The Person I am Today: The Story of Percussionist Aleo Esparza
I will always remember the time when I fell in love with percussion. It was at my sister’s middle school…
Read More
CMPI is Opening Doors: Scenes from Our Benefit
CMPI held our first in-person benefit event, “Opening Doors,” on Wednesday, October 26 in Symphony Center’s Buntrock Hall. A celebration of diversity and excellence in classical music, the evening featured…
Read More
Mentoring with Violinist Emelinda Escobar
Parent Kenyetta Giles Haynes interviewed violinist and CMPI Mentor Emelina Escobar. Their conversation is below. When I typed your name into my browser one of the first things to pop…
Read More
Tuba Camp Times Two!
By Pierre Ngoy Thanks to the recommendation and assistance from my private teacher Scott Tegge, I was able to attend two band camps over the summer: The Illinois Summer Youth…
Read More
Hitting All the Right Notes: Senior Percussion Fellow Kevin Reyes
Hello CMPI community! My name is Kevin Reyes, a 17-year-old percussionist from the Gage Park area of Chicago on the southside. I am currently a senior at Chicago Military Academy…
Read More
A CMPI Fellow Reviews a Performance by Another CMPI Fellow
Violin Fellow Mahalia Hernandez attended and reviewed a concert that just happened to include another CMPI Fellow, cellist Jan Vargas Nedvetsky, as a soloist. Here are her reflections. The Oistrakh…
Read More
Isabel Armenta’s Experience with the Percussion Scholarship Program
My name is Isabel Armenta and I am a 16-year-old percussionist who is part of the Percussion Scholarship Program (PSP). PSP is an intensive weekly percussion instruction program on a…
Read More
CYSO Tour Reflections with CMPI Fellow Elena Miller
CMPI currently has 18 fellows who participate in a Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra ensemble. This summer, the CYSO Symphony Orchestra went on a European tour to Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, and…
Read More
Flute Fellow Kaylee Johnson’s Experience with CMPI Steering Partner ChiArts
Chicago High School for the Arts (ChiArts) is part of CMPI’s Steering Team, providing support to students within CMPI and the program as a whole. ChiArts is Chicago’s first public…
Read More
Welcome New CMPI Fellows!
This year, CMPI welcomes nine new fellows, including five violinists, a violist, a cellist, a flutist, and a bass trombonist. They range in age from sixth to eleventh grade and…
Read More
Music Camp Experience at Fulton Summer Music Academy
By Amarin Sharma In July 2022, I attended a 4-week intensive strings music camp at the Fulton Summer Music Academy (FSMA) at Loyola University in Chicago. After the highly selective…
Read More
My Summer at Brevard Music Center Summer Institute
By Aleo Esparza This summer, I spent six weeks in Brevard, North Carolina at Brevard Music Center Summer Institute studying classical percussion. Brevard is an orchestrally focused summer program for…
Read More
Thoughts on Sphinx Performance Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music
By Akosua Haynes I loved my first (in person) year at Sphinx Performance Academy. For the past two years, I attended Sphinx Performance Academy (SPA) online, and I had high…
Read More
A Summer at the Verbier Festival
By Ella Saputra For three weeks in July, I had the pleasure of attending the Verbier Festival as part of the Junior Orchestra (VFJO) in Verbier, Switzerland. As the first…
Read More
CMPI Kickoff: How Maestro Miguel Prieto Changed My Perspective on Being a Musician
By Jonathan Martinez Growing up with three older brothers in the school band, I was always surrounded by music and wanted to know more about what it meant to be…
Read More
My Summer at Interlochen Arts Camp
By Hanna Marszalek The summer camp that I attended this year was at Interlochen Arts Camp. The program was Intermediate Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. The program lasted 3 weeks and…
Read More
Broadly Mentoring: Flute Mentor Suzanne Hannau
CMPI parent Kenyetta Giles Haynes recently sat down to speak with Suzanne Hannau, CMPI flute mentor, to connect with her energy, enthusiasm, and effervescence. How long have you been with…
Read More
Interview with Senior Violinist Alejandro Acosta
CMPI celebrates the 10 graduates of the class of 2022! CMPI Student Navigator Becca Dora had the privilege of sitting down with one of these graduates to discuss everything from…
Read More
An Interview with Alum Xavier Perry
Tell us about yourself! (Name, instrument, school, teacher, interests) I'm Xavier Perry, I'm 19, and I'm about to be a sophomore at Drake University. I'm majoring in Music Performance on…
Read More
Sending CMPI Fellows Out into the World!
