We are a guiding light for exceptional musical talent,

cultivating the next generation of classical and jazz musicians. Our world-renowned programs empower emerging professional classical pianists and string players, classical singers, composers, and jazz instrumentalists to refine their craft, collaborate with peers, and elevate their musicianship to new heights. The Steans Institute provides more than artistic training —we are a community where talent meets opportunity, and passion becomes performance.

The Jazz Program focuses on composition and collaboration. Fifteen fellows rehearse, experiment, and create under expert guidance, forming quintets to premiere their original works at the Jazz Grandstand concert.

The Piano & Strings Program brings about 30 musicians together for an immersive study of classical sonatas and chamber music. Through intensive rehearsals and expert guidance, they refine their craft, interpretation, and creative insight.

The Singers Program offers 15 classical vocalists an immersive journey into art song, focusing on style, technique, language, and performance. Fellows receive personalized mentorship from renowned musicians, fostering artistic and career growth.

Make a Contribution to the Steans Institute

Your gift directly fuels the artistic growth of the next generation of leading classical and jazz musicians and brings their performances to life with free and low-cost concerts all summer long. As a Steans donor, you can enjoy Ravinia summer season benefits the same as contributing to the Annual Fund.

The hallmark of Ravinia’s Steans Institute is not only the quality but also the selectivity and immersiveness of its programs. With 15 participants in the Program for Jazz, up to 29 in the Program for Piano & Strings, and 15 in the Program for Singers, fellowships in each program are highly sought after, and each fellow enjoys personalized guidance from the world-class faculty of headlining artists and scholars.

At Steans, we create an environment where emerging talents collaborate, innovate, and elevate their musicianship to new heights. Our dedicated approach ensures that every participant receives the focused attention and resources they need to advance their musical careers.

Each of the Steans Institute programs is devoted to small-group collaboration. The Program for Jazz comprises quintets composing and collaborating on original music; the Piano & Strings Program focuses on chamber music and sonatas; and the Program for Singers emphasizes the unique interpretation of art song repertoire. 

By focusing on these specific areas, we create an atmosphere where fellows can dedicate themselves entirely to their craft. This intentional approach provides unique opportunities for artistic growth, fostering a deeper understanding of musicianship and collaboration.

Steans Institute musicians each receive a fellowship to engage in a life-changing summer of professional studies and performances tuition-free. Fellows have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich musical environment of the Ravinia Festival by attending concerts across multiple genres, gaining invaluable insights and mentorship for our distinguished faculty, and forging lasting connections with fellow musicians, building a network for future collaborations.

This comprehensive, tuition-free experience empowers our fellows to refine their craft, challenge their artistic boundaries, and lay the foundation for thriving careers in music. At the Steans Institute, we're not just training musicians—we're cultivating the next generation of artistic leaders and innovators.