Lake Forest Symphony Music School
Welcoming Notes from the Director…
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Lake Forest Symphony Music School. Now in its 31st year, the Music School serves more than 700 students each year.
Whether you are studying music for pure enjoyment, to gain competency in playing the instrument of your choice, or to pursue a career in music, at our music school you will gain a life-long appreciation and love for music.
Our Music School is one of only a dozen Community Music Schools in the country associated with a professional orchestra. Member of the orchestra are part of the Music School's faculty, and Music Director/Conductor Alan Heatherington judges the annual Music School "Young Artist Competition."
After reading the biography section in this catalog, you will see why we are very proud of the Music School faculty. Our teachers are on the rosters of DePaul University, Roosevelt University, North Park University, and Lake Forest College. Of the thirty-five professional instructors, twenty-six have Master’s degrees, and three of our faculty members hold Doctor’s degrees from world-renowned institutions. Our teachers are very active performers in the Chicago area, performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Grant Park, Lake Forest, Elgin, Northbrook, Kenosha, Milwaukee and Park Ridge Symphonies; Lyric Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, and numerous ensembles such as Vision Saxophone Quartet. We believe that an accomplished faculty ensures progress and enjoyment at every stage of a student’s course of study.
Every year, some of the high school graduates who have studied at the Music School go on to major universities and conservatories such as Oberlin, Wheaton College, Yale University, Williams College, or Illinois Wesleyan University to continue their music studies.
Research confirms that the early study of music enhances a child’s brain development and the skills that evolve—Listening, focusing, decoding, self-discipline, self-confidence, and creative expression—are valuable tools for life.
The Music Together® classes for age infancy to kindergarten, and the Exploring Music and Introduction to Piano for 4 - 6 year olds are popular choices for the beginning student.
Adult students refine their musical techniques and discover (or re-discover) the joy of making music. Adult students bring a special enthusiasm to their music either after a long absence from former study, or as they take the time to fulfill a life-long desire to study music.
Please call or visit, and we will be delighted to assist you in finding the best teacher to suit your needs and interests.
Christa Griffith
Administrative Director
Mission
The School was founded in 1976 by the Lake Forest Symphony Association,
Inc. 
The Music
School is a certified member of the National
Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, and provides the highest quality
music instruction to individuals interested in the study of music regardless
of age, skill level, or economic means.
The mission is to develop a life-long appreciation of music through the training and nurturing of future musicians and music audiences.
A variety of opportunities for music development are offered through private instruction, group classes, workshops, and student recital performances. These areas can be enriched through exposure to faculty performances, guest artist seminars, master classes, and live symphonic concerts by the Lake Forest Symphony.
