Resources for Merit Students & Parents
Informational resources to support your Merit experience
We've Got You Covered!
This page is your one-stop shop for getting started and staying up-to-date on all things Merit.
Jump to a Section:
How to Register
Classes
- Optional step: Apply for financial aid (Aid applications and pre-registration must be submitted before registering.).
- Browse our programs online.
- Select your course.
- Complete your registration.
Private Lessons
New students
- Submit an inquiry form.
- Our Student Services team will work with you to personally match you with a teacher based on your goals and schedule.
- While you wait: If you’re applying for financial aid, please note that aid applications and pre-registration must be submitted before registering. Apply for aid.
- We’ll send you a personalized registration link. Click on your link, complete your registration, confirm your preferred payment plan, and you’re good to go!
Returning students: Learn how to renew your private lesson package for the next semester.
Apply for Financial Aid
Now Accepting Financial Aid Applications for the 2024-25 Academic Year
We’re dedicated to providing access to music education through the award of financial aid to eligible families. Aid is based on a sliding scale of up to 80% of tuition.
While Merit desires to provide as much aid as possible, it is a limited resource and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note! In order to receive your financial aid package, you need to submit a financial aid form (below) and pre-register with Merit’s registration tool, SmartRec, before you register. Once processed, your financial aid will be automatically applied to your SmartRec account so you know exactly how much you will owe. Your aid cannot be applied retroactively.
Special thanks to The Negaunee Foundation and The Negaunee Fund for Educational Excellence and Access for supporting our financial aid program.
Fill out a financial aid form
More information
What programs are eligible for financial aid?
Group classes, private lessons, and summer camps are all eligible for aid. Early Childhood classes are not eligible.
How is financial aid determined?
Financial aid is need-based, contingent upon household income and number of members in a household. Aid is based on a sliding scale up to 80% of tuition.
What income evidence is required?
Merit accepts any of the following documentary evidence of income:
- Most recent tax return
- W-2
- Signed letter from employer certifying employee income
- Proof of:
- Unemployment
- Social Security income
- Medicaid
- Disability benefits
- Public assistance
- Child support
If your family has been impacted by any extenuating circumstances not reflected in your evidence of income, please feel free to use the “Questions or comments?” section in the financial aid form to explain any financial changes that you may have experienced so that we can take that into account when putting together your aid package.
How often do I need to submit my financial aid documents?
In order for us to maintain a fair and equitable process, families must resubmit their financial aid documents annually.
Student Services will keep your documents on file for one full calendar year.
Due to limited resources, submitting your documents does not guarantee your child will receive financial aid. Many factors are taken into consideration.
When will my financial aid be applied?
Your financial aid will be applied once it’s reviewed and approved by our Student Services team and you’ve pre-registered with SmartRec. Our team will then pre-load your SmartRec account with your financial aid package. You must apply for financial aid before you register for classes or lessons.
*Note: Up-to-date financial aid documents must be submitted prior to registration. This is a necessary step to receiving your discount and allowing us to process it in time for it to be automatically applied to your invoice.
Are new students eligible to receive financial aid?
Both new and returning students can receive financial aid if their family’s tax return deems them eligible and if financial aid funds are still available.
As noted above, financial aid is a limited resource and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
What would prevent a student from receiving financial aid?
There are a variety of reasons why a student might not receive financial aid:
- Household income exceeds the threshold to qualify for financial aid
- All of Merit’s financial aid has been distributed and there are no more funds available
Are there scholarship opportunities available in addition to financial aid?
Private lesson students are eligible for need- and merit-based scholarships to further subsidize their music education. Students do not apply for scholarships; scholarships are granted based on faculty recommendations and input from the Scholarship Committee. Donors and organizations that fund scholarships also determine the criteria for eligibility.
Competition scholarships are awarded to Conservatory level students on an annual basis. Information about competition scholarships and their processes are shared with qualifying students during the year. Competition scholarships are awarded based on third-party adjudication.
If you’re interested in private lesson or competition scholarships, speak with your teacher to see if they might be the right fit for you.
