30 Years Together Through Music
Celebrating Three Exceptional Educators at the Music Institute of Chicago
January 22nd, 2026
For more than 90 years, the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) has been a place where music transforms lives through teaching, performance, and community. This year, three remarkable educators, Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs Emily Abraham, Voice Department Chair Barbara Ann Martin, and Percussion Faculty Debbie Katz Knowles, celebrate an extraordinary milestone: 30 years of shaping musicians, enriching lives, and elevating MIC’s artistic community.
Staying anywhere for thirty years says something extraordinary about the place, the people, and the purpose that keeps them rooted. As Emily, Barbara, and Debbie reflect on their journeys, their stories reveal a shared truth: at MIC, music isn’t just something that is taught; it thrives, evolves, and brings people together.
What first brought you to the Music Institute of Chicago?
Emily Abraham
“I first came to what was then the Music Center of the North Shore (MCNS) in 1995 as a faculty member, specializing in Suzuki flute private lessons and group classes. The Suzuki program at the MCNS was well-renowned for its comprehensive program, excellent faculty, and strong commitment to the principles of Dr. Shin’ichi Suzuki. This was well-aligned with my goals, priorities, and personal mission as an educator, so I pursued a faculty position.
I was deeply honored to work under the direction and mentorship of Dean Emeritus Gilda Barston, who led the Suzuki program and became a dear friend.”
Barbara Ann Martin
“I was raised in New York City, where I attended The Juilliard School of Music and was a member of the Apprentice Program at the Metropolitan Opera, as well as other regional opera programs (e.g., Central City). I also had an active concert career, especially working with living contemporary composers such as George Crumb. I was an Associate Professor of Voice at Brooklyn College (CUNY) and Professor of Voice at Bennington College. I was also a Lecturer, Voice Instructor, and Artist-in-Residence at the International Summer Academy of the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria; a Guest Professor at the Royal Danish Conservatory, Copenhagen, Denmark; and a Guest Artist, Lecturer and Coach at the Moscow Conservatory, Moscow, Russia.
In 1994, I moved to Chicago to marry my husband, James Ellery Green. Although I was still traveling to sing concerts throughout the United States and Europe, I was looking to establish a musical base in the Chicago area and “get off the road.” Fortunately, my first cousin Liz moved to Kenilworth one month after I arrived in this area. She was looking to find a good piano teacher for her daughters and, fortunately, found MIC Piano Department Chair Elaine Felder! My Goddaughter, Elizabeth, began studying with her at the Music Center of the North Shore. Liz suggested that I contact the head of the school, Dr. Frank Little, to find out if they were looking to hire any voice teachers. I made an appointment to see him in the Fall of 1994. He looked at my resume and told me that when I was ready to sing for him, I should contact him again. It took a year for me to get used to the lifestyle in the Midwest and to have the courage to do that. Frank, Jim Brown, and another teacher were there at my audition. I sang a Mozart Opera Aria (“Dove Sono” from Le Nozze di Figaro), “Hear Ye, Israel” (from Mendelssohn’s Elijah), and the first movement of George Crumb’s Ancient Voices of Children. Frank hired me on the spot! I began with three students in the summer of 1995, and I have been here ever since.”
Debbie Katz Knowles
“I grew up in Glencoe and went to New Trier High School. My beloved orchestra director, Stanley Ackerman, taught at the ‘Music Center of the North Shore’, as it was called then, and many of my friends took lessons and played in groups there. It was always on my radar as a good place to learn and teach music.
I applied twice for two different percussion teacher openings and got the job the second time. And I never left…”
How has your role or journey at MIC evolved over the years?
Emily Abraham
“After serving on the faculty for several years, I was hired to be Gilda Barston’s assistant as the Associate Director of Academic Affairs. I also held positions such as the Department Chair of the Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion department, Early Childhood Program Director, Adult Studies Program Director, and Chamber Music Coordinator.
Throughout this time, I remained a very active faculty member with a full teaching load and served as the Chair of the Faculty Committee for four years. My involvement in all these areas, both academically and working collaboratively with the faculty, prepared me well for my current role of Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs.”
Barbara Ann Martin
“I have expanded my expertise as a voice teacher, coach, career counselor, administrator, team player, musician, singer, psychologist — and so much more! When I began to teach here, I was used to teaching at the college level, and primarily in classical and musical theater genres. Now, I have students from age 7 through 80 and beyond, and in more genres than I can count!
