Guitar

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Click here to browse Guitar classes and sign up for spring.

Whether you’ve played guitar for years or are just getting started, Merit’s celebrated faculty is here to help you unlock your musical potential. 

Our students have used their time at Merit to build their musical abilities, go on to attend some of the country’s best music conservatories, pursue careers as teaching artists and performers, and gain the confidence to chase their dreams in music and beyond. 

Each year, Merit musicians of all ages come together to perform in concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center and at venues throughout the city. Past performances include concerts at the Symphony Center and Millennium Park.

Browse spring guitar classes

Online registration opens January 4

VIRTUAL BEGINNING GUITAR

Learn to play guitar at Merit this winter! Guitar gives young music lovers a creative outlet and is a fun way to learn to read music and build strong practice habits. Your student will begin strumming in a twice-weekly small online class of five to eight students with ample opportunity for group learning and individual support.

Students will learn the following skills:

  • Identifying the parts of the musical staff
  • Reading notes and rhythms
  • Playing scales, arpeggios, and chords in 1st and 2nd position
  • Tuning a guitar
  • Making music with friends and family

> REGISTER NOW

VIRTUAL CONTINUING GUITAR

Young guitarists can continue to develop their love of guitar in this online class focused on advancing technique, musical skills, and knowledge of the instrument.

Students will learn the following skills:

  • Playing scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys
  • Playing major, minor, and seventh chords
  • Playing guitar repertoire in a variety of styles from different genres of music
  • Improvising melodies over a series of chord changes
  • Identifying common intervals aurally and visually

> REGISTER NOW

Programs for musicians of all levels

Group Classes & Ensembles

Virtual & in-person options available

Hone your technique and skill alongside other driven young musicians. Beginners welcome!

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Private Lessons

Temporarily Virtual

Work one-on-one with skilled and supportive faculty to explore your individual talents and musical interests.

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Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory

Temporarily Virtual

Join the best of Merit’s talented student musicians by auditioning for Merit’s prestigious tuition-free Conservatory.

AUDITION

Summer Camps & Workshops

Temporarily Virtual

Safely make friends, memories, and music all summer long with Merit’s online camps, classes, and workshops.

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Chicago’s finest guitar faculty

“Merit Guitar camps, classes, and lessons help students reach their full potential as musicians and tap into their creativity. Most importantly, our classes are FUN. Students learn the technical skills needed to be top musicians while developing lasting friendships and a lifelong love of music.”

– Bob Sherman
Guitar Faculty Chair
& Jazz Guitar Faculty Member

Guitar Student Chicago

Our celebrated teaching artists are working jazz, classical, and pop musicians who have toured nationally, led ensembles, and supported students in achieving ambitious goals. Committed to helping Merit students succeed in music and in life, our Guitar faculty provides students with the immersive training, feedback, and mentorship they need to learn and grow.

BROWSE GUITAR FACULTY

Meet Merit GUITAR Students and Alumni

Merit alum Andrea Salcedo is Mexico’s first female flamenco guitarist

Merit’s Guitar Ensemble performs Diablo Rojo

Merit Guitar students perform Desafinado