Steans Institute, Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia's Steans Institute 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 Institute has offered private coaching, master classes, and performance opportunities to over 1,700 exceptional musicians, many of whom have cultivated highly visible and successful careers in performance, leadership, and music education.

Alumni Catalyst Fund
The Alumni Catalyst Fund is a new initiative that supports Steans Institute alumni in bringing bold, innovative projects to life. Each season, this initiative will fund and support one project by providing financial and production resources, and performance opportunities for original projects that explore new artistic frontiers in classical and jazz music. 

Who Should Apply and Eligibility
We’re seeking ambitious Steans Institute alumni ready to explore new artistic horizons. Eligible applicants must:

1. Be an alumni of any Steans Institute program.
2. Be U.S. residents or eligible to apply for a visa to perform in the United States.
3. Propose a project that involves up to six musicians or artists (no longer than 90 minutes).
4. Incorporate jazz, chamber music, or voice as a foundation, and can embrace other genres or artistic disciplines.
Please note - If more than one Steans Alum is a part of the project, only one application is needed. 

The Selected Applicant Will Receive: 
1. Full project funding (managed through the Steans Institute) to cover commissioning costs, performer fees, travel, lodging, and production expenses.
2. A week-long, on-site creative residency at the Steans Institute to refine and develop the project.
3. A world premiere at the Ravinia Festival in June 2026.
4. Opportunities to showcase the work at prominent national venues.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience! Here are the key dates:

• Application Opens: Feb. 5, 2025
• Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
• Notifications Sent: May 23, 2025

The following applications are closed for the 2025 Season. 

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.