It has challenged me to work with the ‘complete person’ in a comprehensive way that I could never have imagined before. Serving as the Voice Department Chair from 2007 to the present and serving on the MIC Faculty Committee have given me an overview and sense of responsibility that have deepened my commitment to the needs of our students, faculty, and the communities that we serve.
Since I came here 30 years ago, I am a different teacher and person than I was when I arrived. And I have the faith and motivation to continue to grow as an educator, singer, musician and compassionate human being. (Now, if I could just ‘up’ my computer skills too!).”
Debbie Katz Knowles
Early on in my tenure at MIC, I was the division head of winds, brass, and percussion. I’ve taught percussion to students of all ages, performed in numerous concerts with colleagues, and contributed to beloved MIC programs such as the New Horizons Band, where I played the tuba and served as the Assistant Conductor. I've really loved doing all these different things!
What was your favorite performance at MIC - either your own or one you witnessed?
Emily Abraham
“Collaborating with colleagues and friends at MCNS/MIC has been enormously rewarding to me. As a young teacher, I was very fortunate to collaborate closely with the late Abraham Stokman in numerous performances as part of his Music for a While concert series.
Another favorite memory was performing Images of Man for soprano, flute, cello, and piano by Richard Starer with colleagues Abe Stokman, Gilda Barston, and Barbara Ann Martin. After the performance, we all went to Gilda’s place and called Mr. Starer! Abe, Gilda, and Barbara, all knew him personally as they had studied with him at Juilliard.
Lastly, Debbie Katz Knowles and I curated and performed a concert for MIC’s Sundays at Seven series entitled Beyond the Fife and Drum, a collection of works for flute, piccolo, and various percussion instruments. We also performed the program at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.”
Barbara Ann Martin
“It is nearly impossible to answer this question! So many extraordinary performances that I have been privileged to participate in, as well as witness. I can only list some of them:
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The George Crumb Project 2003 (first concerts in Nichols Concert Hall) with Marie Alatalo’s remarkable playing
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Anything I did with Abe Stokman, from Kurt Weill to Raymond Zupko songs and beyond. Anything he did when he was doing his magical improvisations
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Concerts with Frank Little, David Holloway, Susan Charles, etc., performing excerpts from “Die Fledermaus” and other works
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Singing with Frank Little and Lorian Stein-Schwaber at the 2004 MIC Gala honoring Renée Fleming (Wow!)
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The American Songbook with Bill Dresden at a club date representing MIC at the Michigan Shores Club
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Singing at Abe’s Memorial Service with Mark George (piano) and Caroline Pittman (flute): Ravel’s “The Flute Enchantée” from Shéhérazade
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Performing during Reena Esmail’s residency with one of Sang Mee’s students was thrilling!
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Hearing Ralph and Claire do anything in their masterclasses and duo-piano festivals, and the exquisite playing of our superb piano faculty, which continues to amaze and inspire me.
Debbie Katz Knowles
“My most memorable performances at MIC were playing Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat twice with Rachel Barton Pine. That piece is a terrific tour-de-force for percussion, and playing it with Rachel was amazing.
Other favorites were the Carnival of the Animals with Ralph Neiweem, Claire Aebersold, and the New Horizons Band and Beyond the Fife and Drum that I performed with Emily Abraham, as noted above.
Is there a particular student or group of students who made a lasting impact on you?
Emily Abraham
“Each one of my students made an impact on me. I feel deeply connected to and extremely honored to have had the privilege of teaching each one of my students. As a Suzuki teacher, I often had the pleasure of teaching a student from age 3 to 18! Having such long-lasting relationships with both the students and the parents who were actively involved in the lessons and home practice was enriching and meaningful for all of us.
I’m very proud of all my students, both for their work on the flute and for the varied and interesting paths they have taken. My former students’ professions include IT specialists, authors, music teachers, attorneys, an English teacher in Japan, doctors, singers, actors, journalists, art teachers, an Olympian, and more!
During my early years, I was deeply touched by parents who organized a flute party potluck for my flute studio. Unfortunately, I was sick and couldn’t attend, and, in my absence, the students spontaneously organized the entire evening themselves. I was given a photo album afterwards that captured special moments of the students playing for and with each other and enjoying the potluck. Their leadership, joy, and support for one another were incredibly moving.”
Barbara Ann Martin
“Through the years, I have had a fascinating selection of students of all ages and walks of life. From “Broadway Babies” to operatic hopefuls; beginners who wanted to develop poise and confidence to college-bound high school seniors. Many adults have rediscovered the love of singing and returned to music after excelling in their chosen professions. There are so many reasons why people have come to study with me, and it has been my privilege to help them to evolve humanly, artistically and vocally. Each has been empowered to feel good about themselves and their place in this world.
