The Music Building

We're creating a model that connects professional artists with their local community as a supportive home base, and that brings people together through music—fostering an upward spiral of creativity and connection that lifts culture.Musicians + Community. Thriving Together.We're starting in Oak Park and River Forest Illinois, and growing from there.

Coming Back Together

Throughout history music has led us through our biggest challenges and our greatest victories. It has connected us more deeply—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.

Meeting Artist Needs

Over the past year, The Music Building has existed as a community of local music-creators—songwriters, composers, and interpreters—meeting each month for community and art-sharing.Each time, the artists are asked this question: 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. They just need a channel to flow.

Thriving Artists = Thriving Community

When artists thrive, community thrives. Countless studies show it. But we can feel it, too...What happens when you feel totally safe and okay? Your thoughts and energy immediately shifts—from scarcity and worry to creativity and generosity. What does a child do when it feels safe? It plays.Our world is searching for a sense of safety and play. We won't find it outside—we can only find it within.Music reconnects us—with each other, and within. It reminds us who we really are. When this happens it changes us—and our entire community—for the better.

What We're Doing

In order to meet the greatest needs of artists, 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, 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, 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.

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 →

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 →

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