Rent an Instrument
Merit’s Glasser-Rosenthal Library hosts an inventory of more than 1,300 instruments as well as all accessories a young musician needs—strings, reeds, instrument cases, and more. From tuning and repairs on instruments, to sizing up as students grow from one size to another, we’re prepared to meet all the needs of our students.
All current Merit students are eligible to rent instruments, and are encouraged to stop by our library during open hours to explore our catalog of sheet music, books, and more.
Please note that rentals are subject to availability, so you’re encouraged to see the librarian about instrument needs or fill out the rental form below soon after completing your class or lesson registration.
Rental fee for Academic Year 2024–25:
- Standard rate: $25 per month
- Financial aid rate: $10 per month (if eligible)
Academic year rentals span from September through August. You’re able to customize the length of your instrument rental and pay only for the months you’re actively using an instrument.
Library open window hours
Tuesday–Thursday: 3:30–6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Library support is always available by appointment! Please email us at least 2 business days in advance to schedule your appointment. Contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
Fill out an instrument rental form
Am I eligible to rent an instrument?
Eligibility Requirements
To rent an instrument during the academic year, your child must be enrolled in either Instrumental & Vocal Music group classes, private lessons, and/or Conservatory.
During summer, enrollment in Merit classes is not required to continue your instrument rental. This is to encourage summer practicing. However, to continue renting in the next academic year, you will need to re-enroll in Merit classes.
What is your late return policy?
Late Return Policy
- Families who miss their instrument return date will be charged a late fee of $25. This fee will be posted to your account the day after the instrument return date.
- At one month and two months after the first fee is applied, if the instrument is still not returned to the library, a second and third $25 late fee will be posted to your account.
- If the instrument is not returned by 90 days after the due date, the instrument is considered lost. The cost of replacing the instrument will be posted on your account.
- For any instrument kept over 90 days, your account will be sent to collections and a police report will be filed.
What if I need a different sized instrument?
Changing Instrument Sizes
If your teacher decides it’s time for a different sized instrument, you can swap it at no cost. Simply stop by the library during open hours (listed above) or contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
What happens if my instrument breaks?
Broken or Damaged Instruments
Merit understands that accidents happen, and we try to be as forgiving as possible. Repeat or extenuating offenses are subject to discussion and may be the responsibility of the family. To inquire about replacing a broken instrument, visit the library during open hours (listed above) or contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
What instrument supplies/accessories does Merit offer?
Supplies & Accessories
Merit offers a vast array of supplies and accessories related to the instrument you’re renting—from bows and instrument cases to rosin and mouthpieces. A limited number of supplies are included in your instrument rental, and anything over that amount is available for purchase.
Can I use a Merit instrument outside of Merit?
Merit instruments must be used in Merit classes and lessons, Merit Music in Communities sites, performances, or at home practice. They are not intended for use in non-Merit programming.
Does the rental fee qualify for financial aid?
Rental Fee & Financial Aid
Yes, the instrument rental fee is eligible for financial aid. Click here to apply for financial aid if you haven’t already.
Report an Absence
Need to Miss a Class or Lesson?
Let your teacher and Merit administration know ahead of time by filling out the absence form for your program below.
Click on the appropriate dropdown below to report an absence.
Early Childhood
Please email Ms. Frances as far in advance as possible to let her know the date of your absence and to schedule a make-up class.
Group Classes (IVM)
Private Lessons
Contact your teacher directly.
Conservatory
Need Help with Something Else?
Contact Us
Merit’s Student Services team is here to support students and parents throughout every step of their music education journey.
Student Services Office Hours
Tuesday, November 5 hours will be 3:30-6:30pm by PHONE ONLY (call 312-786-9428)
Wednesday, November 6 & Thursday, November 7 will be in person as normal, 3:30-6:30pm
Monday, November 18 – Friday, November 22 hours will be 3:30-6:30pm
Tuesday, November 26 hours will be 3:30-6:30pm
Wednesday, November 27 hours will be 3:30-5:00pm
Thursday, November 28 CLOSED
Student Services Support Is Always Available by Appointment!
To make an appointment, please contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
