News, Events, Awards & Achievements | Music Institute Chicago

Music Institute of Chicago faculty and students come from more than 80 Illinois communities, 40 Chicago zip codes, and multiple states outside of Illinois and countries around the world. Keep up with the latest news as well as student and faculty activities and accomplishments by following us on your preferred social media platform, or signing up for the news that matters to you.

Spotlight on the MIC Guitar Department

We’re celebrating National Guitar Day with a spotlight on the Music Institute of Chicago Guitar Department! From master classes to concerts and everything in between, it’s been a year of growth, learning, and new opportunities for guitar students.

Student & Alumni Stories

Student Spotlight: Ashley Schmidt

Meet Ashley Schmidt, piano student of Elif Allenfort and this month's Community Music School student spotlight!

Resources & Guides

Performance Prep Guide: Faculty Tips for Recitals, Auditions, and Competitions

In this guide, Music Institute of Chicago faculty share tips on how to prepare for solo and ensemble performances, including recitals, auditions, and competitions, along with ways parents can support their child throughout the process.

News

Spirit Week at MIC

MIC welcomes students and families to celebrate Spirit Week with activities. PLUS: MIC adults are invited to a special wine and cheese social: Sunday, April 12 from 7-8 pm.

Faculty Spotlight

Cultivating Curiosity Through Musical Exploration

Insights from Hana Marek, MIC Lake Forest Campus Director

There's a lot a musician can gain from stepping outside what they already know. We spoke with Lake Forest campus director Hana Marek about what it looks like to cultivate curiosity through music, why exploring across cultures matters, and how those habits can shape both better musicians and more thoughtful citizens.

Alumni Spotlight

Academy Spotlight: Ari Barack Fisher

Q&A with Academy Coordinator & Orchestra Manager Ari Barack Fisher

Meet Ari Barack Fisher: composer, violinist, and Academy Coordinator and Orchestra Manager at the Music Institute of Chicago. He started his own violin studies at MIC in 1996, and today he is back in the community supporting the next generation of students.