Ravinia Steans Music Institute, Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia Steans Music Institute (RSMI) is an international destination for young professional classical pianists and string players, classical singers, and jazz musicians devoted to uniquely honing and advancing their talents as collaborative artists. Since opening its doors, the Steans Music Institute has offered private coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities to over 1,600 exceptional musicians, many of whom have cultivated highly visible and successful careers in performance, leadership, and music education. The Ravinia Steans Music Institute has three unique programs open for applications for the 2025 summer season.

RSMI's Program for Jazz Applications are by Invitation Only. Musicians invited to apply must enter the provided Application Invitation Code to continue.

The Bridges Composition Competition “bridges” the genres of two of RSMI’s main programs—jazz and classical chamber music—through a call to composers (ages 18–30) across the globe for new works written for string quartet and jazz trio. Up to three winners are selected annually to receive the David Baker Prize, $2,500, the opportunity to workshop their compositions and have their piece premiered in Ravinia's Bennett Gordon Hall. Submissions will be reviewed by pianist Billy Childs, bassist John Clayton, and saxophonist Steve Wilson.

Bridges Dates 2025
Arrival: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Program Dates: June 4 - 10, 2025
Departure: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

The Program for Piano & Strings concentrates on interpretation and small-group collaboration through the practice and performance of classical sonata and chamber repertoire. Under the artistic direction of violinist Midori, up to 29 violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists gather for immersive and intensive rehearsals and coachings with a rotating roster of some of the world’s finest artists and pedagogues. While acceptance is highly selective, RSMI strives to foster a supportive, collegial, non-competitive environment for study and performance.

Inaugurated in summer 2024, the Program for Piano & Strings will again accept applications for a Collaborative Piano Fellowship, focusing on duo performance. 

Program for Piano & Strings Dates 2025
Arrival: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Program Dates: June 22 - July 24, 2025
Departure: Friday, July 25, 2025

The Program for Singers offers an extraordinary opportunity for 15 classical vocalists to delve into the captivating world of art song. Guided by the artistic direction of pianist Kevin Murphy, fellows are fully immersed in exploring the nuances of style, technique, language, and performance. Throughout the program, fellows collaborate closely with a team of accomplished musicians and educators, gaining personalized mentorship that nurtures both artistic growth and career aspirations. The Singers Program faculty has featured renowned figures like pianist and scholar Graham Johnson; soprano Heidi Grant Murphy; Executive Director of the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Program and the Laffont Competition Melissa Wegner; and diction coach Jennifer Ringo, while masterclasses have been enriched by guest artists such as tenor Matthew Polenzani, soprano Ailyn Pérez, and Maestro James Conlon. All fellows have the opportunity to perform in multiple recitals during the Ravinia Festival summer season, showcasing their talent on the stage of Bennett Gordon Hall. 

Program for Singers Dates 2025
Arrival: Monday, July 28, 2025
Program Dates: July 29 - August 23, 2025
Departure: Sunday, August 24, 2025

For questions, clarification, or concerns, email institute@ravinia.org. There is no fee to apply to any of RSMI's programs.