There are three students who stand out and who will always have a special place in my heart. In fact, all three were present at the 2023 MIC Gala Benefit, where I received the Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence.
Jaiden and Evie Hsu are siblings whose devotion to singing and every aspect of their craft is professional and inspiring. Their list of accomplishments is staggering. They also have a depth of kindness, compassion, and maturity that goes well beyond their young years. We became family.
The young lady who presented me with the award was Emily Montelongo. She came to me at age 7, after being spotted singing at ‘A Taste of Chicago.’ She auditioned for me with ‘Der Hölle Rache’ from Mozart’s The Magic Flute. She was so extraordinary that I had to bring colleagues in to hear her! As she grew up, she became an exceptional singer. She too is a caring, compassionate person who is devoted to service to others. Emily just graduated from NIU, where she excelled in her studies and humanitarian pursuits. Emily remains my “adopted daughter,” and I treasure my relationship with her and her exceptional family.
Debbie Katz Knowles
“There have been so many fun students in 30 years! I remember a couple of younger students early on who improvised on the marimba, wrote their own pieces, played drum set beautifully, and grew into wonderfully creative musicians.
Currently, I have an 8th-grade percussion student whose father is a jazz pianist. Hearing them jam together playing tunes they’ve learned at home is really inspiring.”
What has been most rewarding about your time at MIC?
Emily Abraham
“The various stages of my career at MIC have been rewarding in different ways. My first 15 years focused primarily on teaching. It was a profound honor to have the privilege of shaping students’ musical and personal development and to provide steady support at many stages of their lives.
The second half of my career has been primarily administrative. I have always had a passion for creating efficient and effective systems, supporting faculty, and shaping programs that meet the needs of a broad community of learners. I also enjoy the opportunity to hire well-qualified faculty members and to shape programs to meet the needs of a broad population of learners. Creating a school where ‘Everyone is Welcome’ is my utmost priority.”
Barbara Ann Martin
“My students, always my beloved students! Every day, I am thrilled and challenged by their intellectual and artistic curiosity and their joy of making music. They all have unique stories to tell, no matter what their ages or seasons of life. I feel so blessed to be a part of their journeys! We have experienced so much together and grown as artists and compassionate human beings. The skills they learn here will empower them wherever they go. Many, many thanks to you all!”
Debbie Katz Knowles
“Helping teach and perform with the New Horizons Band from 1995 to 2010 was one of my favorite experiences. Some of our members had never played a band instrument or any instrument before, and some were good players who wanted a place to play and to make friends
After Chuck Hawes became the conductor in 1999, I became the assistant conductor, booked the band for many concerts at senior centers and rehabilitation centers, and played tuba with the group.
We also had a jazz combo that played some of the concerts, and I usually played piano for them. The NHB folks were fun and a joy to work with, and it was wonderful seeing how positively the music affected the seniors we played for. Those years were joyful and unforgettable.”
After 30 years, what keeps you inspired to continue?
Emily Abraham
“What keeps me motivated and inspired to continue working at MIC is my personal mission to nurture lives through music and my deep respect and admiration for the MIC faculty members. I remain committed to providing a meaningful educational environment to people of all ages and supporting the faculty so they can focus on teaching. The MIC community is unique in so many ways. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead and shape this community while interacting with amazing students, faculty, and staff.”
Barbara Ann Martin
MIC is unique in providing the perfect atmosphere to grow. I adore my students who are committed to excellence in every part of their lives. How exciting it will be to discover where Life will take them and how they will impact today’s world for the better! I admire and respect my colleagues, all world-class musicians and educators. They are such interesting people and so devoted to preserving our art in today’s changing world. We strengthen each other through our gifts, compassion and creativity. I see MIC moving forward with resilience and vision. I need MIC, don’t you?”
Debbie Katz Knowles
“I look forward to teaching many more students, enriching their lives, and instilling in them the love for percussion and music that inspires me every day.”
Thirty Years, One Shared Legacy
What unites Emily, Barbara, and Debbie isn’t just the milestone they’re celebrating; it’s the spirit they embody. Their stories reflect the essence of the Music Institute of Chicago:
A belief that music creates connection, fosters growth, and shapes lives in ways that resonate far beyond the classroom.
Three decades later, they continue to inspire, mentor, and move us, reminding us that music is a lifelong journey taken together.