Stories

Sunday, April 23 was a celebration at Merit School of Music as we recognized the incredible successes of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory Class of 2023. Merit’s graduation ceremony is …

Congrats to the Conservatory Class of 2023! Read More »

Guests ascended the Four Seasons‘ grand staircase in style, serenaded by more than a dozen young violinists and cellists. Live jazz provided the perfect ambience for cocktail hour. From the …

Gala 2023 Raises $1.2 Million for Music Education Read More »

Happy Birthday to Merit! We’re celebrating with some exciting news… April 27 is Merit School of Music’s birthday, and this year we’re turning 44 years old!   To celebrate the …

Meet Merit’s New Look Read More »

Hi, friends! I’m Kristin Hedlund, a violin teacher in Merit School of Music’s in-school music program, Merit Music in Communities, and at Merit’s home in the West Loop. March is Music In Our …

A Week in the Life of a Merit Music in Communities Teacher: Kristin Hedlund Read More »

It was a morning filled with music, dancing, laughter, and cheer at Merit School of Music’s Sensory Friendly Concert earlier this month. Over 250 families with children of all ages …

Hundreds of Families Turn Out for Merit’s Sensory Friendly Concert Read More »

At Merit School of Music, inclusion, diversity, and belonging are integral to our mission. Our focus on and commitment to this work doesn’t just happen during Black History Month—it’s a …

Black History Month Reflection: Fostering Inclusion & Belonging in the Music Room Read More »

(SURPRISE! THEY AREN’T ALL MUSICIANS)   Classical music is powerful. It’s the most effective genre for teaching the fundamentals of music and building strong technique. Studying classical music teaches you the basics …

17 Famous People Who are Classically Trained Read More »

At Merit School of Music, we believe that studying music should be readily available to every child, because music changes lives! But, for many parents across Chicagoland, the barriers to enrolling …

Partnership With Klepak Foundation Makes Amazing Work Possible! Read More »

“We make magic, and we send the magic into the audience.” – Enrique Mazzola Something felt different at Merit School of Music on Saturday, November 19. Like most other Conservatory …

Students “Make Magic” with Enrique Mazzola of Lyric Opera of Chicago Read More »

    ‘Tis the season for performing! This time of year is often packed with concerts and recitals. We love to see young student musicians showing off new skills and …

17 Performance Tips for Music Students Read More »

You might have noticed that creating music makes you feel good, but have you ever wondered why? Scientists have found that playing an instrument or singing has a direct impact …

How Playing an Instrument Improves Your Health & Wellness Read More »

  Merit School of Music alums are everywhere! They’re teaching in schools, working at top companies, finishing their degrees, and more. Many of them are continuing to make music, from …

An Interview with Merit Alum, Peter CottonTale Read More »