Instruments

The Brass Department offers traditional instruction in trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba. MIC also offers a special program designed for young beginning brass players. The program uses a modern trumpet modified into a valve-less “natural” trumpet that is made with a scrap trumpet and vinyl tubing. In addition to this program, MIC offers a variety of ensemble opportunities for brass players through chamber music, and orchestral programs.

The MIC guitar department offers traditional and Suzuki instruction in acoustic guitar for students ages four and up. A wide variety of styles are offered and small group classes and chamber music are also available for those looking for an ensemble experience.

The MIC harp department offers instruction in classical, folk, and Suzuki harp for students ages four and up.  Harpists also have opportunities in MIC ensemble programs and chamber music.

The Music Institute of Chicago is one of few community music schools in the nation, to offer organ and harpsichord instruction. MIC is the home of two important, historic pipe organs: a fully restored, three manual, 1914 E.M.Skinner organ in Nichols Concert Hall, and a 1936 Kimball pipe organ. Organ instruction offers piano students the opportunity to uniquely expand their knowledge of historic keyboard instruments and repertoire.

The Music Institute of Chicago is one of a few community music schools in the region and nation to offer harpsichord instruction. MIC possesses a Redsell single manual harpsichord and a Zuckermann spinet. Harpsichord instruction offers piano students the opportunity to uniquely expand their knowledge of historic keyboard instruments and repertoire. MIC also has a vibrant Early Music department with ensemble opportunities for harpsichord players.

The Percussion Department at MIC offers instruction on mallet instruments, timpani, and drum set. World drumming classes are available as well as ensemble experiences through MIC’s chamber music and orchestral programs.

With more than 50 piano faculty members and 600 piano students, MIC has one of the largest community school piano departments in the nation.  Both nurturing and challenging, our instructors teach beginning through advanced repertoire for students of all levels and abilities. Tradition and Suzuki instruction are offered as well as improvisation classes. Pianists are also encouraged to participate in MIC’s chamber music program.

Other opportunities include the Chicago Duo Piano Festival, a vibrant duo piano program with winter and summer offerings and an adult piano camp and youth piano intensive.

The String Department offers traditional and Suzuki instruction in violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  MIC also offers private instruction in early music period instruments including Baroque violin and viola da gamba.  Regular performance opportunities, master classes, and workshops are an important part of the program and orchestral and chamber music opportunities provide students of all levels valuable ensemble experience.

The Voice Department offers singers training in classical and popular styles. Correct breathing and vocal techniques are emphasized to nurture the developing singer. Training in foreign languages and diction are included in the private lesson experience. A variety of performing opportunities are offered including voice department recitals, Musical Theater productions, and the MIC Chorale for adults.

The Woodwind Department offers traditional instruction in flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon and recorder.  MIC also offers Suzuki instruction in flute and recorder. Woodwind players have a wide range of opportunities for ensemble experience through chamber music and orchestral programs.

Composition instruction is geared to meet the needs of students at all levels. Compositional techniques are progressively introduced and explored through a variety of exercises, as well as through listening and analyzing works from musical literature. Through MIC’s Four Score Festival, composition students have a prized opportunity to interact with living composers. In addition to private study, MIC offers semi-private instruction and a Composer’s Lab.

Curriculum is geared to the student’s particular interests and needs. Areas which may be covered in this private study of orchestral conducting include baton technique, score analysis, interpretation, rehearsal techniques, developing leadership skills, and learning how to determine and remember tempos. Instruction is complemented by attendance and participation in MIC ensemble rehearsals.