In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the CDC’s current recommendations, Merit School of Music has closed the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center and suspended all in-person activities until further notice. Virtual options are now available for private lessons, Early Childhood classes, and small group classes. We thank you for your understanding and continued support during this unprecedented situation.

To learn more about online offerings and supporting Merit during this time, please
CLICK HERE »

Faculty & Staff

Staff

President's Office

Charles Grode
President & Executive Director
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Auriel Jones
Executive Assistant
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Programs

Kurtis Gildow
Dean & Vice President for Educational Affairs
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Amy Riske
Associate Dean & Piano Program Director
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Brian Beach
Strings & Orchestra Program Director; Faculty: Violin
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Gordon Daole-Wellman
Band Program Manager
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Melanie Lunardi
Voice & Guitar Program Director
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Timothy Riordan
Director of Chamber Music; Ensemble Director: Merit Brass Ensemble & Merit Trombone Choir; Faculty: Trombone & Jazz Trombone
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Andrew Zweibel
Band Program Director
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Adrienne Thompson
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative Project Director
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Carling FitzSimmons
Piano Program Manager; Ensemble Director: Conservatory, Concert, & Children's Choirs, Mixed Chorus; Faculty: Private Voice
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Ashley Summers
Jazz Studies Program Manager; Faculty: Theory
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Kat Best
Private Lesson Coordinator
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Amy Bischoff
Program Coordinator
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Student Services

Taylor Manrique
Director of Student Services
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Lily Floeter
Student Data & Registration Manager
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Esperanza Salgado
Student Accounts Associate
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Annaeka Johnson
Librarian
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Barbara Talarico
Receptionist
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Diana McCoy
Receptionist
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Alma Mol
Receptionist
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Development & Marketing

Meredith Barber
Vice President for Development and Marketing
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Laura Stillman
Director of Marketing & Communications
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Cathy Wloch
Director of Partnerships & Engagement
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Mark Richard
Institutional Gifts Manager
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Meredith Richard
Individual Giving Manager
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Tatum Travers
Digital Marketing Manager
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Crystal Villegas
Donor Database Coordinator
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Finance & Administration

Amy Johnson
Vice President for Finance & Administration
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Andrew Bedessem
Director of Finance
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Emérita Colón
Assistant Director of Human Resources
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Andrew Levine
Senior Accountant
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Facilities & Technology

Roger Esparza
Facilities Manager
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John Johnson
Rentals & Operations Manager
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