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Individual lessons and group classes for students at any level.
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Bringing accessible, high-quality music education to Chicagoland communities.
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The highest level of achievement for Merit students in tuition-free, audition-based programs.
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Developmental Music Classes for Babies, Toddlers, & Kids
It's Not Too Late! Sign Up for Spring Semester Today.
Our Early Childhood specialists incorporate song, chant, movement exercises, and instrument play to develop a child’s imagination, musical awareness, and expressiveness.
Your child will have a blast learning essential musical building blocks and taking their first steps on a lifetime journey of musical appreciation.
Music Discovery Camp: A Melodic Adventure for Little Explorers
July 22-26, 2024 • 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of musical exploration? Music Discovery Camp will spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and instill a lifelong love for music in your child. This fun and engaging camp gives 6-8-year-olds the chance to explore a variety of instruments, preparing them for instrumental or vocal group classes in the fall. Instruments include piano, glockenspiel, strings, ukulele, percussion, and voice. Be part of a musical community where every day your child will explore new sounds, rhythms, and more!
New to Baby & Toddler Music Classes?
Request a FREE Trial Class
We get it—choosing an Early Childhood music class can feel overwhelming and sometimes you’re not sure where to start. That’s why we offer free trial classes to new Merit families to help you find the right fit.
Fill out the form below to request a free trial class and start your child’s musical journey today!
Why Music Classes for Infants, Toddlers, & Kids?
Improved Perceptual Skills
- Language and literacy aptitudes
- Spatial reasoning
- Fine motor coordination
- Planning, prediction, and understanding of syntax
Benefits in School
- Music students show better memory, vocabulary, and reading levels over the course of a year
- Musical children are more likely to pursue higher education
Stronger Sense of Self
- Enhanced communication and interpersonal skills
- Added motivation and ambition
- Greater self-regulation, discipline, and focus
Keep Reading: Benefits of Music Classes for Babies & Toddlers →
What Parents Are Saying
"Class has definitely helped my child’s gross motor skills. She was pretty quiet before and now she’s running and dancing all over the place. It’s something she looks forward to every week.”
LaurenEarly Childhood parent
"Our little ones LOVE LOVE LOVE this class and look forward to it all week."
JoeEarly Childhood parent
"Music has been shown in studies to help in the development of young minds, and we have seen it firsthand. Our teacher is great at incorporating not just different types of music, but also baby sign language and basic developmental skills."
JessicaEarly Childhood parent
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Meet Your Teachers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch classes or class times?
Nap times change, students advance and grow faster than we expect…YES. Simply reach out to Ms. Frances at fkennedy@meritmusic.org and she’ll work with you to switch you into a class that works.
If we miss a class, can we make it up?
Yes! Three make-up classes are allowed per semester with 24 hours notice to your child’s instructor and Ms. Frances at fkennedy@meritmusic.org.
The current semester has already begun. Can I still join? How do I get my tuition prorated?
Yes, you can join at any point during the current semester! When registering, your tuition will automatically update at checkout so you only pay for classes remaining in the semester.
Do you offer a free trial?
We do! Merit is happy to offer one free trial class for new families. Fill out the form at the top of this page to get started. Someone from our team will be in touch with you to confirm the details of your trial class.
Where can I view the course catalog?
Looking for info on Merit’s Early Childhood music programs for your baby, toddler, or young child? Request a copy of our Early Childhood catalogs!
Request Spring 2024 Course Catalog →
Request Summer 2024 Course Catalog →
Find the Right Music Class for Your Newborn, Toddler, or Young Beginner
With music and movement classes for ages 0-8, the right class is just a click away!