Group Classes & Ensembles
Learn to play music with peers and experience the rewarding fun of group performance.
Group Music Classes Led by Chicago's Best Teaching Artists
🌞 Summer camps & classes registration now open! Register by May 23 to secure your spot in summer classes.
Merit’s Instrumental & Vocal Music program offers group music classes and ensembles that combine education and community.
You’ll build instrumental technique, musical knowledge, and performance skills within a setting of supportive peers, and under the guidance of Merit’s celebrated faculty.
For kids and teens, music classes can positively impact personal and educational development. In fact, music education is linked to higher test scores in math, science, and English language arts—all while providing a creative outlet, an opportunity to make friends, and the sense of pride that comes with musicianship.
Music Is Better Together
Small → Large Group Instruction
Group Classes
Our small group environment provides ample opportunity for learning alongside peers and individual support from Merit’s celebrated faculty—some of the best music educators in the region.
Ensembles
Band, strings, and voice students also have the option to join a large ensemble—allowing student musicians to learn in a bigger group, strengthen teamwork skills, and gain experience performing in unison.
Music Classes for All Ages & Experience Levels
3 Convenient Locations
Our Students Love It Here
Related Reading
Music Classes FAQs
Need help picking out an instrument? Or deciding if music is right for your child?
Check out The Parent’s Guide to Music Classes & Lessons for Kids. It’s a fantastic resource for answering all your questions related to music-making and helping you make the right musical choices for your child.
You can also reach out to our team at studentservices@meritmusic.org. We’re here to help!
Do you offer financial aid or payment plans?
As a non-profit music school, we’re dedicated to making high-quality instruction accessible to all. We offer:
- Financial aid—up to 80% off group classes, summer camps, and private lessons for qualifying families
- Payment plans
- Low-cost instrument rentals
What are the other students like? Is the environment inclusive and diverse?
Merit group class students range in age from 5 to 18. The skills and experience of students vary, and we welcome beginners through advanced musicians to join the Merit community.
We engage a diverse student body that reflects the city of Chicago. Our students come from every background and every corner of Chicagoland. As we bring together students from 150+ zip codes through music, we are proud to foster a community that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
View up-to-date statistics on Merit’s student body in our latest annual report.
Will my child be able to build friendships outside of school?
Music classes give kids and teens a creative outlet, and the opportunity to forge friendships with music-loving peers from across Chicagoland. This is just one of the many benefits of music education!
At Merit, students love being part of a community and making friendships. Watch this video of students sharing what Merit means to them.
How do I register?
We’re so excited to make music with you!
Read step-by-step instructions for registering.
Have questions or need help? We’re here for you! Contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page or contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
