Mark your calendars!
Join us Sunday, November 2, 2025
Don't miss a special afternoon including performances by MIC faculty, current students, and alumni, culminating with a community sing. Plus, enjoy conversation, sweet treats, family-friendly festivities and more - all in support of scholarships and financial aid at
the Music Institute of Chicago.
Where: Nichols Concert Hall in Downtown Evanston
When: Sunday, November 2, at 3 pm
Make a Gift Reserve Free Tickets
Join Us!
Every year MIC relies on raising
more than $2.3 million to ensure access to
scholarships, financial aid, and the high-quality programs that define our mission.
Teacher of Note and Alumni of Note Award Presentation
The afternoon festivities also include announcement of the Third Annual Teacher of Note Award. This award honors and expresses appreciation for the people who live the Music Institute’s mission every day: our internationally acclaimed, award-winning faculty.
This year the Music Institute of Chicago is pleased to honor Suzuki violin/viola faculty Vannia Phillips.
Teacher of Note award recipients represent the excellence of the entire Music Institute faculty and demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm, and inspiration in their teaching.
Past TEACHERS OF NOTE Award Recipients
2024 Avi Friedlander and Davis King
2023 Bianca d’Avila do Prado
and Dr. Christina Tio
NEW! In addition, this year MIC will present its first Alumni of Note Award. This award will recognize an extraordinary alumni who has made important contributions through their work in music or another field.
This year we are pleased to honor Julia Wen Mariano.
MIC Students and Faculty Fall Fundraiser Concert Performances
Free Concert
Students from the tuition-free Evanston Third Coast Suzuki Strings program
This year's concert features current MIC students of all ages, alumni, and faculty. A jazz combo will entertain guests as the arrive in the Nichols Concert Hall lobby comprised of adult students. The program itself includes Suzuki violinists and cellists from the Third Coast Suzuki Strings program as well as Community Music School. Audience members will have the opportunity to hear music for harp, guitar, bassoon, voice, piano, and strings from students just beginning their musical journey, to advanced high school Academy students, to accomplished adults, our amazing faculty, and professional alumni. The program closes with a Community Sing.
While there is no ticket fee, contributions of all sizes are welcome.
Where: Nichols Concert Hall in Downtown Evanston
When: Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 3 pm
Join Us!
MIC family has fun at the photo booth.
A photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats for every guest follow the performance in the lobby.
For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be available via livestream.
For event sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Bienemann at 847.448.8323.