Keys to Connection

Keys to Connection At Keys to Connection, our mission is to spread the healing power of music to link lives across generations.

08/24/2026

This was a busy weekend! While our team members Helena and Eric presented the 37th concert at the senior living community, Brian played chamber music with his Chicago Chamber Music Festival - CCMF buddies at the Thirsty Ears Festival. It was such a joy to bring classical music to the streets and soak in the food, music, and arts all around.

Our team members Helena and Eric presented our 37th concert as The Sedgebrook Concert Series. We were thrilled to welcom...
08/24/2026

Our team members Helena and Eric presented our 37th concert as The Sedgebrook Concert Series. We were thrilled to welcome our guest performers, singer Evie Hsu and pianist Lyudmila Lakisova! The music of Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, and Poulenc filled the room. Helena and Ms. Lakisova delivered a stunning performance of Francis Poulenc’s four-hand piano sonata, and Evie sang several beautiful pieces, including "Some Things Are Meant to Be" from Little Women.

Residents shared their appreciation and their own musical experiences with us after the concert—we always treasure these post-conversations. Music brings joy to the audience, and the audience, in turn, brings meaning to the performer.

08/05/2026

Helena participated in a Piano Duo Master Classes Program at the Bienen School of Music (Northwestern University) as one of 16 selected pianists from around the world. The program director Dr. Sylvia Wang, along with other Duo Piano faculty - Dr. Haewon Song, Dr. Jue He and Dr. Xiaomin Liang, gave daily master classes to the participants over a six-day period. The participants performed at a local senior center, as well as at the McClintock Choral and Recital Room and Galvin Recital Hall at Northwestern University.

08/03/2026

It is unbelievable that summer is almost over. Members of Keys to Connection would like to share their summer highlights. Let's see how Brian, Helena, and Eric spent their summer.

Brian Wu had a truly amazing time at the Chicago Chamber Music Festival. In just one week, he learned new repertoire, explored a new instrument (the harpsichord), collaborated with excellent cellist and violinist to produce a beautiful performance of Beethoven's Trio in B‑flat Major, Op. 11 (“Gassenhauer”), participated in and even won the concerto competition. What was most remarkable was the supportive, friendly atmosphere; Brian left the camp with many new friends.

Though this summer's camp has ended, we are already looking forward to being in this camp next year and the many more unforgettable moments it will bring. Chicago Chamber Music Festival - CCMF

It takes a village to make this happen!We had an incredibly generous support from Mr. Scott Verschoor - thank you so mu...
05/03/2026

It takes a village to make this happen!We had an incredibly generous support from Mr. Scott Verschoor - thank you so much! With additional support still coming in, we are thrilled to share that this event will raise more than $2,000 for the Music Institute of Chicago.

We would like to give our sincerest thanks to the many people who made this event possible, including but certainly not limited to:
• Mr. Scott Verschoor, our biggest supporter and advocate
• Ms. Rachel Barton Pine, for her outstanding support, kindness, and generosity
• MIC leadership and campus directors: Ms. Sue Polutnik, Ms. Jennifer Bienemann, Ms. Jen Hanson, Ms. Erin Fusco, Mr. Patrick O’Malley, Ms. Marie Alatalo, Mr. Clem Leek, Ms. Hana Marek
• Our amazing MIC teachers: Dr. Matt Hagle, Ms. Elaine Felder, Mrs. Brigitte Gray, Ms. Bianca d’Avila do Prado, Mr. Avi Friedlander, Dr. Soo Young Lee, Ms. Christina Tio, Ms. Lisa Zilberman
• New Trier teachers: Ms. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Tony Knuth
• So many others in our community who supported this effort
Thank you all for making this event so special.

05/03/2026

After a month of preparation, the Keys to Connection team (Eric Wang, Helena Sprajcer, Brian Wu) finally presented MIC’s first-ever resale event to MIC students and public.

About 150 people attended, turning it into a memorable success. More than 30 families donated to support this effort. The beautiful performance attire was redistributed to over 50 families. The boys’ collection was sold out completely, and most of the girls’ dresses found new owners. It was especially rewarding seeing families and children excitedly choosing their new performance attire, enjoying the event’s welcoming atmosphere.

One touching moment stood out. As we reached out to local families, we met a family who came to visit and will be relocating to Chicago from Austin this summer. They have a child who is 5 years old and learning piano. They visited our event and showed strong interest in starting their music adventure at MIC.

Our team grew stronger as well. Through regular meetings, we built trust, learned to define roles clearly, and supported one another every step of the way.

Thank you to everyone who came out and made this day so special. More to share soon as we celebrate the many people who made this possible.

04/30/2026

After browsing our boys‘ collection, be sure to also check out our dresswear for girls. The team at Keys to Connection is excited to present a plentiful selection of colorful dresses for every style.

We have a large assortment of gorgeous, high quality dresses, perfect for musical performance. Each piece is under $10, making these elegant and eye-catching dresses great for anyone aged 4 to 16. Don't miss your chance to get these beautiful pieces!

The Performance Closet will occur on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M at MIC Evanston Campus.

04/29/2026

Do you have any children who are 5 to 16 years old, have a passion for music, and require high quality performance attire?

Then come take a look of our boys’ collection at The Performance Closet! We have gathered over one hundred stunning performance pieces, almost all of which have only been gently used or even brand new! From fun accessories to formal pants and shirts to sharp suits, there is something for every young, aspiring musician.

Furthermore, concert attires are being offered for an affordable price range of up to $10!

The Performance Closet will occur on Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M at MIC Evanston Campus. These items are unique and one-of-a-kind, so get them before they’re gone!

The Performance Closet!Mark your calendar for May 2nd! 10:00am-3:00pmMusic Institute of Chicago1490 Chicago Avenue (ente...
04/27/2026

The Performance Closet!

Mark your calendar for May 2nd! 10:00am-3:00pm
Music Institute of Chicago
1490 Chicago Avenue (enter Grove St)
Evanston, IL 60201

04/26/2026

Keys to Connection, together with our wonderful guest performers, shared a truly special afternoon at The Wellshire Morton Grove.

The music filled the room, but it was the moments after the performance that stayed with us. One resident gently held each performer’s hand and said, “Thank you for coming and bringing such a beautiful performance to our center.”

It was a simple gesture, but one we won’t forget.

An afternoon of music, smiles, and connection: these are the moments that remind us why we do this.

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Kildeer, IL

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+12244345576

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