Meet the Piano Department at the Music Institute of Chicago
June 23rd, 2026
We're shining the spotlight on the Music Institute of Chicago’s incredible Piano Department! With more than 50 piano faculty members and 600 private piano students, MIC has one of the nation's largest community music school piano departments. Take a closer look at the world-class faculty, immersive camps, and expansive opportunities that make learning piano at MIC so special.
Private Piano Lessons
Our piano faculty provide a supportive and engaging learning environment, guiding students of all ages, levels, and abilities through repertoire ranging from beginner to advanced. Students may choose from traditional or Suzuki instruction and can also explore opportunities such as improvisation classes, group classes, chamber music, and more.
Chicago Duo Piano Festival
Called a “duo piano mecca” by Pioneer Press, the world-renowned Chicago Duo Piano Festival was founded in 1988 by Music Institute of Chicago faculty members and Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem. Its mission is to foster a deeper interest in the repertoire, performance, and teaching of music for piano, four hands and two pianos, in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The Festival offers summer and winter events, which include coachings, master classes, concerts with special guest artists, and student recitals for students youth through adult. In addition, the festival organizes periodic duo piano competitions that draw young professionals from around the world.
Winter Mini-Fest
An extension of the Chicago Duo Piano Festival, participants enjoy a weekend of fun and a special opportunity to meet other pianists and build pianistic and ensemble skills. The weekend includes concerts, recitals, coachings and more.
Piano Summer Camps and Intensives
Adult Piano Camp
A weekend long piano intensive made for adult pianists at all proficiency levels. The weekend includes faculty recitals, private and semi-private lessons, interactive symposiums, opportunities to connect with fellow adults culminating in a final recital.
Advanced Piano Camp
Designed for advanced piano students, this four-day camp gives students the opportunity to engage with other pianists in a concentrated musical environment while learning and improving technical and musical skills through work with a variety of teachers.
Piano Intensive
The Piano Intensive Studies Program is an immersive, week-long experience designed to help young pianists make meaningful musical progress in a focused and supportive environment. Each student receives individualized attention through daily private lessons with the Music Institute of Chicago’s outstanding piano faculty, ensuring instruction is tailored to each student’s level, goals, and learning style.
In addition to private lessons, students participate in mini-performance classes, masterclasses, and engaging workshops that address essential musical topics such as technique, interpretation, effective practice strategies, ensemble skills, and stage presence.
The Academy
The Music Institute of Chicago Academy is a nationally recognized pre-conservatory program for high school musicians and is dedicated to students with extraordinary talent. It provides a comprehensive musical education for students who aspire to be professional musicians.
Hear from our students!
Our Student Spotlight Series highlights the diverse paths of our students and shares them with the broader community. Explore some of the recent features.
Master Classes and Workshops
The MIC Piano Department regularly brings in exceptional guests to inspire and challenge students. The master classes and workshops have featured artists offering students hands-on guidance and techniques that elevate their playing. Some recent featured guests from the past year include Asaf Zohar, Angela Cheng, and Alvin Chow. These master classes are also free and open to the public to observe.
Learn Piano at the Music Institute of Chicago
At the Music Institute of Chicago, pianists are supported by expert faculty, a welcoming community, and a wide range of opportunities to learn, perform, and connect with others. With comprehensive programming for students of all ages and levels, there's a place for every pianist at MIC.