Whether you are learning an instrument for the first time, returning after a long hiatus, or just wanting to brush up your musical skills, the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) welcomes you!
Share your love of music with other adults
- Meet a friendly, vibrant, and supportive community of adult music learners
- Take advantage of passionate, professional, and dedicated faculty attuned to working with the unique needs of the adult student
- Choose from a comprehensive set of offerings including private lessons, group classes, small and large ensembles
- Enjoy deeply discounted musicianship classes, three complimentary tickets to all MIC-sponsored concerts at Nichols Concert Hall, and free master classes featuring renowned visiting artists
- Perform at beautiful Nichols Concert Hall and throughout Chicagoland
Offering the Flexiblity Busy Adults Need
We know you've got a lot on your plate! Choose the lesson package that works to meet your goals and schedule.
Adult Private Lesson Packages
| # of Lessons | Lesson Length | Tuition | Reduced Tuition 15% discount (weekdays before 3:30 pm or senior discount) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 30 min | $273.60 | $232.56 |
| 8 | 30 min | $547.20 | $465.12 |
| 17 | 30 min | $1,162.80 | $988.55 |
| 4 | 45 min | $381.20 | $324.02 |
| 8 | 45 min | $762.40 | $648.04 |
| 17 | 45 min | $1620.10 | $1377.00 |
| 4 | 60 min | $489.20 | $415.82 |
| 8 | 60 min | $978.40 | $831.64 |
| 17 | 60 min | $2,079.10 | $1,767.15 |
Discounts
- Adults (age 19+), taking a private lesson before 3:30 pm Monday - Friday in MIC studios, receive a 15% reduction in tuition.
This discount does not apply to special rate faculty.
- Senior Citizens (age 65+) receive a 15% discount on private lessons.
Get Started Today!
Complete a short inquiry form and a campus director will follow up with you shortly to learn more or schedule a placement meeting. Our Campus Directors will take time to learn about the personality, learning style, interests and goals of each student so that the best student-teacher match can be arranged. In addition, we will answer all your questions and provide more information about our offerings and school policies.
Group Classes for Adults
From Musicianship and Music Listening to chamber music, to guitar and ukulele group classes, the Music Institute offers ways for adults to stay on their musical toes, make friends, and make music!
Small Ensembles for Adults
Chamber Music
Explore the rich and varied chamber music repertoire through weekly coachings and enjoy regular performance opportunities in informal settings and through community outreach, recitals at beautiful Nichols Concert Hall in downtown Evanston twice a year, and chamber music master classes are hosted by MIC for participants. MIC's Chamber Music program is available for string, piano, woodwind, brass, harp, guitar, percussion, and voice students.
More Information and Application
Jazz Studies - COMBOS
Practice improvising across many styles of jazz including swing, blues, bebop, New Orleans, Latin and contemporary. Emphasis will include learning jazz standards and will provide the opportunity to perform original compositions. Increase your knowledge of jazz theory and history and enhance your creativity through "playing by ear" on your instrument. Learn to interpret great jazz recordings through listening and imitation.
More information and application
NEW! Concerti for Recorders and Continuo
This class, led by Patrick O'Malley, will explore Baroque compositions for multiple recorders and basso continuo. Composers include Boismortier, Schickhardt, Keller, Molter, and Purcell. Focus will be on beautiful tone, incorporating Baroque performance practice and ornamentation, and working as a wind ensemble with a basso continuo line. Recorder players should be comfortable with alto recorder. Some pieces might call for tenor or other sizes. Harpsichord, viola da gamba, and cello students are welcome!
MIC Chamber Winds
MIC Chamber Winds, led by Director Timothy Cook, is an ensemble providing an artistic outlet for advanced-level wind players through the Harmoniemusik tradition. Originating in the 18th century, Harmonie, a German term for wind ensemble, became highly favored for their virtuosity and versatility. Comprised of 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, and 2 horns, this selective ensemble provides a platform for musicians to expand their repertoire, refine their artistry, and experience the joy of performing historical chamber wind masterworks. Enrollment by teacher recommendation and director approval.
Large Ensembles for Adults
MIC Concert Band
Timothy Cook, Conductor
The Music Institute of Chicago invites you to join the MIC Concert Band, an ensemble designed for adults of all ages. The band rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and participants also receive a weekly sectional. Members of Music Institute of Chicago's Concert Band find this experience to be enjoyable, healthful, musically and personally satisfying, and a wonderful opportunity for social interaction. Our Concert Band plays public concerts in MIC's historic Nichols Concert Hall and in local communities. If you played an instrument earlier in life and are ready to take it up again, MIC can help you get back in shape quickly and recapture the excitement of playing music. If you have never played an instrument before, it's never too late to give it a try. MIC's highly experienced staff of professional musicians/teachers will guide you every step of the way from producing your first sounds, through learning to read music, to developing your technical skills to the very best of your ability. This is a terrific opportunity to engage in a low-stress physical and mental exercise, and to meet people and enjoy new experiences in a friendly and non-competitive atmosphere.
MIC Chorale
Daniel Wallenberg, conductor | Gregory Shifrin, pianist
A community chorus that provides an opportunity for adult singers with prior experience to study and perform the best in sacred and secular choral music. Since it began in 1987, the Chorale has one continuing goal: to perform the finest sacred and secular choral music with the highest of standards in a community setting.
Under the leadership of Conductor Daniel Wallenberg, the Chorale has developed a wide range of repertoire, including motets, madrigals, part-songs, folk songs, and larger choral-orchestral works by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Duruflé, and many others. Throughout the years, the Chorale has collaborated with local choirs and symphony orchestras and has produced two fully costumed Elizabethan madrigal dinners. In addition, the Chorale has collaborated several times with the Music Institute’s voice faculty for concerts of opera and Broadway music.
To reserve an audition time, please contact Patrick O'Malley.
MIC Chorale Calendar
Fall & Spring: September 3-May 27 (36 weeks)
Fall 2024: September 3 - January 14 (18 weeks)
Fall 2024: September 3-November 5 (10 weeks)
Spring 2025: January 28-May 27 (18 weeks)
Spring 2025: March 25-May 27 (10 weeks)
Concerts Schedule
All concerts take place at 3 pm in Nichols Concert Hall
November 24, 2024
March 16, 2025
June 1, 2025
Register for Fall 2024
Music Institute Chorale Summer Sing-along
Featuring: Mozart's Requiem
Join conductor Daniel Wallenberg and the Music Institute Chorale for its annual summer sing-along. This year Mozart's Requiem, a chorale masterpiece and Mozart's final work, is featured. Join the Chorale for July rehearsals, or just come join the sing-along.
Rehearsals: July 10, 16, 23, 30 | 7:30 – 9:30 pm
Performance/Sing-along Concert:
Wednesday, July 31, 7:30 pm | Nichols Concert Hall
Cost: $75 Rehearsals & Sing-along
Cost: $15 Sing-along only
Questions? Contact Patrick O'Malley
