Whether you are learning an instrument for the first time, returning after a long hiatus, or just wanting to brush up your musical skills, the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) welcomes you!
Share your love of music with other adults
- Meet a friendly, vibrant, and supportive community of adult music learners
- Take advantage of passionate, professional, and dedicated faculty attuned to working with the unique needs of the adult student
- Choose from a comprehensive set of offerings including private lessons, group classes, small and large ensembles
- Enjoy deeply discounted musicianship classes, complimentary tickets to select performances at Nichols Concert Hall, and free master classes featuring renowned visiting artists
- Perform at beautiful Nichols Concert Hall and throughout Chicagoland
Offering the Flexiblity Busy Adults Need
We know you've got a lot on your plate! Choose the lesson package that works to meet your goals and schedule.
Adult Private Lesson Packages
| # of Lessons | Lesson Length | Tuition | Reduced Tuition 15% discount (weekdays before 3:30 pm or senior discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 30 min | $273.60 | $232.56 |
| 8 | 30 min | $547.20 | $465.12 |
| 17 | 30 min | $1,162.80 | $988.55 |
| 4 | 45 min | $381.20 | $324.02 |
| 8 | 45 min | $762.40 | $648.04 |
| 17 | 45 min | $1620.10 | $1377.00 |
| 4 | 60 min | $489.20 | $415.82 |
| 8 | 60 min | $978.40 | $831.64 |
| 17 | 60 min | $2,079.10 | $1,767.15 |
Discounts
- Adults (age 19+), taking a private lesson before 3:30 pm Monday - Friday in MIC studios, receive a 15% reduction in tuition.
This discount does not apply to special rate faculty.
 - Senior Citizens (age 65+) receive a 15% discount on private lessons.
Get Started Today!
Complete a short inquiry form and a campus director will follow up with you shortly to learn more or schedule a placement meeting. Our Campus Directors will take time to learn about the personality, learning style, interests and goals of each student so that the best student-teacher match can be arranged. In addition, we will answer all your questions and provide more information about our offerings and school policies.
Group Classes for Adults
From Musicianship and Music Listening to chamber music, to guitar and ukulele group classes, the Music Institute offers ways for adults to stay on their musical toes, make friends, and make music!
Small Ensembles for Adults
Chamber Music
Explore the rich and varied chamber music repertoire through weekly coachings and enjoy regular performance opportunities in informal settings and through community outreach, recitals at beautiful Nichols Concert Hall in downtown Evanston twice a year, and chamber music master classes are hosted by MIC for participants. MIC's Chamber Music program is available for string, piano, woodwind, brass, harp, guitar, percussion, and voice students.
More Information and Application
Jazz Studies - COMBOS
Practice improvising across many styles of jazz including swing, blues, bebop, New Orleans, Latin and contemporary. Emphasis will include learning jazz standards and will provide the opportunity to perform original compositions. Increase your knowledge of jazz theory and history and enhance your creativity through "playing by ear" on your instrument. Learn to interpret great jazz recordings through listening and imitation.
More information and application
NEW! Concerti for Recorders and Continuo
This class, led by Patrick O'Malley, will explore Baroque compositions for multiple recorders and basso continuo. Composers include Boismortier, Schickhardt, Keller, Molter, and Purcell. Focus will be on beautiful tone, incorporating Baroque performance practice and ornamentation, and working as a wind ensemble with a basso continuo line. Recorder players should be comfortable with alto recorder. Some pieces might call for tenor or other sizes. Harpsichord, viola da gamba, and cello students are welcome!
MIC Chamber Winds
MIC Chamber Winds, led by Director Timothy Cook, is an ensemble providing an artistic outlet for advanced-level wind players through the Harmoniemusik tradition. Originating in the 18th century, Harmonie, a German term for wind ensemble, became highly favored for their virtuosity and versatility. Comprised of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, and 2 horns, this selective ensemble provides a platform for musicians to expand their repertoire, refine their artistry, and experience the joy of performing historical chamber wind masterworks. Enrollment by teacher recommendation and director approval.
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MIC Concert Band
MIC Concert Band
Timothy Cook, Conductor
The Music Institute of Chicago invites you to join the MIC Concert Band, an ensemble designed for adults of all ages. The band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and participants also receive a weekly sectional. Members of Music Institute of Chicago's Concert Band find this experience to be enjoyable, healthful, musically and personally satisfying, and a wonderful opportunity for social interaction. Our Concert Band plays public concerts in MIC's historic Nichols Concert Hall and in local communities. If you played an instrument earlier in life and are ready to take it up again, MIC can help you get back in shape quickly and recapture the excitement of playing music. If you have never played an instrument before, it's never too late to give it a try. MIC's highly experienced staff of professional musicians/teachers will guide you every step of the way from producing your first sounds, through learning to read music, to developing your technical skills to the very best of your ability. This is a terrific opportunity to engage in a low-stress physical and mental exercise, and to meet people and enjoy new experiences in a friendly and non-competitive atmosphere.
MIC Chorale
MIC Chorale
Daniel Wallenberg, conductor | Gregory Shifrin, pianist
A Chicago community choir that provides an opportunity for adult singers with prior experience to study and perform the best in sacred and secular choral music. Since its beginning in 1987, the Chorale has had one continuing goal: to perform the finest sacred and secular choral music with the highest of standards in a community setting.
Under the leadership of Conductor Daniel Wallenberg, the Chorale has developed a wide range of repertoire, including motets, madrigals, part-songs, folk songs, and more significant choral-orchestral works by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Duruflé, and many others. Throughout the years, the Chorale has collaborated with local choirs and symphony orchestras and has produced two fully costumed Elizabethan madrigal dinners. In addition, the Chorale has collaborated several times with the Music Institute’s voice faculty for opera and Broadway music concerts.
Register now
Want to join the Chorale? Schedule your audition today!
New Member Auditions
Please call 847.905.1500 ext. 100, or email Patrick O'Malley.
Learn More about the MIC Chorale HERE.
MIC Chorale Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals take place at MIC's Evanston Campus (1490 Chicago Avenue) on Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 pm
FULL SEASON
Fall & Spring: September 3-May 27 (36 weeks)
FALL
Fall 2024: September 3-November 5 (10 weeks)
Fall 2024: September 3 - January 14 (18 weeks)
SPRING
Spring 2025: March 25-May 27 (10 weeks)
Spring 2025: January 28-May 27 (18 weeks)
MIC CHORALE Concert Schedule
All concerts take place at Nichols Concert Hall
November 24, 2024 at 3 pm
“Clap Your Hands” Music for choir and brass, including Daniel Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata
February 9, 2025 at 3 pm
“Gather Ye Round” We will join forces with multiple choirs and instrumental ensembles for an all MIC celebration of the canon
March 16, 2025 at 7:30 pm
“I Will Give My Love an Apple” a celebration of folk songs from around the world
June 1, 2025 at 3 pm
Requiem by Faure and the Mass in F minor by Josef Rheinberger featuring Brian Schoettler, organist of the First United Methodist Church in Evanston and MIC faculty
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Online Suzuki Teacher Training
Suzuki Music School Teacher Training: Interested in Becoming a Suzuki Teacher?
- Are you a professional musician who wants to teach music and share the love of music with young children?
- Do you have a genuine interest in helping children develop and grow through the study of music?
- Are you interested in working cooperatively with students, parents, and colleagues?
Train to Become a Suzuki Music School Teacher Right Here at MIC.Â
The Suzuki Method provides a unique approach to teaching children to play a musical instrument.Â
Learn More About This Unique Suzuki Teacher Training Program
