The Midwest Clinic takes place December 16-18, 2026, and even though it is already August, it’s never too early to start planning your Midwest trip! Our team here at MakeMusic has been attending the Midwest Clinic for longer than we can remember, and between the years of deep dish pizzas and clinics in the Windy City, we’ve put together our top tips that will help you make the most out of your conference.
1. It’s Never Too Early to Reserve Your Spot
Chicago has seen its fair share of crowds, but close to 20,000 Musicians flooding the streets can cause even this big city some delays. Take time before the school year really kicks off to give the future you the gift of peace of mind (and some saved money).
- Save with Early Bird Registration and complete your conference registration before the end of August
- Book your Midwest Clinic Hotels through the official website to secure a close location. Walking through Chicago at 7am on a December morning is not for the weak!
- Start tracking flight prices for both O’Hare and Midway to find the best deals
- Now is also the perfect time to start dreaming of all the deep dish pizza you can eat! If you have an idea of who you might be dining with during the conference, book a reservation or two, especially if it is a restaurant next to McCormick Place West.
2. Start Planning Your Must-See Events
The Midwest Clinic team is amazing, and has already published the schedule of events to their website! Start planning your conference by marking which sessions you would like to attend, industry experts you are ready to learn from, and which performance groups you are looking forward to watching. We are excited to check out clinicians Brian Balmages, Bob Phillips, Chris Bernotas, and many others! Don’t forget to download the official Midwest Clinic App when it’s ready so you can easily build your own schedule.
3. Don’t Miss Out On The Exhibit Hall
From Music Publishers, to must-have Music Software, to your favorite Instrument Dealers, the exhibit hall is a must-visit part of Midwest. Because the Midwest Clinic one of the largest music education clinics, these music companies are hosting their best deals and events of the year (and right before the holidays!).
Visit MakeMusic in booth 1139 for our exclusive show discounts, giveaways, and to learn more from our incredible team of industry experts. Don’t have room in your bag? No worries! Shop our show discount in the booth and have products shipped directly to your address. 📦
4. Reach Out to Your University’s Alumni Association
Many colleges and universities attend the Midwest clinic, and while it may seem like their main goal is to recruit prospective students, there are a number of ways Alumni can engage with them as well. Stop by your school’s booth in the exhibit hall to learn more about if they are hosting a networking opportunity or happy hour outside of conference hours. These events provide an amazing opportunity for you to meet with new faces in the instrumental music education space and recharge with old friends.
5. Get Out There and Explore Chicago!
My first time going to Chicago was for the Midwest Clinic, and I was not prepared for how amazing Chicago was during the winter! Our team has an annual tradition of going to the Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago, where you can find a number of Chicago-themed trinkets for stocking stuffers. If you end up staying in Chicago, IL past the conference, check out which shows are currently on tour via Broadway in Chicago, or catch a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance at Symphony Center.
Keep in mind: Save time to recharge and let Midwest guide you in real time. While there are many opportunities to learn from our amazing music education community, it is important to pace yourself so you can feel ready for the day ahead. Some days, ordering food to the hotel and having a movie night for yourself is the best way to feel refreshed for the next day.
For more information about the Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference, visit their website at midwestclinic.org.