Merit Blog
Moments That Moved Us: Highlights from the Spring Conservatory Concerts
Each spring, the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory concerts offer a chance to measure how much Merit School of Music’s young musicians have grown throughout the course of the academic year.
Guitarnivore Steps Into the Spotlight: Preparing for the Gala Stage
Walk into a rehearsal with Guitarnivore—Merit’s competitive classical guitar quartet—and you’ll find an ensemble that takes remarkable ownership of its music. Guided by coach Bob Sherman, the students have built
Find Your Sound This Summer: Beginner-Friendly Music Programs at Merit School of Music
Summer at Merit School of Music is always bursting with creativity, curiosity, and the joy of young musicians discovering what they can do. In addition to our usual beginner-level group
An Inspiring Afternoon with Maestro Mazzola
A buzz of anticipation filled Anne and Howard Gottlieb Hall on Saturday, February 21 as Merit Philharmonic musicians prepared for a special open rehearsal. Before the downbeat, student leaders huddled
From Saturdays at Merit to the World Stage: Clarissa’s Journey
“Merit isn’t just where we learned music—it’s where we found our people, our community, our home. And no matter where life takes us, that connection remains.” When Clarisssa Bevilacqua was just six years old, her
Klaus Mäkelä Brings Joy and Insight to Cello Masterclass
“Listening is the most beautiful thing music can teach us.” The audience listened attentively to every soft-spoken word shared by Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Zell Music Director Designate Klaus Mäkelä at
