MIC Alumna Jane Solomon, Executive Producer of Oscar-winning Documentary "The Last Repair Shop"

3.10.24 Update!  The Last Repair Shop wins the Oscar for short documentary film.

The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) has a long and proud history of nurturing artistic talent, and alumna Jane Solomon is no exception. Jane honed her skills under the guidance of MIC’s most beloved teachers including piano lessons with Emilio del Rosario, violin lessons with Nell Novak, and dance with Trudl Zipper, partner and collaborator of former MIC president, Herbert Zipper. Jane has taken her passion for music into the world of film, serving as an executive producer on the Academy Award®-nominated documentary short, "The Last Repair Shop."

This film, directed by Kris Bowers and Ben Proudfoot, delves into the heart of a Los Angeles program that provides free and repaired musical instruments to public schoolchildren, a lifeline for countless young musicians. "The Last Repair Shop" isn't just a documentary; it's a testament to the transformative power of music. We meet the dedicated craftspeople who meticulously mend instruments, breathing new life into them and, in turn, igniting the musical aspirations of countless students. It's a story deeply connected to MIC's mission of making music accessible to all and the community that builds around it.

Inspired by "The Last Repair Shop", the LAUSD Education Foundation is set to launch a major $15 million capital campaign which will invest in the repair workshop’s skilled craftspeople and support staff, and empower the next generation of instrument technicians by funding a student apprenticeship program. The announcement came after a screening of the film at Hollywood High School near the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars),and will directly benefit the program and ensure its legacy for generations to come. 

"The Last Repair Shop" is a must-watch for anyone who loves music, believes in the power of education, and appreciates the dedication of those who keep the arts alive. It's a reminder that even the smallest act of repair can have a ripple effect, changing lives and enriching communities.

We encourage you to watch "The Last Repair Shop" and support its message of ensuring music remains accessible to all.

Learn how you can help at www.thelastrepairshop.com