NSMA offers high-quality musical performances at comfortable, accessible venues where listeners are immersed in the experience without distractions. Our audience members tell us the connection they feel with artists onstage is both sensory and emotional—a joining of hearts and minds in joy, shared sorrow, and uplift that great music by generous souls can offer.

We provide a wide array of musical genres from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds each season, to broaden our community’s awareness and sense of belonging within the global community.

NSMA is Cook County’s principal provider of educational music outreach for all ages. Each season we offer interactive programs and workshops tailored to meet the needs of child and adult learners. Whether it’s a classical guitar master class for adults, a “garage band” mentorship for youth, all-age Flamenco, Celtic, and West-African music and dance workshops, or a “junk jam” school percussion residency that teaches teamwork and self-esteem—our aim is to engage individuals and to enrich our community through unique opportunities for personal, cultural, and artistic growth. 

Since 2013, NSMA has served as a sponsor for the Borealis Chorale & Orchestra, enabling the BCO to expand opportunities for community participation in choral and orchestral music. From the early days of Cook County’s Symphonium Music Club in the 1950s to today’s BCO, hundreds of talented and devoted community members have kept the fine tradition of choral music alive in Cook County. NSMA is proud to play an important role in continuing this tradition.