- Music Classes & Lessons
- Group Classes & Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- Early Childhood
- Summer Camps
- View by Instrument/Age
- Why Choose Merit
Individual lessons and group classes for students at any level.
- Community Programs
Bringing accessible, high-quality music education to Chicagoland communities.
- Selective Programs
The highest level of achievement for Merit students in tuition-free, audition-based programs.
- About
- Impact
- Support
Merit's supporters remove barriers to music education, ensuring access for Chicago's youth.
- Resources
Faculty & Staff
Meet Our Celebrated Faculty & Staff
Merit School of Music’s expert teaching artists and staff create a deep, inspiring, and motivating learning experience for music-lovers from across Chicagoland.
Get to know the faces of Merit who are dedicated to ensuring music students of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels are able to reach their full musical and personal potential.
- Faculty
- Staff
Department Chairs | Brass | Early Childhood | Ensembles | Guitar | Jazz | Percussion | Piano | Strings | Theory & Composition | Voice & Choir | Woodwind
Department Chairs
(swipe for more)
Early Childhood & General Music
(swipe for more)

Ryan Mayer
Faculty: Early Childhood Music & General Music
Ensembles
(swipe for more)
Jazz
(swipe for more)
Piano
(swipe for more)
Strings
(swipe for more)

Hillary Bayley
Faculty: Violin & Viola