Annual Conference
Exciting Joint Event for 2026!
ISMTA Conference — Chicago College of Performing Arts PianoFest
Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
Roosevelt University
November 5th: Thursday Evening PianoFest Opening Concert
November 6th to 7th: Friday-Saturday Conference Events
November 7th to 8th: Saturday-Sunday MTNA Competitions
This will be an exciting joint event for the ISMTA Conference and the Chicago College of Performing Arts Fall 2026 PianoFest at Roosevelt University. We look forward to the variety of enriching professional development offerings including wonderful performances, masterclass, and pedagogy sessions.
Registration is open
Early registration deadline October 29
Conference Resources
Registration Fees: (Early Bird / Regular)
To attend the Friday night banquet or lunches (for an additional fee), you must register in advance. There will be no cash bar; complimentary wine will be served at the table Friday night.
Conference Hotel
Congress Plaza Hotel, 520 South Michigan Avenue, is across the street from Roosevelt University. The hotel features renovated rooms on the 13th and 14th floors. 312- 427-3800. https://www.congressplazahotel.com/
To book, click button below. Then click “Go to next step.” You will then be able to select the dates you need. Discounted rate expires October 15, with no guarantee that the rate will be extended past that date, so be sure to book your room early!
- $139.00 + tax – Standard Room with a King or Two Beds
- $169.00 + tax – Renovated Standard Room with a King or Two Beds. (Saturday night stay increases to $269 + tax)
Additional Hotel Options
Two nearby budget hotels include the Travelodge and the HI Chicago Harris Family Hostel.
Roosevelt University also has discounts at some nearby boutique hotels. These are generally more expensive. https://www.roosevelt.edu/campuses/accommodations
Conference Parking
Use the SpotHero App to get the best parking deals and options.
One parking option is the Grant Park South underground lot, 325 South Michigan Avenue. Book ahead with SpotHero for the best rate. Park in the far southwest corner of the lot, and the stairs lead you towards the front door of Roosevelt University.
Hotel car parking is adjacent to the hotel on each side. Enter on 50 East Harrison St. or 63 East Ida B. Wells Dr. Park 1 – (312) 312-922-4128. 24 Hour Parking $62.00. No in-and-out privileges (Oversized vehicles at additional cost).
Conference Artist/Clinician: WINSTON CHOI
Canadian pianist Winston Choi is Professor of Piano and Program Director of Piano at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. A dynamic concert artist, he gained international recognition as Laureate of the 2003 Honens Piano Competition and winner of France’s 2002 Concours International de Piano 20e siècle d’Orléans. Known for his imaginative interpretations of standard repertoire and passionate advocacy for contemporary music, Choi is in demand worldwide as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator.
As a concerto soloist, Choi has performed with orchestras across North America and Europe, including the Alabama Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, CBC Radio Orchestra, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, East Texas Symphony, New Philharmonic, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, Richmond Symphony, and the Victoria Symphony, among others. He has also appeared internationally with La Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Colombia, l’Orchestre National de Lille, and l’Orchestre Symphonique d’Orléans.
