A Community for Adult Musicians: A Spotlight on Adult Studies at MIC
June 18th, 2026
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Adult Studies! More than just music lessons, the Music Institute of Chicago provides a welcoming community full of opportunities for adult learners.
Private Music Lessons For Adults
At the Music Institute of Chicago, adults are paired with passionate, professional, and dedicated faculty attuned to working with the unique needs of the adult student.
"This is a place that is so welcoming for people of all walks, all backgrounds. The only thing that you need to have is a love for music, and that's about it.
There are people here who are extraordinarily talented and we know that they're going to become professionals, and there are those who will be perennial amateurs, but what I love about the Music Institute is that it treats everybody as if they are the best player in the world and they're aspiring to be the best at whatever they're doing." ~ Audra Wilson, adult piano student of Dr. Daniel Baer
Opportunities to Connect with Other Adults
One of the things many adult students value most is the opportunity to connect with others who share their interest in music.
Some meet through classes, ensembles, chamber music groups, or summer programs. Others form friendships that continue well beyond rehearsals and lessons. Music becomes a shared activity that brings people together.
Large Ensembles
For adults who enjoy making music with others, MIC offers several ensemble opportunities. Many participants have remained involved for years, returning season after season for both the musical experience and the friendships they've built along the way.
MIC Concert Band
The MIC Concert Band welcomes adults of all ages and experience levels. Whether you're playing an instrument for the first time or returning to one you haven't touched in years, the ensemble provides a supportive environment for making music together.
"I find it fun to be in a community band because the people are very friendly and social, and we're making music together. It's that kind of community where people want to share their joy basically of being in a community where people are doing something wonderful."
~ Kay Furey, MIC Concert Band member
MIC Chorale
The MIC Chorale provides adult singers with opportunities to study and perform a wide range of choral repertoire while building lasting connections with fellow musicians.
"The Chorale is a very friendly group. I mean, people really have gotten to know each other. We have many long-time members. I joined the Chorale in 1988, but there are many that have been in the chorale for 20 years. Some people have left, had children, and then came back. People really enjoy being together with each other. We make music together. That's what's so wonderful." ~ Jeff Collins, MIC Chorale member
Small Ensembles
For adults who enjoy a more intimate musical setting, MIC offers opportunities in chamber music, jazz combos, and more!
These groups provide opportunities to collaborate closely with fellow musicians while developing ensemble skills, exploring new repertoire, and preparing for performances together.
Summer Camps and Workshops
Summer opportunities give adult students a chance to immerse themselves in music, connect with fellow musicians, and focus on learning in a supportive environment.
Programs such as Adult Piano Camp and the Chicago Duo Piano Festival bring together participants from across the region who share a passion for music and lifelong learning.
"The adults form their own communities, meeting new people and bringing new people in all the time for Sunday soirees. MIC has a very large and growing adult student division. Adult student recitals are held in Nichols Concert Hall three times a year."
~ Elaine Felder, MIC Piano Department Chair; Adult Piano Camp Director
"Learning music has opened the doors to meeting and collaborating with so many people locally and internationally through international Zoom piano groups, for example, and they in turn have opened my ears to other composers and genres that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise."
~ Cheryl Stone, adult piano student of Elaine Felder and Adult Piano Camp participant
The Musical Sandbox
This year, Adult Studies at MIC introduced the Musical Sandbox, an informal weekly drop-in where adult students could share music in a relaxed, supportive setting. It offered a casual space to perform for one another, try out new ideas, and connect with fellow adult musicians.
Music Theory for Adults
Adult students can also explore music theory through classes designed to deepen their understanding of music. For many students, these classes enhance both their playing and listening experiences.
"I realized I was unable to easily identify chords or understand the structure of a piece, so it seemed natural to join a class. I was also happy to have the chance to meet other adult students. Studying music theory has deepened my musical knowledge in so many ways. I am a more proficient sight reader. I understand harmonic progressions. I have a better appreciation for the stylistic characteristics of each era. My listening experience is enriched by the framework that music theory provides."
~ Sarah Tepper, adult piano and music theory student of Marie Alatalo and Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier
Family Connections
Music often becomes a shared experience across generations. Some adult students enroll after watching their children take lessons. Others introduce music to their families and inspire younger generations to learn. For many families, MIC becomes a place where multiple generations can grow as musicians.
"MIC has been a musical home for us. We've studied at three campuses—Lake Forest, Winnetka, and Evanston—and all of them feel like extensions of our home. We know that our musical education is in good hands at MIC, with quality teaching and opportunities galore."
~ Jean Kim, MIC Alumna and mother of MIC Alumni
"I've really been inspired by my son, who had taken lessons at MIC for many years. I've always loved music but had never taken lessons before. Once my son left for college, I thought it would be a fun challenge to learn to play. And it has been!"
~ Steve Trokenheim, adult piano student of Lisa Zilberman
Performance Opportunities for Adults
Adult students at MIC have a variety of opportunities to share their music with others.
Throughout the year, students participate in recitals, ensemble concerts, master classes, camp performances, and special events. Many have the opportunity to perform on the stage of Nichols Concert Hall, while others perform throughout the Chicago area at community events and venues.
For many adults, these performances become meaningful milestones. They provide goals to work toward, opportunities to celebrate progress, and chances to share music with family and friends.
A Place for Adult Musicians
Whether you're interested in private lessons, group classes, ensembles, camps, or performance opportunities, there's a place for you in MIC's Adult Studies program.
Learn more about Adult Studies and get started today.
