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What We are About:

In 1946, a group of 120 music directors came together at a Chicago YMCA to share their knowledge of music and develop new ways to teach it. This gathering quickly grew and expanded into one of the best music conferences in the country, and perhaps the best music, band, and orchestra clinics in the world. Expounding on the original goals of the first gathering of music educators, The Midwest Clinic now exists with the following Mission: 

  • Raising instrumental music education standards by advancing pedagogical methodologies
  • Developing innovative teaching techniques 
  • Assisting those interested in music education in their professional work 
  • Presenting the newest available repertoire for bands and orchestra
  • Holding clinics to better music education



CLINICS - Band and Orchestra clinics offer attendees the opportunity to receive specific and detailed information about a wide variety of subject matters. From the best way to tune your instrument to the next innovation in music performance and education, music clinics hosted by The Midwest Clinic offer guests an in-depth look into a topic of their choice. 

READING SESSIONS - This segment of The Midwest Clinic showcases live bands and orchestras performing highlights of the year’s new music pieces. Attendees can take notes during the music clinic about what they are hearing, and decide what may be best for their group in the upcoming year. 

REHEARSAL LABS – These informative sessions are a live rehearsal for attendees to observe and learn the best teaching practices currently in action. Be a part of the clinic’s “live group," interacting with techniques and strategies from around the world. Take what is learned from The Midwest Clinic and make it part of your repertoire.  

WORLD CLASS PERFORMANCES - The Midwest Clinic also showcases professional musicians, adult ensembles, colleges and university bands, high school and grade school students, orchestras, community bands, and jazz bands!  

 



Who Can Attend?

Anyone and everyone with a passion for music and music education is welcome. The Midwest Clinic welcomes groups and individuals from all parts of the field of music education and music industry. Public schools, private schools, colleges, universities, educators, administrators, professional music organizations and anyone looking to learn about upcoming music trends and research based educational techniques is invited to attend. The Midwest Clinic offers its guests the latest in music education and industry trends, along with unprecedented access to music and teaching icons while keeping its rates competitive enough that schools, musicians and educators from any type of financial background have the same opportunity to attend this phenomenal music clinic. The Midwest Clinic is ideal for: 

  • Instrumental Music Teachers 
  • Fine Arts Administrators 
  • Professional and Amateur Musicians 
  • Military Musicians 
  • College and University Teachers, Students and Administrators 
  • Music Industry Representatives 
  • Composers and Arrangers 
  • Grade School and High School Music Students 
  • Conductors 

 

The Midwest Clinic seeks to help musicians of all skill levels and stages advance into the next level of their careers.

Where and When?

The Midwest Clinic is held at McCormick Place West in Chicago every year in December. Several local hotels offer special rates for music clinic attendees, as well as shuttle services between lodging and the convention center. Hotels offering discounted rates or specials in the past include the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Chicago, The Palmer House, and the Embassy Suites Chicago – Downtown/Lakefront.
  
With more than 16,000 attendees, 400 exhibitors, 300 booths, 50 performances, and 120+ clinics, The Midwest Clinic seeks to provide educators and musicians of all skill levels with the opportunity to learn and grow in their field while also networking with other artists. The music and orchestra clinic is held in Chicago each year, but is not just for Midwest residents. Over the last six decades, guests have arrived from all 50 states as well as more than 30 foreign countries, making each conference unique and diverse in the talent and knowledge it contains. With such a wide variety of skill level and experience, The Midwest Clinic brings together all levels of talent and expertise to guide and grow each participant.


Exhibits:


Teachers and administrators can learn more about uniform companies and fundraising organizations at the band clinic, as well as music festival, travel and competition booths. High school and Graduate students can plan for their futures by visiting the different college and university booths in the Exhibit hall and at College Night. And everyone can try out the newest instrument brands and models, discover new music publications, meet/network with music industry professionals, and learn more about the latest music software and technology when visiting the band and orchestra clinics. These are just some of the vendor types and networking options that will be present at The Midwest Clinic:

  • Music Publishers 
  • Uniform Companies 
  • Instrument Manufacturers 
  • Colleges and Universities 
  • Fundraising Companies 
  • Festivals, Travel and Competitions 
  • Music Accessory Companies 
  • Recording Companies 
  • Photographers 
  • Stage Equipment Manufacturers 
  • Music Education Journals 
  • Software and New Technology Manufacturers and Distributors 
  • Military Services 
  • Performing Organizations 
  • Music Camps 
  • Instrumental Music Associations 
  • Instrument Merchandise and Supplies