Calendar

From classes to concerts, there’s always something happening at Merit School of Music!

Academic Year Program Calendars

Download program calendars for the full academic year.

2025-26 Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory

Group Classes

Private Lessons

This Month at Merit

Browse upcoming events and programming, using filters to find exactly what you need.

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Events

Today

  • Two performers under a tent, while children and parents sit on the grass and listen

    Green City Market at Mary Bartelme Park

    Featured
    Mary Bartelme Park 115 S Sangamon St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Come see us on August 3 at Mary Bartelme Park! We will have a booth at Green City Market so you can learn all about Merit School of Music and enjoy an instrument petting zoo. Our Early Childhood staff will also perform a Musical Storytime for the little ones. We hope to see you there!

  • A close up of a table with a blue tablecloth at an open house. On the table is a trumpet, a tambourine, and flyers.

    Open House

    Open House
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Stop by our Open House to: Enjoy an instrument petting zoo 🥁 Watch student performances 👏 Explore Merit's building 🏫 Learn about fall programming 🍂 & more! 🤗

  • A student holds a baton, learning how to conduct from Steven Gooden, who is holding a baton and demonstrating.

    Summer Group Classes End

    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Group Classes
  • Sally Blandon sings with her arms in the air, while Tim Stine plays guitar next to her.

    Mini Fest

    Featured
    Altitude Chicago Trampoline Park 404 N Armor Street, Chicago, IL
    Concerts & Special Events

    Join us at Mini Fest to learn all about Merit School of Music at our booth and enjoy a summer-inspired Musical Storytime! Merit's talented team of performing artists will engage your little ones and promote early literacy development with a unique blend of music, movement, and fun.

  • The exterior of Merit Near North's building

    Merit Near North Open House

    Merit School of Music - Near North 458 W Eugenie St, Chicago, IL
    Concerts & Special Events

    Merit School of Music is expanding! Join us for an Open House at Merit Near North, our new branch in Old Town. Stop by our Open House to: Experience an instrument petting zoo 🎻 Watch performances 👏 Explore the new space 🏫 Learn about fall programming 🍂 & more! 🤗 Performance schedule: 10:00am - Suzuki Student Performance […]

  • The facade of the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center

    Building Closed

    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Key Dates

    With the safety and convenience of our students and families in mind, Merit School of Music will be closed during the upcoming Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. The building will be CLOSED starting Monday, August 19 – Thursday, August 22. No onsite programming will be held during this time. We will reopen on Friday, August 23. […]

  • Several small children sit on the floor. A parent holds a baby in her lap, and the teacher is in the background.

    Early Childhood Labor Day Break

    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Early Childhood

    Early Childhood classes will not meet 8/31-9/2. Happy Labor Day!

  • Deadline for Returning Private Lesson Families

    Featured
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Key Dates

    Deadline for returning private lesson families to register via personalized SmartRec link.

  • A young child holds a violin while a teacher stands in front of her, showing her how to hold it properly.

    FREE Instrument Exploration! Workshop

    Featured
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Have a music-loving child who isn’t quite sure which instrument to choose? The best way to pick is by trying them all! This fun introductory workshop is designed to give kids of all ages the chance to explore various instruments and learn more about Merit’s programming. Our team of experts will introduce kids (and parents, too!) […]

  • A young child holds a violin while a teacher stands in front of her, showing her how to hold it properly.

    FREE Instrument Exploration! Workshop

    Featured
    Merit School of Music 38 S Peoria St., Chicago, IL, United States
    Concerts & Special Events

    Have a music-loving child who isn’t quite sure which instrument to choose? The best way to pick is by trying them all! This fun introductory workshop is designed to give kids of all ages the chance to explore various instruments and learn more about Merit’s programming. Our team of experts will introduce kids (and parents, too!) […]