Business Details
47 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Music Education in Chicago
Merit School of Music has been a cornerstone of music education in Chicago for over 45 years. Founded in 1979, we are nationally accredited and dedicated to removing barriers to high-quality music instruction for youth. Our experienced teaching artists foster a diverse, inclusive community where students from 139 zip codes learn together, building technical skills and personal growth through music. With three downtown branches and community partnerships, we offer private lessons, group classes, summer camps, and advanced conservatory programs. Over 80% of students receive financial aid, ensuring accessibility regardless of economic background.Our graduates achieve 100% college acceptance, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We emphasize personalized instruction, collaborative learning, and performance opportunities, creating a nurturing environment where students develop both musical and life skills. Our programs span all age groups, from early childhood to adult learners, and we maintain a fleet of 1,800 instruments for rental. Through partnerships and outreach, we extend our impact across Chicagoland, making music education a transformative force in young lives.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Early Childhood Programs
Summer Camps
Conservatory Programs
Instrument Rentals
Financial Aid
Community Outreach
Online Classes
Faculty Instruction
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 45+ years of proven excellence in Chicago music education
- Expert instructors with personalized teaching approaches
- Diverse student community from 139 zip codes
- 80%+ students receive need-based financial aid
- 100% college acceptance rate for conservatory graduates
Associations and certifications
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools
What people say
Best music school ever
Loved meeting friends
Lifelong friends
Teachers are amazing
Passionate and supportive
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized music instruction tailored to individual goals with expert teachers. Students receive customized lesson plans, technical guidance, and performance coaching. Available for all skill levels from ages 4 to adult, with flexible scheduling across multiple instruments and genres.
Group Classes
Small-group music education fostering peer interaction and ensemble skills. Classes combine technical training with performance opportunities, suitable for ages 5-18. Curriculum emphasizes musical fundamentals while building teamwork and social connections through shared learning experiences.
Early Childhood Programs
Developmentally appropriate music introduction for ages 0-8. Through songs, movement, and instrument play, children build perceptual skills, motor coordination, and early literacy. Classes incorporate baby sign language and developmental activities in a playful, nurturing environment.
Summer Camps
Immersive summer music experiences combining skill development with creative exploration. Offerings include instrument-specific intensives, ensemble rehearsals, and guest artist workshops. Camps prevent learning loss while building friendships among Chicago's young musicians through structured yet engaging activities.
Conservatory Programs
Tuition-free, audition-based pre-collegiate music training for dedicated students. Comprehensive curriculum includes technique classes, theory, chamber music, and large ensemble performance. Graduates consistently achieve 100% college acceptance, with many pursuing professional music careers through this elite program.
People
Claire Bachman
Department Co-Chair: Strings
Experienced cello instructor with expertise in string pedagogy. Leads curriculum development for string programs while maintaining an active teaching schedule. Focuses on technical mastery and musical expression for students at all levels.
Dr. Elena Doubovitskaya
Department Chair: Piano
Piano specialist with a doctorate in musical arts. Oversees piano curriculum development and teaches advanced students. Emphasizes both technical proficiency and interpretive artistry in piano performance education.
Miro Hernandez
Early Childhood Faculty
Specializes in early childhood music education. Develops age-appropriate curricula that foster musical foundations through play-based learning. Focuses on motor skill development and early musical literacy for young learners.
Alexander Beltran
Ensemble Director: Jazz Ensembles
Jazz specialist directing ensemble programs and combo rehearsals. Brings professional performance experience to student training, emphasizing improvisation and ensemble coordination in various jazz styles and performance contexts.
Francy Acosta
Choir Director: Merit Music in Communities
Vocal music expert leading community choir programs. Focuses on choral technique, vocal health, and performance preparation. Coordinates outreach initiatives that bring music education to underserved Chicago neighborhoods through school partnerships.
Questions
What music programs does Merit offer for beginners?
Merit provides beginner-friendly classes for all ages, including early childhood music exploration, introductory instrument classes, and adult beginner lessons. Our faculty specializes in making music accessible to new learners through patient, structured instruction.
How does Merit support students financially?
We offer need-based financial aid covering up to 80% of tuition, payment plans, and low-cost instrument rentals. Over 80% of students receive some form of assistance to ensure music education remains accessible to all economic backgrounds.
Are Merit's teachers qualified?
All instructors are experienced professionals with expertise in their specialties. Faculty include award-winning performers, pedagogy specialists, and educators with advanced degrees, maintaining Merit's 45-year reputation for teaching excellence.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in recitals, ensemble concerts, and community performances. Conservatory students perform in Chicago's premier venues, while community programs bring music to local schools and cultural centers across 139 zip codes.
How do I register for classes?
Browse programs online, apply for financial aid if needed, then complete registration through our SmartRec system. Private lesson students start with an inquiry form to match with the appropriate instructor before finalizing enrollment.
What makes Merit different from other music schools?
Our combination of financial accessibility, diverse student body, and nationally accredited curriculum creates unique learning opportunities. With 45+ years of experience and a 100% college acceptance rate for conservatory graduates, we combine excellence with inclusivity.
