Beginner Music Classes & Lessons
Start your musical journey on a high note with a top Chicago music school.
Learn to Play a Musical Instrument
Beginner Music Classes & Lessons Taught by Chicago's Best Teachers
Considering music classes or lessons for your young beginner? You’ve come to the right place! Merit School of Music offers a wide variety of options for absolute beginners—no prior music experience or knowledge needed.
Our exceptional teachers and welcoming community create an environment that not only helps your child discover a new passion but also sets them up for a lifelong journey of musical appreciation and personal growth.
Why Choose Merit?
We love beginners! Here are just a few reasons why beginners love us, too.
45+ Years of Excellence
As a nationally accredited music school, we’ve been empowering students to achieve their musical and personal potential since 1979. Rest assured, you’re in great hands.
Tailored Support
Small class sizes and individual support from teachers create a personalized music education experience, ensuring the right mix of rigor and fun for each student.
The Best Music Teachers
Merit’s passionate, highly experienced teaching artists are some of the best in the region. They foster a safe, developmentally rich, and fun environment.
A Welcoming & Diverse Community
We are proud to foster a community where everyone belongs. Students are able to forge friendships with music-loving peers from across Chicagoland.
Benefits of Learning an Instrument
A Stronger Brain
Music increases brain power and functionality, resulting in a boosted IQ and improved concentration.
Emotional Well-Being
Making music nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and helps to express emotions and manage anxiety.
Success in School & Life
Kids studying music get higher grades, are more likely to graduate, and gain focus and perseverance.
Options for Beginners of All Ages
Programs
- Early Childhood (Ages 0-8)
- Group classes & ensembles (Ages 5-18)
- Private lessons (Ages 4 to adult)
- Summer camps (Ages 6-18)
Instruments
- Band (woodwinds, brass, & percussion)
- Guitar
- Piano
- Strings
- Voice & choir
Free Workshop for Beginners
Our fun (and FREE!) Instrument Exploration Workshop gives young music lovers a chance to explore a variety of instruments through hands-on demonstrations with Merit students and staff.
At the end of the workshop, your child can choose their favorite instrument and reserve a spot in upcoming programming.
What We've Heard
What I like most about Merit is the amount of help and support the teachers are willing to give you.
Karina
Merit student
Merit has provided my child with a fantastic environment in which to learn and grow as a musician, and a lovely community in which to meet young people from all over the city.
Na'ama
Merit parent
Additional Resources
Watch Merit Students in Action
Summer choir camp students sing Les Champs-Élysées by Joe Dassin
Young string players perform at Gunsaulus Elementary’s Spring Concert
Merit piano student, Julia, plays Evening in the Country by Béla Bartók
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this be affordable?
We provide financial support through payment plans, need-based tuition relief, and low-cost instrument rental and music supplies, so that motivated students can participate in our programs regardless of economic circumstances.
Where can I purchase or rent a musical instrument?
Merit School of Music maintains a fleet of over 1,800 instruments which are loaned to students enrolled in programming at little to no cost. Learn more about Merit’s instrument library.
Other highly recommended instrument vendors include:
Strings
Winds
Where is Merit School of Music located? Do you offer online programming?
Merit School of Music has branches in Chicago’s West Loop, Old Town, and South Shore neighborhoods.
We offer music classes, lessons, Early Childhood programming, and a tuition-free Conservatory. We also provide in-school music programming at schools and community centers throughout the Chicagoland area.
We do not currently offer online programming.
I'm ready to get started. How do I register for classes or lessons?
Hurray! We’re so excited for you to join Merit’s community of music-lovers.
Read step-by-step instructions for registering.
Have questions or need help? We’re here for you! Contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
Learn More about beginner programming
Fill out the form below to receive guidance from our music education specialists right in your inbox.
