Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative

Housed at the Merit School of Music and co-led by an advisory council of Chicago area music education partners including the Chicago Symphony Negaunee Music Institute, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) provides exceptional training, mentorship and other resources to highly motivated middle and high school instrumentalists from historically underrepresented backgrounds seeking to pursue careers in music.  

Students are admitted on the basis of musical aptitude and financial need. As a lead partner, Chicago Symphony provides supplemental programming that supports the Initiative and its Fellows, including masterclasses with Chicago Symphony guest artists, mock auditions with CSO musicians, and an annual recital at Chicago Symphony Center. Select CSO and Civic Orchestra musicians are also private teachers or mentors for CMPI Fellows. 

Learn more about the Initiative, the CMPI Fellows and the other lead partners, including the Merit School of Music, at chicagopathways.org.