Summer marks the time when CMPI Fellows begin to leave their homes in the Chicago area and venture out into the world. For seniors, this is a time to send…
Read More
Violin Faculty Member and Mentor Iris Wei
For this month’s faculty feature, student navigator Emory Freeman had the pleasure of interviewing violinist Iris Wei. An active educator, Iris Wei maintains a violin studio of over forty students…
Read More
Finding Balance with Trombone Fellow Owen Riordan
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative website lists each of its current fellows, arranged alphabetically by first name; you will find their names, photos, and a short bio that states the…
Read More
The Strum Experience with Jessie Montgomery
Few things are more exciting for a young classical musician than a masterclass with a composer. Members of the CMPI Quartet, violinists Sameer Agrawal and Esme Arias-Kim, violist Ella Saputra,…
Read More
Inspiration from Flute Faculty Member Marianna Gariazzo
For this month’s faculty feature, Student Navigator Emory Freeman had the pleasure of interviewing Mariana Gariazzo. In addition to teaching at CMPI, Mariana Gariazzo is a Teaching Associate in Flute…
Read More
An Interview with Violin Alum Nicole Kwasny
Tell us about yourself! I’m Nicole Kwasny, a freshman at Depaul, majoring in music performance at the violin studying with professor I-Hao Lee. Do you have a favorite composer? What…
Read More
Mindful Practicing and Preparation: Mind Over Finger with Renée-Paule Gauthier
One of the most challenging parts of becoming a classical musician is the difficulty in practicing, preparing for, and taking auditions. CMPI Fellows are fortunate to have the help of…
Read More
Peer Interviews: Zach Allen and Akosua Haynes
This month CMPI includes another peer-to-peer interview between fellows. Enjoy this pair of interviews between oboe fellow Zach Allen and cello fellow Akosua Haynes. What grade are you in and…
Read More
“This is Just the Beginning”: Chicago Youth in Music Festival and National Summit Overview
The work of Pathways programs is not new; organizations like the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program have been around for decades, supporting the musical growth of students from underrepresented…
Read More
Immersed in Music: Alum Rafael Noriega
CMPI Alum Rafael Noriega is a passionate bass trombonist studying music performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He is happy to be studying with the acting bass trombonist…
Read More
An Interview with Pianist Collaborator Beilin Han
One of the aspects that makes CMPI so special is the opportunity fellows get to perform and collaborate with world-class professional pianists. Student Navigator Becca Dora sat down with pianist…
Read More
NIMAN: Partner for Good
The students and families of Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) are all keenly aware of the amazing work that CMPI does in the community. From their own first-hand experience, each…
Read More
An Interview with Mentor Robyn Smith
For this month’s mentor feature, Student Navigator Emory Freeman had the pleasure of interviewing the newly appointed second trombonist of the Michigan Opera Theatre, Robyn Smith. Robyn recently graduated with…
Read More
Celebrating the Chicago Youth in Music Festival Orchestra!
From April 9-11, Chicago had the honor of hosting the first Youth in Music Festival and National Pathways Summit. While the Youth in Music Festival Orchestra has been a tradition…
Read More
The Success of Percussion Faculty Simón Gómez Gallego
What does it take to become a successful musician? In our growing CMPI community of exceptionally talented young musicians and their parents, we are blessed with a plethora of support…
Read More
Keep Performing! An Interview with Oboe Alum Oliver Talukder
CMPI Alum Oliver Talukder is in his second year at the Curtis Institute of Music as an Oboe performance major. He is an active member of the music community at…
Read More
Mentor Panel on Musical Career Paths
In CMPI’s February community meeting, our fellows got the chance to learn more about possible career paths in music from CMPI mentors James Sanders, Kevin Gupana, Lindsey Sharpe, and Robyn…
Read More
CMPI Students Benefit From New Instruments
One of the many advantages of being a CMPI fellow is having access to a stipend specifically for instrument purchase. Here is a sampling of some of the instruments fellows…
Read More
Thoughts on Preparation from Violin Fellow Esme Arias-Kim
This past fall, I was very lucky to take part in multiple in-person music experiences. Each has helped shape different aspects of me as a violinist and as an artist.…
Read More
Peer Interviews: Heidi Murillo and Samuella Booker-Alley
This month CMPI is including the first of several peer-to-peer interviews between fellows. Enjoy this pair of interviews between clarinet fellow Samuella Booker-Alley and violin fellow Heidi Murillo. When did…
Read More
Flute Alumna Michelle Brannon’s College Experience
For Michelle Brannon, her start at the University of Colorado’s School of Music has been all about making connections in the tight-knit music community that she has found in Boulder.…
Read More
CMPI Takes on ILMEA!
