News, Events, Awards & Achievements

Music Institute of Chicago faculty and students come from more than 80 Illinois communities, 40 Chicago zip codes, and multiple states outside of Illinois and countries around the world. Keep up with the latest news as well as student and faculty activities and accomplishments by following us on your preferred social media platform, or signing up for the news that matters to you.

News

MIC announces new partnership with Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago and Lyric Opera of Chicago are pleased to announce a new partnership launching in the 2026–27 season.

Student & Alumni Stories

Student Spotlight: Celia Margaret Fillier Steele

Meet Celia Margaret Fillier Steele, piano student of Elaine Felder and this month's student spotlight!

News

How Music Institute of Chicago Academy Students Serve Their Community

Community Outreach 2025-26

Community outreachis an important part of the Academy experience. Each year, Academy students share their music far...

News

Introducing RCM Smart Start™ Early Childhood Program at the Music Institute of Chicago

Beginning fall 2026, the Music Institute of Chicago will continue expanding its comprehensive music education offerings by introducing The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Smart Start™ program!

Faculty Spotlight

Faculty Insights: Why Comprehensive Music Education Helps Students Thrive

A well-rounded music education combines individual instruction with opportunities to perform, collaborate, study music theory, and make music with others, helping students build confidence, strengthen musical understanding, and develop skills that last well beyond the practice room. We asked Music Institute of Chicago faculty why comprehensive music education matters and what they see in students who participate in multiple musical experiences.

Alumni Spotlight

MIC Alumna Maddie Stephenson Premieres New Composition at the 2026 Chicago Duo Piano Festival

Q&A with the composer about returning to MIC, writing for duo piano, and the world premiere.

After attending the Chicago Duo Piano Festival as a student, Music Institute of Chicago alumna Maddie Stephenson returns as the composer of a work receiving its world premiere. Inspired by memories of the festival and the mentors who shaped her , Through Time will be performed by MIC Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem at the 2026 festival. We spoke with Maddie about writing the piece, her time at MIC, and the lasting influence of duo piano.