Since its founding in 1931, the Music Institute has served as an important community resource whose nine-decade history is highlighted by innovative teaching, inspiring performances, and a fundamental drive to ensure access to music for everyone. This year the Music Institute is proud to celebrate ninety-five years of empowering people of every age and ability to listen, communicate, express, and connect through music.
The practice of studying music prepares MIC alumni for success across industries. Our alumni are Grammy Award-winning musicians, teachers, doctors, small business owners, botanists, members of the armed services, engineers, chefs, and so much more!
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Then and Now...
“Through MIC’s many performance opportunities, I learned to confidently stand up in front of an audience and perform. I learned the importance of setting a goal, making a step-by-step plan, and practicing. I use all of these skills when I make presentations to clients and co-workers.”
Join the Alumni Club!
Anyone who has studied at MIC, no matter how long ago, or for how long, is a Music Institute of Chicago alum.Â
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As a member of the Alumni Club you'll enjoy:
- Quarterly alumni newsletter
- Mentorship and networking opportunities
- Continuing education and performance opportunities at Nichols Concert Hall
- Spotlights on social media, website, and email
- MIC alumni swag
- Invitations to special events, master classes, and networking mixers
Keep in Touch!
We would love to hear your stories of the Music Institute of Chicago, the Music Center of the North Shore, The Dushkin School, The Music Arts School, or Lake Forest Symphony School. Help us build a strong collective memory and history as we celebrate ninety-five years of music-making and look to the future!Â
Let us know which teachers and classmates influenced you, and how the lessons you learned as a music student have impacted your personal journey.
Connect with us and share your news!
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Lifelong learning...lifelong impact.
Support the Next Generation of Music Makers!
Upcoming Alumni Events
Academy 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert
Featuring Academy Alumni Karisa Chiu, violin and Alexander Hersh, cello
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Reception 6 PM | Concert 7 PM
Nichols Concert HallÂ
1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston Â
James Setapen, Academy Director and Conductor and the Music Institute of Chicago Academy Orchestra kick off their 20th anniversary with a celebration concert on Saturday, May 30. The performance features the Academy Orchestra and special guests including: the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition Junior Division Gold Medal-winning Kairos String Quartet (Joshua Brown and Thompson Wang, violins, and Lydia Rhea, cello, along with Academy alumna Vivian Van de Sype Cucu, viola); violinist Karisa Chiu; and cellist Alexander Hersh. The concert concludes with current and former Academy members joining together to perform Beethoven’s spectacular 7th Symphony.Â
 General admission is free and open to the public.
Hear from MIC Academy Alumni
As the MIC Academy program kicks off it's 20th anniversary season, Academy alumni talk about the impact MIC has had on their lives.