Music Institute of Chicago

The journey to the stage teaches lessons that last a lifetime. One parent reflects on the growth they've seen in their daughter through music. 🎵

➡️Read more reflections from MIC families and students in our Student Spotlight series:
https://ow.ly/ibAa50Zeoms

What are Academy students doing this summer? ☀️

Our students take advantage of the summer season and continue to distinguish themselves on stages and at festivals that nurture the next generation of classical artists.

See where they'll be heading to this summer➡️

Where Summer 2026 is Taking MIC Academy Students! Looking for a summer music program? See what MIC's Academy students are up to this year!

The summer months can look different for every musician. While the structure of the school year may leave young students with more flexibility, the season can be just as rewarding for musicians of all ages.

We asked Music Institute of Chicago faculty to share their favorite tips for making the most of the summer season➡️

Making the Most of the Summer Season: Tips from MIC Faculty We asked Music Institute of Chicago faculty to share their favorite tips for making the most of the summer season.

Alumni News!📣Congratulations to Academy alumni Zachary Brandon, Ria Honda, and Karisa Chiu, former students of Almita Vamos, and participants in the 12th Quadrennial Indianapolis Violin Competition!🌟

Taking place September 17 – October 4, this competition was launched in 1982 under the artistic leadership of Josef Gingold to discover major violin talent and nurture the careers of those identified. Now regarded as one of the most respected music competitions in the world, Laureates uphold the tradition of excellence as soloists, chamber musicians, and orchestral leaders in today’s foremost cultural centers.

Past MIC Academy Laureates and Medalists:
• 2010 Bronze Medalist- Benjamin Beilman (Almita Vamos)
• 2022 Silver Medalist- Julian Rhee (Almita Vamos), 2022 Sixth Place Laureate- Joshua Brown (Almita Vamos)

See what's on stage this week at MIC!

6/18- Adult Piano Camp Faculty Recital
6/21-Adult Piano Camp Student Recital

View all upcoming events:
https://ow.ly/4hXX50Z9XXo

Looking back on the Academy's 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert. ✨

From unforgettable performances to joyful reunions and plenty of photo booth fun, this event was a beautiful reflection of the community we've built together over the past two decades.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such a meaningful evening.

📸 Enjoy a few more moments from this special day!

Congratulations to students of Louise Chan who took their Spring 2026 Royal Conservatory of Music exams at Symphony Center!🎼

• Eamon Hsu, Preparatory A Piano, First Class Honors with Distinction
• Nadia Mladineo, Preparatory A Piano, First Class Honors with Distinction
• Nicholas Parenti, Preparatory B Piano, First Class Honors with Distinction
• Liam Parenti, Preparatory B Piano, First Class Honors
• Anika Voight, Level 8 Theory, First Class Honors

We celebrate their hard work and dedication!👏

Congratulations to adult students Sarah Tepper (Level 7) and Lichen Song (Level 8) who took their Royal Conservatory of Music Theory exams at Symphony Center last month. Both scored in the "First Class Honors with Distinction" category with Sarah taking home a perfect score! 👏

Both students study Theory with Dr. Marie Alatalo and Sarah studies piano with Devvora Papatheodorou Schreier.

Learning an instrument might begin as weekly lessons, but for many families, meaningful moments happen in between.🎶

• Watching their face light up when they share what they've learned with family and friends.

• Celebrating the small breakthroughs that come after weeks of practice.

• Cherishing the time spent learning alongside them.

These aren't always the moments that happen on stage. They can be the quiet moments at home and the shared experiences along the way.

➡️Hear more from MIC families about the moments they cherish most in our monthly Student Spotlight series at our blog:
https://ow.ly/gHYf50Z9oMC