The Illinois Music Education Association offers a district festival experience for Elementary through Senior High students in Illinois. CMPI is so grateful to have had students attend the ILMEA conference…
Read More
Continuing the Legacy: Student Navigator Emory Freeman
I have always been a dreamer. But growing up in segregation, to have fulfilled my personal dreams and to have helped to found an entity that brings dreams to others,…
Read More
Having it All: Cello Mentor Lindsey Sharpe
Cellist and CMPI mentor Lindsey Sharpe embodies an important truth about professional musicians: “Musicians are hustlers,” she explained. “I will always have more than one job. I want to have…
Read More
Compositional Intersectionality: Florence Price
As Black History Month draws to a close and we are about to embark on Women’s History Month, one pioneering composer neatly straddles the intersection: Florence Price (1887-1953). Born in…
Read More
Every Moment is Intentional: Viola Faculty Member Danny Lai
Chicago Symphony Orchestra violist and CMPI faculty member Danny Lai vividly recalls the moment when he decided to make classical music his career choice. He was playing in a high…
Read More
CMPI’s Collaborative Winter Playlist!
New student navigator Emory Freeman tells us about CMPI’s curated – but also collaborative – winter playlist. Winter is the most beautiful time as the snow falls, the hot chocolate…
Read More
The Cycle of Mentorship: A Conversation with Steven Gooden
Clarinetist and CMPI mentor Steven Gooden wears many hats. He’s the Director of Bands at Proviso Math and Science Academy, IVM Band Director, Symphonic Band Conductor and Woodwind Department Chair…
Read More
Meet CMPI Newsletter’s Parent Volunteers
“There is immense power when a group of people with similar interests gets together to work toward the same goals.” – Idowu Koyenikan CMPI parents are as different from one…
Read More
Catching up with Alumna Meli Everson
Mindfulness and preparation are central to Meli’s mindset concerning the study of music. A freshman at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she studies Clarinet Performance and has found a…
Read More
CMPI Practice-A-Thon 2022
I’m excited to announce the first ever CMPI Practice-A-Thon, taking place between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2022. All participants have or will create their own MobileCause page where…
Read More
Learning from the Best: A Masterclass with Hilary Hahn
Sameer Agrawal, a CMPI Violin Fellow, describes his experiences at a CMPI masterclass with violinist Hilary Hahn. On December 11, 2021, I was one of three CMPI violin fellows who…
Read More
A Masterclass with Violinist Ray Chen
CMPI Violin Fellow Aiden Daniels recounts his experience from December 1, 2021, when he played on a masterclass for violin superstar Ray Chen. I recently had the great opportunity to…
Read More
Interview with Violin Fellow Autymn Williams
Parent Kenyetta Giles Haynes interviewed senior violin fellow Autymn Williams recently. Here is their conversation. Autymn, you started with CMPI three years ago as an inaugural fellow. How has the…
Read More
The CMPI Advisory Process
Twice a year, each CMPI fellow participates in what is perhaps the most integral part of CMPI: the Advisory. What is the Advisory? The Advisory is simply a meeting that…
Read More
Being There: Cello Faculty Member David Cunliffe
In this article, we talk with cello faculty member David Cunliffe on the intersection between the unique and the universal in the teaching of music, and the importance of showing…
Read More
Genius and Darkness: Beethoven’s Life and Music
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated composers in history, often thought of as a musical genius. But Beethoven also possessed a brooding affect and grappled…
Read More
Clarinet Mentor Elizandro Garcia-Montoya
In this month's mentor feature, we take a glance into Elizandro Garcia-Montoya's journey in music. Elizandro's vast array of experience is immediately noticeable. He brings a great depth of knowledge,…
Read More
Consistency is Key: Reflections from Alumna Olivia Molina
Alumna Olivia Molina approaches each day with the goal of trying to be better than the day before, saying, “consistency is key.” Through her first semester studying violin at Oberlin…
