Irwin Fischer was born in Iowa in 1903 to parents Christopher and Ella Fischer. In 1914, the family moved to Chicago, where Irwin took piano lessons under Kathryn Williams. He maintained a close relationship with Williams throughout his life.

In 1924, Irwin Fischer graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA and enrolled in the American Conservatory of Music. Here, he studied under Louise Robyn before traveling to Europe in 1927 to continue his studies at The Mozartarium in Austria. He graduated from American Conservatory with his master’s degree in 1930. Later, he continued his studies with Boulanger in Paris (1931) and with Kodály in Budapest (1936). In the 1930s, he developed a technique called “biplanal” and later, in the 1960s, he adopted more of a conservative systematic serialism.

In 1928, he married Marion Heineman. Marion was also a pianist and taught lessons to children out of the couple’s home. The Fischers had two children, Alan and Fred, and taught them piano from an early age.

Fischer’s first full conducting job was in 1939 for the National Youth Orchestra, part of the New Deal’s National Youth Administration. He worked as conductor in this position until 1942, when WWII forced the orchestra to disband. At this point, Irwin became the official organist of the Chicago Symphonic Orchestra as well as conductor to the South Side Orchestra. He held this position with CSO until 1964, when the organ was damaged beyond repair.

Nineteen forty-two also saw the beginning of Fischer’s acquaintance with the Salvation Army’s Central Music Institute. Every summer for 32 years, Fischer worked at CMI’s camp as volunteer music faculty. He held this position until his retirement in 1975.

In 1974, Fischer was appointed as dean of the American Conservatory of Music. In 1955, Fischer was appointed to his last conducting post as conductor of the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for over 20 years before his unexpected death in 1977.