Merit School of Music

Excellence Starts with a Single Note

Start your musical journey on a high note with Merit’s expert teachers and welcoming community.

Our Mission

Merit School of Music transforms the lives of Chicago-area youth through removing barriers to high-quality music education.

Our Programs

For more than 40 years, Merit School of Music has offered students the best music instruction from the highest caliber faculty in the region—both at our West Loop music center and schools and community centers across Chicagoland. We offer individual and group instruction for music-lovers of every age, level and background.

Merit By the Numbers

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students engaged annually
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Chicago-area partner sites
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Conservatory graduates accepted to college
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financial aid and student support
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of students participating at a reduced or no cost
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Chicago zip codes making music together

Why Choose Merit?

Wondering if Merit is the right music school for you or your child? Here’s why students of all ages and experience levels choose us.

Our 40+ Year Reputation for Excellence

As a nationally accredited music school with over 40 years of helping students reach their full musical potential, you can be confident you’re in good hands.

The Best Music Teachers in Chicago

Merit’s passionate and highly experienced teaching artists are some of the best in the region. Parents and students alike say their teachers are what they enjoy and appreciate most about their Merit education.

A Diverse & Welcoming Community

Music lovers come to Merit from every Chicago neighborhood (139 zip codes to be exact!) and background to learn together, dream together, teach each other, and broaden their horizons.

What's Happening?

What age should my child start learning music?

There’s still time to join summer at Merit!

Join Merit's 2023 Gala on May 17

What We've Heard

Start Making Music!