Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago is a fantastic place where young and old come together for the love of music. My 2 children take violin here and I just started as well. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, but also takes musicianship seriously. Children learn that it takes practice and discipline in order to learn an instrument, while simultaneously having fun. We are thrilled to be able to live so close.

This review is just for the Musikgarten or Musicgarten (not sure how to spell that lol) classes taught by Ms. Reagan. My son took her music class (he is 2) at the Winnetka Community House and it was wonderful. He absolutely loved it and Ms. Reagan is so sweet and you can tell that she really loves working with kids. I highly recommend it for anyone with little ones who love music and live in the area.

I’ve taken piano lessons at the MIC, WINNETKA campus since 1999. The MIC is comprised of campuses in Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lake Forest, and Lincolnshire. Despite administrative glitiches that are understandable, considering the 1000’s of students enrolled, the MIC is a very fine music school, without doubt. Instruction quality is unquestionably topnotch. Over time, students benefit from not only their own teacher but the community of music teachers and students associated with them. Performing opportunities are PLENTIFUL. School-​age and adult students gain tremendously from MIC concerts which occur often (Free Admission included with Tuition). Lesson scheduling matches the school year but there are summer «camps» and festivals year-​round. I would URGE virtually ANYONE to take advantage of this wonderful place with a faculty that one rarely finds, outside of Juilliard & Curtis! Scholarship options are available.

I had two boys that took piano lessons here for 5 years. Teacher dropped us (scaling back his schedule, was the reason) and I was told someone would be getting in touch with me to work out a new teacher. No one ever did. Not only that, but I contacted Clark (the Winnetka director) on numerous occasions over the summer to try and get a new teacher for them. He never bothered to return emails or phone calls.
After 5 years of being a part of this school — 5 years of paying tuition — this is how they treat me? I contacted the director of the whole school — Mark George — and explained what was going on. Even he didn’t have the courtesy to contact me personally. He passed my info along to his assistant who barely apologized for what had happened (and never offered an explanation). Then she quickly tried to sign us up for more lessons. Really? Clueless.

Agree with the other reviewer. The Winnetka campus seems to have serious issues. We visited the campus in Spring and met with the Director. Discussed the needs of our kids and conveyed great interest. He took copious notes and said he would get back to us shortly on next steps. Never heard back from him again after followup with email and voicemail. And now it’s the end of the summer. As a result, we missed the summer classes, and have no way of knowing how good their music lessons actually are. Very disappointing experience.

I have been part of the Music Institute for 10 years and worked there on and off for about 5. Here’s what I can say:
1) I took voice and guitar from various teachers. All the teachers at the MIC are passionate about what they do. Most of them are still active in the music scene, which indicates an undying love for music. There is nothing worse than taking lessons from someone who doesn’t care anymore. On top of that, the MIC attracts some of the most renown musicians in the area to teach. Some names to check out: Gilda Bartston, Desiree Ruhstrat, Almita and Roland Vamos, Hans Jensen, and Claire and Ralph Neiweem to name a few. Attracting musicians of this caliber only reflects highly on the school.
2) The MIC caters to everyone of any music level and offers both traditional and suzuki program lessons. Whether you are just beginning or have been playing for years, MIC has the right programs and teacher for you. Even before your first lesson, you go in for an «interview» where an existing teacher evaluates your level, need, preferences and personality to place you with the right teacher. For the serious young musician, they have an Academy program.
3) Seriously, any age. MIC has a great musikgarten program for the tinies, an amazing orchestral/​band program for seniors, and tons of classes and ensembles in between.
4) Accessibility. The MIC has locations in Winnetka, Evanston, Highland Park, Lincolnshire, and Lake Forest.
5) Financial accessibility. For students who would like to study, but are on a tight budget, the MIC offers financial assistance for struggling families. They also have various audition-​based yearly awards. This school is a non-​profit, so this is made possible by generous donors.
6) Entertainment. The Evanston campus (which is breathtakingly gorgeous) often puts on fantastic concerts and shows for the community.
7) Administration/​Development/​Staff are all pretty rockin’. Nice, friendly people who just want to help. Things don’t always go smoothly (do they ever?), but the staff is well organized and dedicated to making things run. Word of advice (especially the winnetka office): they like anything with chocolate. Give them chocolate and you will be in their good graces forever =0)
Being involved with the MIC as long as I have, I can safely say that the MIC has done a great job adapting and improving its programs based on the needs of the students and community as a whole. If you are looking to pick up an instrument or check out some music classes, I highly urge you to take a look at what the MIC has to offer.

This is a great place to get music lessons from. Even if you don’t want to learn music you can come here and attend their concerts and recitals which are very good. Thereis a bit of a parking problem but its not too bad.