It's not too late!

If you missed the Fall Fundraiser Concert your can still watch it here and make your gift in support of scholarships and financial aid at the Music Institute of Chicago.

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Fall Fundraiser 2025 Concert Program

Join Us!

MIC Board Chair, President, and Fall Fundraiser Co-Chairs
Sarah Montzka, Suzuki Education at Music Institute of Chicago
Music Institute of Chicago Fall Fundraiser 2025
Help us raise $125,000
Your gift supports scholarships and financial aid at MIC.
Fall Fundraiser Concert 2025 - Music Institute of Chicago

 

Every year MIC relies on raising
more than $2.3 million to ensure access to
scholarships, financial aid, and the high-quality programs that define our mission.  

Thanks to a generous donor, contributions will be matched up to $50,000!

Make your gift today!

 

Teacher of Note and Alumni of Note Award Presentation

The afternoon festivities also include announcement of the Third Annual Teacher of Note Award.  This award honors and expresses appreciation for the people who live the Music Institute’s mission every day: our internationally acclaimed, award-winning faculty.

This year the Music Institute of Chicago is pleased to honor:|
Suzuki violin and viola faculty Vannia Phillips.

2025 Teacher of Note Vannia Phillips award speech
Vannia Phillips accepts the 2025 Teacher of Note Award

Teacher of Note award recipients represent the excellence of the entire Music Institute faculty and demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm, and inspiration in their teaching. 

Past TEACHERS OF NOTE Award Recipients

2024 Avi Friedlander and Davis King
2023 Bianca d’Avila do Prado
          and Dr. Christina Tio 
         

NEW! In addition, this year MIC will present its first Alumni of Note Award. This award will recognize an extraordinary alumni who has made important contributions through their work in music or another field.

This year we are pleased to honor MIC Suzuki cello and Musikgarten faculty member:
Julia Wen Mariano.

2025 Alumnit of Note Awardee Julia Wen Mariano with husband and fellow MIC alum Andrew Mariano
Alumni of Note Awardee Julia Wen Mariano with husband and fellow MIC alum Andrew Mariano

 

 

MIC Students and Faculty Fall Fundraiser Concert Performances

MIC harpist Grace McLaughlin
Suzuki Education at the Music Institute of Chicago
Evelyn Zhang, guitar - Music Institute of Chicago

Free Concert

MIC students perform at the MIC Fall Fundraiser Concert

Students from the tuition-free Evanston Third Coast Suzuki Strings program

This year's concert features current MIC students of all ages, alumni, and faculty. A jazz combo will entertain guests as the arrive in the Nichols Concert Hall lobby comprised of adult students. The program itself includes Suzuki violinists and cellists from the Third Coast Suzuki Strings program as well as Community Music School. Audience members will have the opportunity to hear music for harp, guitar, bassoon, voice, piano, and strings from students just beginning their musical journey, to advanced high school Academy students, to accomplished adults, our amazing faculty, and professional alumni. The program closes with a Community Sing.

View the program

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Join Us!

MIC families at Fall Fundraiser

MIC family has fun at the photo booth.

A photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats for every guest follow the performance in the lobby. 

For those unable to attend in person, the concert will be available via livestream.

For event sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Bienemann at 847.448.8323.