Read More
CMPI Takes on the Percussive Arts Society International Convention
The Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) takes place every year in Indianapolis, IN. Percussionists from around the globe gather to participate in panel discussions, attend workshops and performances, participate…
Read More
A Chat with Percussion Faculty Member Michael Kozakis
Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum had the opportunity to sit down at the PASIC convention in Indianapolis this past weekend with CMPI Faculty member, Michael Kozakis. Michael serves on the percussion…
Read More
Mozart’s Delightful Melodies
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) was quite a character, notorious for his crude humor and bawdy vocal canons. Despite his idiosyncratic nature, he was equally skilled in composing instrumental music, sublime…
Read More
A Conversation with CMPI Mentor Seth Pae
In this month’s CMPI mentor feature, Seth Pae talks to us about his current music projects, mentors, and his belief in CMPI’s mission. Seth enjoys a diverse musical career playing,…
Read More
Looking Forward and Back: Alum Amanda Perez
Amanda Perez is a violist who has dedicated herself to intensive study and seeking opportunities to grow whenever possible. A junior at Northern Illinois University, Amanda graduated from CMPI after…
Read More
Competitions: Friend or Foe?
Many student musicians participate in numerous competitions growing up — and many do not. CMPI fellows follow this pattern, with a few fellows participating in numerous competitions, a larger number who…
Read More
Also, A Composer: CMPI Fellow Jonathan Miller On Composition
Along with being a CMPI cellist, I have long held an interest in composing. When I was little, around age three or four, I would have lengthy, improvised jam sessions…
Read More
Fellows Reflect on Recent Concerts
One of the perks of being a CMPI fellow is access to complimentary tickets throughout the year to attend Chicago Sinfonietta and Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances. CMPI fellows are required…
Read More
Once-in-a-Lifetime: Parents Reflect on a Quartet Trip to France Amid a Pandemic
CMPI Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum recently had the privilege of sitting down with Ayesha Shahid and Angela Whitfield — two fierce CMPI moms who know an amazing opportunity when they…
Read More
From the CSO to CMPI: Faculty Violinist David Taylor
Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) assistant concertmaster David Taylor can be considered one of the living pillars of the classical music community in Chicago and beyond. He began his current role…
Read More
A Multifaceted Violin Career: Mentor Caitlin Edwards
Music has always been an integral part of life for CMPI mentor Caitlin Edwards. Caitlin sang in her church choir as a young child and started playing the violin in…
Read More
Interview with Alumnus Nando Cordeiro
When asked what advice he would give to current CMPI students, alumnus Nando Cordeiro said, “Be organized and mindful.” After his final year of study, auditions, and decision making, he…
Read More
A Constant Friend: Unaccompanied Bach for Strings
When string players look at almost any audition list, they will see a commonality: a required movement or two of unaccompanied Bach. Violinists are typically asked to play from Bach’s…
Read More
Staff Spotlight: James Hall, Program Manager
James Hall imagined being a part of an innovative program supporting gifted pre-college musicians from underrepresented backgrounds in the Chicagoland area long before the launch of CMPI. While working as…
Read More
A Student Navigator Walks into a Recital
Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum reflects on her recent attendance at CMPI fellow Ella Saputra’s recital. The day began like most other days with some peace and quiet, morning coffee and…
Read More
Fall Preview for CMPI Seniors
Senior year of high school is always filled with lots of emotions — from excitement to utter fear — as students prepare for college, send in their applications, and get…
Read More
Ravinia Kick-off Event!
