Find your place at the Music Institute of Chicago!
Well-designed programs and high-quality teaching at the Music Institute of Chicago help every student acquire the creative, social, cultural, and brain-building benefits of playing an instrument.
Start private music lessons anytime; rolling registration is always available. The MIC academic year includes two 17-week semesters, fall and spring, and a flexible summer session. Private instruction is available for all ages and levels of interest and ability.
Why Choose the Music institute of chicago?
- The Music Institute has the best-trained, most-experienced music teachers in the Chicago area.
- The Music Institute's careful, personalized teacher placement process with an expert music educator ensures the best student-teacher match.
- MIC students join a supportive musical community of fellow parents, students, and concertgoers.
- Every student can perform at Nichols Concert Hall, as well as participate in family concert events and community service performances. In addition, MIC offers live streaming service for many student recitals at Nichols Concert Hall.
- Students can take advantage of master class opportunities and visits from guest artists and educators.
- Students enjoy free admission to a variety of world-class events each year at Nichols Concert Hall.
Great Music Teachers Make a Difference
The breadth and depth of our music faculty is unparalleled. With more than 125 faculty, Music Institute of Chicago music teachers are experienced, dedicated educators and performers who hold degrees from the world’s finest music schools. The Music Institute faculty is among the best-trained and most experienced in the Chicago area.
Discounted RCM Music Theory Classes for MIC Students
MIC strongly believes that music theory is an essential part of musical development. Students who understand how music works often progress more confidently, become more independent learners, and develop a deeper appreciation for the music they play and hear.
For that reason, we recommend that all students, aged 7+, enrolled in private lessons also participate in music theory.
Fall 2026 RCM Music Theory Class Schedule
RCM Music Theory at MIC
The Music Institute of Chicago is excited to offer students the opportunity to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music’s (RCM) internationally recognized music theory and RCM Certificate Program. This program guides students from elementary to advanced levels and formally recognizes their musical progress.Â
The RCM Music Theory Program provides students with meaningful goals and recognition for their musical progress. Through a structured sequence of levels, students build strong performance skills, musicianship, and theoretical understanding, students who participate in the RCM Certificate Program will experience the following benefits:
- Progress more quickly on their instrument
- Sustain their engagement with their musical studies
- Celebrate their achievements regularly
- Comprehensive music instruction beyond lessons
- Establish a strong record of accomplishment, which they may then include on employment and college applicationsÂ
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What is music theory and why is it important?
Music theory is the study of the musical elements that shape how music is written and structured. In the RCM Certificate Program, music theory instruction helps students understand the building blocks of music:
rhythm |  melody | harmony | form | musical notation
As students study and understand these elements more deeply, they are able to learn new pieces more efficiently, perform with a deeper understanding, and communicate their ideas more successfully.
By connecting musical knowledge with practical performance, theory study supports instrumental lessons and helps students develop strong, well-rounded musicianship.Â
Enrollment in the music theory program occurs once annually on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is required.Â
Please contact your instructor or Campus Director for placement guidance.