grow and thrive through them.The Music Building is clearing a path for this connection.

What We're Doing

We're beginning in Oak Park and River Forest—a community filled with professional artists, beautiful homes, and active, passionate community members.We're piloting three initiatives, with more to come. Read below about these initiatives, and 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