The Music Institute of Chicago, one of the premiere community music schools in the country, and Lake Forest Academy (LFA), a renowned college-preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9–12, announce a new partnership. The Music Institute, which recruits highly qualified string and piano students from around the world to participate in its Academy program, will collaborate with LFA, which will provide the perfect complementary educational resource for highly motivated students relocating to the Chicago area who aim to excel in both music and academics.

Distinguished by its diverse student body, LFA prepares citizens with the intellectual, cultural, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the global community. The Academy program, an elite training center for highly gifted pre-collegiate pianists and string players, prepares students with professional aspirations for entry into top tier music conservatories. Academy students meet each Saturday for 30 weeks at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park and receive private instruction with Academy artist faculty, advanced chamber music training, participation in a chamber orchestra, and accelerated music theory classes.

“The Music Institute of Chicago and Lake Forest Academy share a passion for education and a commitment to excellence,” said Music Institute President and CEO Mark George. “It is fitting that we enter into an agreement that benefits our students, helps our recruitment efforts, and strengthens both institutions.”

Music Institute Vice President of Administration Sue Polutnik and LFA Dean of Admissions Loring Strudwick will work closely to facilitate recruitment and matriculation, as well as on new strategic initiatives that will create a greater awareness of both programs for teachers and students in the U.S. and around the world.

The first student accepted in both programs is 13-year-old Mei Zhan from Shenyang, China. She began her violin studies at the age of six and has performed as a soloist throughout China. She won second prize in the Shenyang Violin Competition at age 12, and she was a finalist in the prestigious National Young Artist Violin Competition in China. After April auditions, the Music Institute accepted Mei into the studio of esteemed violin faculty member Almita Vamos and its Junior Academy program; she subsequently was introduced to the LFA admissions staff. Mei will enroll at LFA in English as a Second Language (ESL), a comprehensive summer program for secondary school students that runs for five weeks. She will begin her regular session classes at LFA and a full Academy curriculum of private instrument instruction, orchestra, chamber music, music theory, and enrichment offerings in August.

For more information regarding these programs, please contact Sue Polutnik at the Music Institute at 847-448-8311, spolutnik@musicinst.org, or Loring Strudwick at Lake Forest Academy, 847-615-3266, lstrudwick@lfanet.org.

About the Academy

Founded in 2006, the Music Institute of Chicago Academy has quickly established itself as a nationally known training center for highly gifted pre-college musicians. Academy Director Jim Setapen oversees this extremely selective program, which focuses on providing an intensive and comprehensive musical education and significant performance opportunities for developing musicians. The carefully assembled faculty represents internationally recognized teachers and performers with a passion for developing young talent and an established reputation for student achievement.

Approximately 50 young musicians participate in all aspects of the curriculum, which includes private lessons with Academy artist faculty, a rigorous chamber music component, a stimulating chamber orchestra, and accelerated music theory classes. Pianists also study keyboard literature and skills in an intimate group setting. A hallmark of the Academy is weekly master classes with some of the world’s most celebrated artists and educators. The Academy introduces students to a vast music community of peer musicians, a range of pedagogical styles, and the rigors of conservatory training.

About Lake Forest Academy

Lake Forest Academy is an independent, coed, college-preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9–12. Founded in 1857, LFA provides an intimate and challenging educational environment through small classes (average 12 students) and close contact between teachers and students. Participation in athletics, clubs, arts, and leadership opportunities encourages the development of character and self-confidence. Distinguished by its diverse student body, LFA prepares citizens with the intellectual, cultural, and interpersonal skills necessary to succeed in the global community.

About the Music Institute of Chicago

The Music Institute of Chicago believes that music has the power to sustain and nourish the human spirit; therefore, our mission is to provide the foundation for lifelong engagement with music. As one of the three largest and most respected community music schools in the nation, the Music Institute offers musical excellence built on the strength of our distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services. Founded in 1931 and one of the oldest community music schools in Illinois, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Each year, our world-class music teachers and arts therapists provide the highest quality arts education to more than 5,000 students of all ability levels, from birth to 101 years of age at campuses in Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Winnetka, and Downers Grove. The Music Institute also offers lessons and programs at the Steinway of Chicago store in Northbrook and early childhood and community engagement programs throughout the Chicago area and the North Shore. Nichols Concert Hall, our education and performance center located in downtown Evanston, reaches approximately 14,000 people each year. Our community engagement and partnership programs reach an additional 6,500 Chicago Public School students annually. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and programs through four distinct areas: Community School, The Academy, Creative Arts Therapy (Institute for Therapy through the Arts), and Nichols Concert Hall.

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