Announcing Chicago Suzuki Institute 2026!

The Chicago Suzuki Institute (CSI) returns in Summer 2026 bringing together Suzuki students, parents, and teachers from across the country for an unforgettable week of musical growth, friendship, and fun! 

This year, CSI will take place at a new location: Northeastern Illinois University (5500 N St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL). See what's in store this year:

Student Program
Monday, July 6 - Saturday, July 11, 2026

For violin • viola • cello • piano students age 4-17
Books 1 and up

***NEW LOCATION***

Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N St. Louis Avenue  |  Chicago, IL 
Ample FREE parking is available

Students receive a combination of classes providing individual attention and group participation. The inspiration of the week invigorates the musical studies of the children throughout the year!

Students take part in master classes, repertoire and technique classes, ensembles, and enrichment activities, all culminating in festival concerts and recitals that celebrate their progress and hard work.

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Suzuki Teacher Training
Monday, July 6 - Monday, July 13, 2026

For violin • cello • piano teachers looking to begin or continue their Suzuki training

Study the teaching methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. Prospective teachers as well as experienced teachers will find opportunities to develop and refine the art and craft of teaching through short-term courses approved by the Suzuki Association of the Americas taught by internationally acclaimed educators.

July 6-11, 2026  |  Northeastern Illinois University
5500 N St. Louis Avenue  |  Chicago, IL 

July 12-13, 2026  |  Music Institute of Chicago, Winnetka Campus
300 Green Bay Road | Winnetka, IL

 

Registration opens:  January 15, 2026!

Learn more about Chicago Suzuki Institute

 

All classes will be taught by members of the renowned CSI faculty!
Violin
Elisa Barston
Ryan Caparella
Lisa Deakins
Colleen Fitzgerald
Meg Lanfear
David Levine
Ashley Pensinger-Sok
Ann Montzka Smelser

Viola
Sarah Bylander Montzka
David Levine

Cello
Amy Barston
Pam Devenport
Nancy Hair
Abbey Hansen
Philip Lee
Linc Smelser
Laura Usiskin
Meredith Blecha Wells

Piano
Susanne Baker
Caroline Fraser
Grace Lukman
Marina Obukovsky
Susan Tang
Christina Tio 

Small Ensemble Coaches
Elisa Barston
Aaron Kaplan
Linc Smelser

Collaborative Artists
Mary Drews
Timothy Mah

Enrichment
Lisa Deakins (Fiddling)
Aaron Kaplan (Orchestra)
Karl Montzka (Improvisation)
Sarah Bylander Montzka (Dalcroze)

ADMINISTRATION
Avi Friedlander - Director
Philip Lee & Julia Wen Mariano - Assistant Directors