An absolute highlight of our last month at CMPI has to be the Kick-off Event at Ravinia on September 8. CMPI families, mentors, and staff gathered on the Ravinia lawn…
Read More
A New Class of Fellows for 2021-22
The 2021/22 academic year will see CMPI’s community grow from 93 fellows to 108. With the addition of two double bassists to our program, CMPI now has students who play…
Read More
Teaching with a Growth Mindset: Faculty Spotlight on Davis King
Teachers who understand the unique needs and aspirations of each student and work with them in reaching their goals are the kind of teachers that become part of the success…
Read More
Providing Mentorship: Violinist and Educator Danielle Simandl
Violinist and educator Danielle Simandl Danielle became involved with CMPI after catching up with our Student Navigator, Jennifer Woodrum. “We were performing together at a gig, and during a break, Jenny…
Read More
CMPI Summer Camps – August Update
Continuing from our July edition, CMPI fellows share more experiences, wisdom and memorable moments from their summer camps in this article. They are sure to carry with them inspiration and…
Read More
Navigating CMPI: A Conversation with Student Navigator Miguel Aguirre
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is blessed with an abundance of talented individuals. From our young fellows, to the seasoned teachers and faculty, to the committed staff who keep everything…
Read More
CMPI and Ravinia: A Harmonious Partnership
A highlight of this past summer with CMPI has been our constant engagement with the Ravinia Summer Festival in Highland Park. Over the summer we have been lucky enough to…
Read More
Faculty (and Parent!) Feature: Timothy Riordan, Trombone
CMPI trombone faculty member Timothy Riordan knows how to fix any technique problems his students face because he has encountered most of them himself. Introduced to the trombone at an…
Read More
CMPI Statistics 2021-2022
As CMPI enters its third year of programming, 38 new students and families will be joining the program beginning September 1, 2021. Here are a few statistics about CMPI’s full…
Read More
CMPI Summer Camps – July Update
Our fellows are enjoying this wonderful time of the year by immersing themselves not just in the sunshine but also in exceptional music, teachers, and the musical community. Yes! Summer…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Xavier Perry
Exciting times are up ahead for our CMPI graduates who have successfully completed their college application journey. One such student is cellist Xavier Perry, who graduated from Kenwood Academy High…
Read More
Staff Spotlight: Welcome New Student Navigator Jade Garcia!
For Jade Garcia, CMPI’s newest student navigator, all roads seemed to lead to CMPI. “ inspired me because it combined everything that I am passionate about — my love of…
Read More
Teaching with Greatness: CMPI Faculty Member Sang Mee Lee
CMPI violin and chamber music faculty member Sang Mee Lee is in many ways the textbook definition of a model teacher. She certainly has the pedigree — including two degrees…
Read More
A Catalyst for Change: Adrienne Thompson discusses a results-driven life
Adrienne Thompson knows a thing or two about tough love. The Chicago-native has made a name for herself by thriving in challenging situations, including working in the banking industry, raising…
Read More
Picture Gallery: CMPI Family Day, June 6, 2021
CMPI celebrated a triumphant school year during a socially distanced Family Fun Day in early June.
