The Academy

The Academy...the gold standard for training string players and pianists.

The Academy of the Music Institute of Chicago is a nationally recognized training center for highly gifted pre-college pianists and string players. The Academy provides a comprehensive musical education for students who aspire to be professional musicians.

Program Overview

I've always enjoyed my visits at the Music Institute of Chicago Academy: the work ethic, intensity, and passion are palpable, and the students' motivation and openness are truly impressive. In short, an inspiring place!  - Pamela Frank

Conveniently located just 30 minutes north of Chicago on the beautiful grounds of Reid Hall and Lily Holt Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College, the Academy is a musical community of faculty, staff and students who come together for an intensive 30-week Saturday program September through May. Pre-college musicians who aspire to be professional musicians participate in a comprehensive program that includes private instruction, chamber music, multiple levels of music theory, regular master classes and a variety of performance opportunities. String players participate in orchestra and pianists study piano literature, keyboard skills, history and improvsiation. All Academy students are introduced to a broad range of teaching styles, like-minded peers and conservatory faculty.

Because of the Academy's small size (approximately 30 young musicians ages 13 to 19), the program provides each student individual attention and support while nurturing and inspiring musical growth. The Academy also provides unique support for students and builds life-long friendships.

Academy Graduates Attend...
The Curtis Institute of Music | The Juilliard School 

The Colburn School | The Cleveland Institute of Music 

New England Conservatory | Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University | Eastman School of Music | Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California | Jacobs School of Music,

Indiana University | The Shepherd School, Rice University

School of Music, Theatre and Dance, University of Michigan | Oberlin Conservatory

For more information, please contact:
Sue Polutnik
Academy Executive Director
Chief Operating Officer, Music Institute of Chicago
1702 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL   60201
847.448.8311