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Classes by Age

Kids of all ages learning music in different programs at Merit School of Music

What Age Should Your Child Start Music Lessons or Classes?

Classes by Age, Stories / Erin Darge

Is my toddler too young to start music classes? Is my teenager too old to take piano lessons? Children can start on violin at age four, but did you know […]

What Age Should Your Child Start Music Lessons or Classes? Read More »

Merit students help younger kids learn about new musical instruments

How to Choose an Instrument for Your Child

Classes by Age, Stories / Erin Darge

Many of us have heard about the benefits our children reap when learning a musical instrument.  But getting kids started and selecting an instrument can seem like a daunting task! There are so many questions. How do

How to Choose an Instrument for Your Child Read More »

Recent Posts

  • Find Your Sound This Summer: Beginner-Friendly Music Programs at Merit School of Music
  • An Inspiring Afternoon with Maestro Mazzola
  • From Saturdays at Merit to the World Stage: Clarissa’s Journey
  • Klaus Mäkelä Brings Joy and Insight to Cello Masterclass 
  • Celebrating Black History Month Through Music and Community: Reflections from our Partners at Merit – South Shore 

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Merit School of Music

Joy Faith Knapp Music Center
38 S Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607
312-786-9428

Accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Precollegiate Arts Schools

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Music Classes & Lessons
  • Overview
  • Group Classes & Ensembles
  • Private Lessons
  • Early Childhood
  • Summer Camps
  • View by
  • Instrument
  • Age
  • Location
  • Beginners
  • Why Choose Merit?
Community Programs
  • Overview
  • Merit Music in Communities
  • Music for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
  • Comunidad de Alegre
  • Merit – Near North
  • Merit – South Shore
Selective Programs
  • Overview
  • Conservatory
  • Artist Residencies
  • Conservatory Auditions
  • Audition Requirements
  • Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative (CMPI)
About
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  • My Account
FPO (Do NOT Remove)

FPO

Music Classes & Lessons

  Overview

  Group Classes & Ensembles

  Private Lessons

  Early Childhood

  Summer Camps

  View by Instrument/Age

    • Age

    • Instrument

  Why Choose Merit?

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

FPO

Community Programs

  Overview

  Merit Music in Communities

  Music for the Deaf & Hard of
  Hearing Children

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

FPO

Selective Programs

  Overview

  Conservatory

    • Artist Residencies

    • Conservatory Auditions

    • Audition Requirements

  Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

FPO

About

  Overview

  History

  Boards

    • Board of Trustees

    • Associate Board

    • Civic Advisory Council

    • National Advisory Council

  Faculty & Staff

  Inclusion & Diversity (IDEA)

  Careers

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

FPO

Impact

  Overview

  Benefits of a Music Education

  Annual Reports & Financials

  Alumni

  Blog

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

 FPO

Support

  Overview

  Ways to Give

  Special Events

    • Gala 2024

  Supporters

  Donate Now

  Shop

FPO (Do NOT Remove)

 FPO

Resources

Overview

Calendar

    • Gala 2024

Student Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for Financial Aid 

Register
Donate