This month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on Denise Allen, one of the newest members of the CMPI Advisory Council. Denise joined with a clear purpose: to strengthen the sense of community within CMPI and help families feel more supported and connected.
“As a parent of a young musician, I know how important it is to have a strong network,” Denise shares. “Music education can be overwhelming at times—there is so much to balance. I want to create spaces where parents feel encouraged and empowered to help their kids succeed.”
Denise has committed to spearheading the Parent Engagement and Education Committee, including a parent book club, social outings, and a mentorship program where experienced parents will guide those who are just starting their CMPI journey.
“It’s all about building relationships,” Denise says. “If we can bring families together, they’ll be better equipped to support their children and feel like they’re part of something bigger.”
Advocacy in the Arts: Bridging Gaps and Opening Doors
Advocacy is at the heart of CMPI’s mission, especially as families navigate the challenges of accessing resources, balancing academics and artistic pursuits, and finding quality instruction.
“A lot of families don’t realize programs like CMPI are even an option,” Denise says. “We’re focused on building connections with schools, community arts organizations, and music programs to make sure these opportunities are more visible and accessible.”
By strengthening these relationships, CMPI aims to open doors for students who might not otherwise see themselves in elite music programs. “The message we want to send is: You belong here, and we’re here to help you succeed,” Denise emphasizes.
Recruitment: Reaching Untapped Potential
Recruitment has been another key focus for the Advisory Council. Denise highlights the importance of connecting with young musicians who might feel programs like CMPI are out of reach.
“There’s so much talent out there, but so many kids hesitate because they think they’re not good enough or they don’t know how to start,” Denise explains. “We’re working on ways to make CMPI more approachable—like interactive workshops and events where students and families can see what the program is really about.”
These efforts are designed to inspire confidence and encourage more students to take that first step toward auditioning. “Sometimes all it takes is showing a kid that they belong, and that can change everything,” she adds.
Alumni Success: Celebrating the CMPI Legacy
CMPI’s alumni are a testament to the program’s life-changing impact, with success stories like Oliver Talukder, a recent graduate of Curtis School of Music who is now a tenured orchestral musician, and Abby Lopez, bassoonist, who has been a finalist in prestigious competitions. “Our alumni are our greatest ambassadors,” Denise says. “They’ve been through the program, they’ve succeeded, and their stories are proof of what’s possible.”
To strengthen alumni ties, CMPI is rolling out initiatives such as mentorship programs, featuring alumni profiles on the website, and inviting alumni to participate in fundraising events. “These connections are about more than just staying in touch—they’re about inspiring the next generation of CMPI students and showing donors the lasting value of what we do,” Denise explains.
Sustainability: Building for the Future
While CMPI celebrated a record-breaking fundraising year in 2024, Denise notes that the Council is looking to the future.
“We can’t rely on a handful of major donors forever,” she says. “By engaging more mid-level donors and showcasing our alumni success stories, we can build a foundation that sustains us for years to come.”
Looking Ahead: Denise’s Vision for CMPI
When asked about her hopes for CMPI’s future, Denise speaks with conviction: “This is not just about supporting young musicians; it’s about building a legacy. By focusing on advocacy, recruitment, alumni engagement, and parent involvement, we are creating a community that lasts—one that is rooted in opportunity, excellence, and inclusivity,” she says. “I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Together, we are empowering the next generation of diverse, talented musicians and ensuring CMPI continues to inspire for years to come.
Get Involved
Whether you are a parent, alumni, or supporter, there are countless ways to contribute to CMPI’s success. Reach out to learn more about how you can help make a difference!
Images
Denise Allen and her son Zach, photo credit: Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times