Launching Fall 2025...

The deadline for submitting an application for the 2025-2026 MIC Academy Prep program is February 15, 2025.
For more information, or any questions, please contact MIC Academy Artistic Director, Jim Setapen.

Apply Now

The Academy Prep is a new program for advanced piano and string students, ages 10 to 14, who take their music lessons seriously and may be interested in auditioning for the MIC Academy when they are older.

Artistic Director: Jim Setapen

Components of the program

  • Chamber Music
    Weekly coachings with artist faculty, scheduled rehearsal time,  performance classes, and regular ensemble concerts make up the robust program. Students are carefully prepared for international, national, and regional competitions and are coached by award-winning Academy Artist faculty. The chamber music program has resulted in numerous awards since its inception in 2006.
     
  • Music Theory
    Academy students all study music theory and history at a level appropriate to their skills.
    • music theory/history
    • solfeggio
    • ear training, rhythmic and melodic dictation
       
  • Piano Sight-Reading and Literature
     
  • String Orchestra
    Performance opportunities and a challenging repertoire, in an intimate ensemble, is offered to violinists, violists, cellists and bass students.
     
  • Performance Opportunities
    Solo, chamber music, and orchestral opportunities are available. Philanthropic, civic, educational, and outreach opportunities are provided to Academy students in settings throughout the Chicagoland area.

    MASTER CLASSES & ENRICHMENT

    Students in the Academy Prep program are welcome to attend any of the Academy's master classes or other enrichment presented by guest artists.

    ORCHESTRA

    Orchestra students will present two orchestral performances, as well as a side-by-side performance with the Academy Orchestra in the Spring.

    The Academy Prep Schedule

    Sundays, 1:30-5:00 PM, Evanston campus

    For musicians ages 10 – 14

    1:30 PM  Music Theory
    2:15 PM  Break
    2:30 PM Orchestra (strings)
    2:30 PM Piano - sight reading and pianist literature
    3:15 PM Break
    3:30 PM Chamber Music
    4:30 PM Performance Forum (solo and chamber music repertoire)
    5:00 PM Dismissal
     

    Program Attendance

    Students are allowed up to two absences per semester. Students with excessive absences will be subject to dismissal from the program.

    TUITION

    $3,000 for 30-weeks. Includes Music Theory, Orchestra, Chamber Music, Piano Sight-Reading, Piano Literature, and Performance Forum. This does not include the cost of private lessons.