MIC students raise $10,000 for Underserved Schools
The Story of Musicians for Hope
February 14th, 2024
Students of Music Institute of Chicago aren't just gifted musicians; they're passionate individuals driven to make a difference. Academy student Matthew Hahn and his MIC peers are a testament to this. Matthew Hahn founded Musicians for Hope, an organization to raise funds and allocate resources to support underfunded music programs in elementary and middle schools through fundraising concerts.
Matthew, 16, has been in the Academy for two years. He currently studies with Winston Choi, and Marta Aznavoorian. Marta also serves on the board of Musicians for Hope. Matthew started his piano studies at MIC at the age of four with Music Institute of Chicago Suzuki Piano teacher, Christina Tio. MIC peers Jan Vargas Nedvetsky, Simon Updegraff, Edie Park, Vivian Van de Sype Cucu, and Kai Isoke Ali-Landing have joined Matthew in forming Musicians for Hope.
The Birth of Musicians for Hope
The spark for Musicians for Hope ignited during Matthew Hahn's participation in Fischoff's PACman program (Peer Ambassadors for Chamber Music). During this experience, Matthew and his chamber group presented a performance-workshop to an elementary school in Indiana.
This direct experience unveiled the critical need and profound impact of supporting music programs in underserved communities, particularly at times of budget constraints when such programs are often the first to face cuts.
Debut Concert
On February 9th, a new wave of hope resonated through Nichols Concert Hall as young musicians from the Music Institute of Chicago Academy launched their initiative, Musicians for Hope. This inaugural concert raised an impressive $10,000 in donations and pledges to support music education at John Lewis Middle School, a local school where 73% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors: Potbelly Evanston, William Harris Lee & Co., Squeezebox Books & Music Inc., and Foley & Lardner LLP.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Musicians for Hope
Musicians for Hope's success is a testament to the power of young people using their talents to make a positive impact. This event marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Musicians for Hope, a student-led initiative bringing music, hope, and opportunity to Chicagoland communities.
Learn more and donate at musiciansforhope.net
Read our Q&A with Matthew Hahn