Read More
EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: CMPI Juneteenth Celebration
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative programming has been underway for nearly two years. As a new organization, CMPI’s initial focus was on creating an infrastructure of support for our families. The…
Read More
Common Ground: A reflection with CMPI Mentor Ayriole Frost
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative engages some of the most committed musicians to mentor its talented young fellows, so that they can grow and reach their full potential. One such…
Read More
Casting into Music: CMPI Faculty Member Michael Hining
Michael Hining has been launching the musical journeys of his students from his Oak Park studio for over 35 years. His enthusiasm for mentoring future artists is contagious. When asked…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Nate Scott
Senior viola fellow Nate Scott finds inspiration in an unlikely place: “Something that inspires me as a musician is watching someone gush about what they love about a particular song…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Bryce Kayser
CMPI Viola Fellow Bryce Kayser just finished his senior year of high school. Starting this fall, he will begin his undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado-Boulder! But before he…
Read More
Catching up and looking ahead with CMPI alumni
This month we are catching up with the first class of CMPI graduates to see how their freshman year of college went. The alums offer some reflections on the past…
Read More
Juneteenth Celebration: CMPI Commemorates Change
The Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative began its first year of programming in 2019, a year that now feels like a different world. It was before the onset of the COVID-19…
Read More
Learning from the Maestro: Riccardo Muti Coaches CMPI Fellows
It has been quite awhile since Chicago Symphony Orchestra Music Director Riccardo Muti has been to Chicago’s Symphony Center, but on March 31, he returned—albeit in a virtual form—to coach…
Read More
Nurturing Excellence: CMPI Faculty Member Hideko Amano
Ms. Hideko Amano discovered the sound of her future during a third grade music class back home, in her native Japan. “I became mesmerized by the flute solo of the…
Read More
A Conversation with CMPI Mentor Alex Hoffman
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is home not just to some of the most talented middle- and high school musicians. CMPI also has become a common ground for some of…
Read More
The Journey of a Flautist: CMPI fellow Miguel Rodriguez
A talented and aspiring flute performer, CMPI senior Miguel Rodriguez started his musical journey in fifth grade. After trying out numerous instruments, he felt a strong connection with the flute.…
Read More
Top of the Class: CMPI seniors announce future plans
It has been a year... Of closed schools and remote learning. Of masks and social isolation. Of toilet paper and disinfectant shortages. Of Zoom family meetings and virtual lessons.…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Olivia Molina
When the pandemic’s quarantine began, musical activities suddenly transitioned to virtual options. So, too, did the college application process. CMPI violin fellow Olivia Molina had to negotiate these factors throughout…
Read More
Staff Spotlight: CMPI Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum
Let's take a peek behind the curtain and get to know some of the fantastic Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative administration. First up? CMPI Student Navigator Jennifer Woodrum. Name: Jennifer Woodrum…
Read More
My Buddy and Me: CMPI offers unique training partnership with Northwestern University
Throughout the Spring 2021 semester, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellows have participated in a collaboration with the Northwestern University String Pedagogy Department. The 12 participating CMPI students have been paired…
Read More
A Conversation with CMPI Mentor Brent Taghap
CMPI Mentor Brent Taghap began playing the violin at age five in his home state of Florida. Taghap recalls asking his parents for a violin after seeing a child playing…
Read More
Signature Sound: Getting to know CMPI Faculty Member Desirée Ruhstrat
CMPI Violin Faculty Member Desirée Ruhstrat Desirée Ruhstrat’s journey as a violinist and educator began at age three-and-a-half, when she started her studies at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. She…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Nicole Kwasny
CMPI Senior Violin Fellow Nicole Kwasny | Image from Senn High Arts Twitter, June 2020 With college auditions behind her, violinist Nicole Kwasny is ready to take on the world.…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Michelle Brannon
CMPI Senior Flute Fellow Michelle Brannon One of the goals of Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative is to ensure that each fellow can gain admission to a top music school or…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Melissa Everson
CMPI Clarinet Fellow Melissa Everson lives by a motto: Just keep going. This seems like apt advice for everyone, especially as the world just surpassed the one-year anniversary of…
Read More
CMPI fellows to play for Riccardo Muti
ABOVE: The CMPI String Quartet rehearses Verdi's Quartet in E minor. This winter, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative staff received a remarkable request: Maestro Riccardo Muti, esteemed music director of…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Adriana Koch
Just as March brings with it a growing sense of excitement and positive vibes, so too does Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Fellow Adriana Koch. A high school junior and oboist,…
Read More
Sound Reasoning: A conversation with CMPI Coach Horacio Contreras
A celebrated concert cellist, chamber musician, pedagogue and scholar, Horacio Contreras first was exposed to music through the famed El Sistema music education program in his native country of Venezuela.…
