Mission & History

"We believe that enjoying and understanding music and developing the skills to create and perform music enhance the quality of life and nourish the human spirit."

The mission of the Music Institute of Chicago is to provide the foundation for a lifelong engagement with music by:

•   Providing the highest quality music education for all ages and levels of ability.

•   Reaching individuals with music education where opportunities are limited.

•   Supporting growth of therapy through music and the arts as a community

     service for individuals with special needs.

•   Supporting lifelong musical learning in every community.

•   Building upon a proud tradition of developing the exceptional performer.

History

Founded in 1931, The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) is ranked as one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the country, setting national standards for excellence in music education.  MIC was the first community music school in Illinois to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the body that accredits college/university music departments.  

With a world-renowned faculty and exceptional creative arts therapy staff, MIC provides music education and clinical services for people of all ages and abilities across numerous inner-city sites, two satellite locations in Northbrook and Downers Grove and six permanent campuses located in Evanston (2), Lincolnshire, Winnetka, Highland Park and Lake Forest.

MIC is passionate about the value of music for all people and is committed to providing every student with a comprehensive music education that transforms their lives.  MIC students (ages four months to 101 years) come from neighborhoods across Chicago, and more than 90 communities in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Mc Henry Counties as well as as well as from nine other states and foreign countries. 

The Music Institute of Chicago includes:

Community Music Schools: whose reputation for the excellence of its teaching faculty, attracts students of all ages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds across Illinois. 

The Academy: a nationally-recognized program offering the finest and most comprehensive pre-collegiate music education for gifted pianists and string students who have made a commitment to a career in music. 

The Institute for Therapy through the Arts (ITA): provides creative arts therapy to thousands of people annually with special physical and emotional needs at more than 90 locations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area. 

Public Performance Programs: are offered in Nichols Concert Hall a magnificently restored and acoustically-exceptional landmark building in East Evanston. These programs provide opportunities for the public to experience world class artists, MIC artists-in-residence and faculty, student and other special events.