Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) was founded in 1931 by Dorothy and David Dushkin, who believed that quality music education should be accessible to all. What started as a small community music school in a Winnetka farmhouse has since evolved into one of the largest and most reputable music schools in the country.

Renowned for its first-rate faculty and a fundamental drive to ensure equitable access to music, MIC provides high-quality music education, world-class performances, and countless moments of inspiration for the community. Each year, MIC offers personalized music instruction to nearly 2,000 students of all ages, levels of experience, and financial means, across eight campus locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Wheaton, and Winnetka.

MIC shares music experiences with a broader public through its schools and community service programs, which integrate arts curriculum, provide professional development, and offer performance and engagement opportunities to thousands in the Chicago area. Nichols Concert Hall, MIC’s state-of-the-art, 550-seat performance space headquartered in Evanston, is a highly accessible resource for students and faculty and engages more than 10,000 individuals annually through master classes, recording sessions, recitals, community gatherings, and performances.

Through all its endeavors, the Music Institute of Chicago is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to leading people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service activities that educate, inspire, and build strong, healthy communities.