Guitar Classes & Lessons
Learn guitar at a top Chicago music school, where we provide music classes and lessons tailored to all experience levels.
Guitar Programs for Kids, Teens, & Adults
Winter/Spring Registration Now Open!
Enroll by January 8 to secure your spot
Whether you’ve played guitar for years or are just getting started, Merit’s dedicated music instructors are here to help you in your guitar musical journey.
Merit’s guitar classes and lessons can help you build essential skills, prepare for top music conservatories, and pursue your dreams as a teaching artist or performer. Our students gain confidence to excel in music and beyond through our expertly crafted guitar programs.
NEW! 10-week Guitar Classes for Beginners
Learn how to play guitar with our 10-week mini sessions designed specifically for beginners! These shorter courses are a great way for kids to test out a new hobby or instrument, allowing them to experience quick wins and build excitement around their musical studies.
Your child will begin strumming and plucking in a weekly group class of five to eight students with ample opportunity for group learning and individual support.
Now Enrolling: Session Beginning December 3
Explore Guitar for Any Skill Level
Ages 8 to 17
Refine your guitar skills and technique, boost confidence, and cultivate life-long friendships in our group guitar classes. Beginner and intermediate-advanced classes offered!
Ages 8 to adult
Guitar private lessons offer personalized guidance, accelerate learning, address specific challenges, and foster improvement in skill and technique.
Ages 10 to 18
Join Merit’s talented guitar students by auditioning for our prestigious tuition-free Conservatory to elevate your musical journey to new heights.
Ages 6 to 18
Create lasting friendships, memories, and beautiful guitar music throughout the summer with Merit’s music camps, classes, workshops, and more.
Watch Merit Guitar Students in Action
Every year, guitar students of all ages from the Merit School of Music gather for concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in Chicago’s West Loop and other venues.
Past performances include concerts at Symphony Center and Millennium Park.
Guitar Faculty from a Top Chicago Music School
“Merit Guitar camps, classes, and lessons help students reach their full potential as musicians and tap into their creativity. Most importantly, our classes are FUN. Students learn the technical skills needed to be top musicians while developing lasting friendships and a lifelong love of music.”
Bob Sherman
Guitar Department Chair & Faculty
Meet Our Guitar Faculty
Our music teachers are working jazz, classical, and pop musicians and artists with national touring experience, ensemble leadership, and a proven track record of guiding students to reach their aspirations. Dedicated to nurturing success in both music and life for Merit students, our Guitar faculty offer immersive guitar classes and lessons, delivering tailored training, constructive feedback, and invaluable mentorship to foster learning and development.
Meet Merit Guitar Students & Alumni
Guitar FAQs
What age can my child start learning guitar?
Your child can begin guitar starting at age 8. Learn why guitar is a good instrument for beginners.
Even if your young music-lover isn’t old enough to learn how to play the guitar, there are plenty of classes we recommend that will help prepare them for instrument study:
- Music Masters 2 (Ages 5-6) – This class prepares young music-lovers for instrument study. Your child will learn the basics of music theory, note reading, and music composition through playing the glockenspiel and exploring musical games and stories. Children ages 5 to 6 explore the instrument families, learn to read music notation, compose, sing with Curwen hand signs, and complete short weekly homework assignments to reinforce learning.
- Ukulele & You! (Ages 5-7) – Grown-ups and their little ones learn to play the ukulele while the whole classroom community engages with a variety of fun songs, singing games and dances, musical books, and instrument exploration. This class is designed for activities to continue at home to extend learning and family time through music.
- Children’s Choir (Ages 6-9) – Beginners and music enthusiasts welcome—no singing experience required! Students will learn how to use proper vocal technique including posture, breathing, and vowel shape, singing in unison, harmony, and solfege (do-re-mi), and counting rhythms.
Do I need my own guitar? What kind of guitar should I get?
Every student will need their own guitar before their first class or lesson. Learn about your instrument rental options.
Purchasing your guitar? View our guide on what guitar to buy.
What is the attendance policy for classes and lessons?
Students are expected to be present and on time for all classes and lessons. We are unable to provide refunds, credits, or make-ups for any lessons missed by students.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page or contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
Additional Resources
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