Music Institute of Chicago

Specialties

The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) is one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the country, setting national standards for excellence in music education. MIC was the first community music school in Illinois to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the body that accredits college/​university music departments. With a world-​renowned faculty, MIC provides music education for people of all ages and abilities across numerous inner-​city sites, a satellite locations in Downers Grove and Chicago and five permanent campuses located in Evanston (2), Lincolnshire, Winnetka and Lake Forest. MIC students are all ages including birth to 102 years.

History

Established in 1931.

Established in 1931.

The Music Institute of Chicago was founded in 1931 (then known as the School of Musical Arts and Crafts) by David and Dorothy Dushkin. The Dushkins met in Paris as students of Nadia Boulanger. Each had taught for two years in the Chicago area before establishing their own school. David taught instrumental music at Francis Parker, the Latin School and in the Glencoe Public Schools, while Dorothy was a vocal teacher at the Latin School.

The Dushkins were passionate in their love of music, and wanted to make that love a part of the everyday life of as many children as they could reach. They were devoted, not to the training of the professional musician (although many who began their studies with the Dushkins went on to professional careers), but to developing musical ability and appreciation in the lifelong amateur.

Meet the Manager

Mark G.

Manager

Mark George’s passion for music, not to mention his unshakable belief in the power of music to sustain and nourish the human spirit, came directly from his father, a community band leader and classical and jazz musician in the family’s hometown of Glassport, Pa. «He was the inspiration for what I do,» says George, president and CEO of the widely respected Music Institute of Chicago. «For as long as I can remember, I wanted to emulate my father and be a musician who would make music accessible to everyone in town. «Now my town is Chicago.» Northeastern Illinois does not, of course, lack for dedicated music educators and administrators, but George stands out as a visionary who is making unique and important things happen — and changing untold numbers of young lives in the process. George started as President & CEO of the Music Institute of Chicago in February 2010. Educator, administrator and concert pianist, George has significantly raised the community music school’s profile.