Read More
A light ahead: Welcome to the March CMPI Newsletter
Dear Friends and Family of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, As we mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, let us take stock of where we are and, more importantly,…
Read More
Dynamic Warm-up: CMPI fellows learn Alexander Technique
In January, the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative hosted Chicago-based Alexander Technique teacher and flutist, Jill Burlingame. Burlingame came highly recommended by one of CMPI’s partner organizations, The Chicago Youth Symphony…
Read More
A conversation with CMPI Mentor Kyle Dickson
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative mentor Kyle Dickson’s musical interests began in grade school, in Detroit's public school system. He remembers going on field trips to watch orchestra concerts conducted by…
Read More
Spanning Boundaries: A conversation with CMPI mentor James Sanders
Chicago-born-and-based violinist James Sanders has drawn inspiration from his mother’s Dominican heritage along with his classical pedigree to create a career with myriad successes in the jazz and orchestral worlds.…
Read More
Celebrating the musical contributions of liberty, love, and Black Americans
Dear Friends and Family of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative, It seems like so much has changed since I wrote to you at the end of 2020: COVID vaccines are…
Read More
The DOs and DON’Ts for Zoom Mock Auditions
Last month, CMPI hosted a series of Live, Over Zoom! Mock Auditions. The senior woodwinds and brass played for trumpet professor Leah Schumann from VanderCook College of Music, flute professor…
Read More
Faculty Feature: William Buchman
Bill Buchman is an example of the career success and longevity possible in classical music, and that there are many paths one can take to get there. Bill has worked…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Eric Bahena
CMPI Bassoon Fellow Eric Bahena "Make sure you start your college applications early," advises Eric Bahena, a senior bassoon fellow with the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative. To date, Eric has…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Miriam Kessler
CMPI Harp Fellow Miriam Kessler Sophomore Miriam Kessler is particularly unique when compared to other CMPI fellows -- she is CMPI’s only harpist! Ironically, she chose the harp at age…
Read More
New instruments for CMPI Fellows!
New instruments for CMPI Fellows! As we get ready to usher in a New Year, several CMPI students from the 2020-2021 cohort have already used their instrument stipend to purchase…
Read More
A conversation with CMPI mentor Kevin Gupana
Kevin Gupana distinctly remembers when he first got serious about the oboe. It was his freshman year of high school, at the annual holiday assembly. “The full orchestra was onstage,…
Read More
Santa’s come early: Here’s your December CMPI newsletter!
Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative community, Can you imagine a holiday season without music? From popular songs to church choirs to roaming carolers—and even some of those earworm commercial jingles—these…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Zachary Allen
CMPI Oboe Fellow Zachary Allen CMPI fellows are truly extraordinary, in music and in life, as you will see in this Q & A with Zachary Allen. Zach is a…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Noah Briones
During the summer break, CMPI Violin Fellow Noah Briones kept himself busy and active while staying at home. In the two summers prior to joining CMPI, Noah participated in Birch…
Read More
Faculty Feature: Martine Benmann
Fostering Musicality: CMPI Faculty Member Martine Benmann CMPI Faculty Member Martine Benmann Cellist and pedagogue Martine Benmann has been immersed in music-making for quite literally her entire life. “Although my…
Read More
Introducing CMPI Faculty Member Orit Carpenter
Free your mind and the breaths will follow A screen grab of CMPI Performance Psychologist Dr. Orit Carpenter, from her summer 2020 Zoom lecture to the program’s senior fellows. “Working…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Rafael Noriega
It’s that time of year! The weather is changing, clothing styles are back to layering, and high school seniors are stressing. Well, not too much, hopefully. The Chicago Musical Pathways…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Nando Cordeiro
CMPI Fellow Nando Corderio CMPI trumpet fellow Nando Cordeiro takes us on his journey of the last few months, transitioning to online learning, taking trial lessons while at the same…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Ixchel Camacho
CMPI Violin Fellow Ixchel Camacho performs as a member of the Orquesta la Tezoateca This year, CMPI seniors are adapting to the new virtual process of engaging prospective colleges. For…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Kailie Holliday
CMPI Fellow Kailie Holliday Cellist Kailie Holliday is certainly making the most of her final year of high school. Not only is she playing in the Merit School of Music…
Read More
Faculty Feature: Lucinda Ali-Landing
Generational Talent: CMPI Faculty Member Lucinda Ali-Landing Lucinda Ali-Landing wears many hats in Chicago’s music community — she is a violinist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate. So it follows naturally that…
Read More
Go Fund Them: Help finance new instruments for CMPI fellows
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
Read More
Zoomed In: CMPI offers elite masterclasses in 20-21
The fall semester has been packed with incredible masterclass performance opportunities for CMPI fellows. The busy calendar of activities launched on October 5, with a masterclass led by Los Angeles Philharmonic violinist…
Read More
This #GivingTuesday, give the gift of music, opportunity, and access.
Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative community, The holiday season is upon us! I hope everyone had a meaningful and safe Thanksgiving and/or Native American Heritage Days. I will not lament…
Read More
CMPI Announces Inaugural Class
Seven Music Education Organizations Come Together to Support Young Musicians From Traditionally Underrepresented Communities in the Greater Chicago Area.
Read More
Fall Kickoff: Welcome 2020/2021 CMPI Fellows
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Ella Saputra
Sixteen-year-old violinist Ella Saputra is already well on her way toward a professional career. She has performed solo with orchestras several times, including twice with Midwest Young Artists Conservatory ensembles,…
Read More
Alumni Spotlight: Oliver Talukder
CMPI inaugural fellow Oliver Talukder is one of only 12 musicians chosen to join the incoming undergraduate class of the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music this school year. Now a…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Anika Veda
CMPI flute fellow Anika Veda already has amassed several musical honors, including a performance at Carnegie Hall as the winner of the 2019 American Protégé Music Talent Competition. This Halloween–October…
Read More
CMPI Faculty Member Dr. Tanya Lesinksy Carey
Building Bridges: CMPI Faculty Member Dr. Tanya Lesinksy Carey Acclaimed cello instructor Tanya Lesinsky Carey has been helping students reach their full musical potential for decades. Her students have won…
Read More
Virtually Proficient: CMPI Fellows offer insights on upcoming virtual recital
Recitals and gatherings at CMPI will be virtual through January, and possibly through the end of the school year. A year ago, the suggestion of a virtual recital would have…
Read More
Read all about it! CMPI in the news, Summer 2020
CMPI received a lot of attention from the media this summer! In case you missed any of it, here are some quick links to get you all caught up… CMPI…
Read More
Program Overview
What is CMPI? Made possible by a $3.5 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the mission of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) is to identify and develop…
Read More
Solo with ensemble: Fellows recall concerto experiences
For many musicians, the pinnacle of accomplishment is performing as a soloist with an orchestra. Several CMPI students have already achieved this tremendous milestone and were kind enough to share…
Read More
Summer Reflections: CMPI Summer 2020
Summer Reflections: A look back at CMPI’s end-of-season activities Above: CMPI Fellow Julia Soto performs a socially distanced concerto with accompanist Beilin Han for the CMPI virtual recital on August…
Read More
Alumni Spotlight: Abigail Lopez
ABOVE: CMPI alumna Abigail Lopez poses for a post-recital picture in Symphony Center’s Buntrock Hall. Recent CMPI alumna Abigail Lopez won’t need to travel far this fall to accomplish big…
Read More
Know a Fellow: Brandon Harper
One day Brandon Harper just might compose music at the intersection of classical and jazz. The second-year CMPI percussion fellow is an elite youth musician in both genres. A recent…
Read More
Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Perez
ABOVE: CMPI alumna Amanda Perez poses with her viola after a Fall 2019 recital. Six years ago, Amanda Perez picked up a viola for the first time. It was during…
Read More
Welcome! A new school year, a new newsletter.
Welcome! A new school year, a new newsletter. Dear Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Community, Greetings, and welcome to the second year of the Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative! As CMPI Project…
Read More
[VIDEO] Chicago Musical Pathways Is…
In this video, Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI) fellows, parents, and mentors breakdown the components of the program and share what the pathway means to them.
Read More
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellows featured on WFMT’s “Introductions”
Four CMPI fellows, Sameer Agrawal (violin, grade 9), Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12), Jonathan Miller (cello, grade 9) and Oliver Talukder (oboe, grade 12), were featured on WFMT’s Introductions on Saturday, December…
Read More
[VIDEO] CMPI featured on NBC 5/Telemundo
Two CMPI fellows, Abby Lopez (bassoon, grade 12) and Rafael Noriega (bass trombone, grade 11), speak to the impact and importance of this new initiative. Watch the video below to…
Read More
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Trumpets New Leader
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI), the newly-established training program for talented student musicians from traditionally underrepresented communities, is proud to announce that music education veteran Adrienne Thompson will lead the…
Read More