It's Curious City, where we take your questions about Chicago and the region,

and investigate, report, explore, from WBEZ.

When people think about the center of American music, they often think about places like New York or L.A.

But there was a time around the 1920s when that place was Chicago.

And in the years since, the cities produced some important pioneers in genres from country and folk to jazz and hip-hop.

But Chicago public schools aren't required to teach kids anything about that music history.

That was the case for Jose Lomeli.

He grew up on the Southwest Side and went to CPS for 12 years.

So he wrote into Curious City asking,

Why doesn't Chicago Public Schools have a citywide music curriculum to teach and celebrate the city's rich musical heritage.

I'm curious city reporter Monica Eng, and I also wanted to know, was it true that

CPS doesn't teach kids about these Chicago artists? You know, along with the usual stuff,

like recorder lessons? Well, district officials tell me that about a decade ago, its Office

of Arts Education

actually did put together a teaching guide that includes sections on Chicago musicians.

David Roach headed up the project, and he says they thought it was important for a few reasons.

The strength of the musical history in Chicago itself just cried out for more recognition.

Plus, a lot of these artists actually went to CPS schools.

People like Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, and Chance the Rapper.

Soroach and a bunch of arts experts made this cool guide that helps teachers tell the story of Chicago jazz, blues, gospel, Latin, and folk.

But only about half of CPS schools even have a music teacher on staff. Teaching that history is optional. And CPS officials say they don't know

if or when the guide's ever been used. So for students of any age, we've put together an audio

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