- 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
Since 1979, Merit has engaged thousands of Chicagoland youth through equal access to high-quality music education.
The Change We Create
Merit transforms the lives of our students both musically and personally:
Musical knowledge and instrumental technique
Fortified work ethic and increased self-discipline
Heightened teamwork and collaboration skills
A lifelong love and engagement with music
A more successful human being
Our mission to remove barriers to high-quality music education access ensures that students can benefit from these life-enhancing programs no matter their background.
Why Music Education Matters
Music is a means of expression, creativity, and communication, enabling individuals to connect with something larger than themselves.
Access to and engagement in high-quality music instruction engenders a wide range of positive musical and extra-musical outcomes.
- Increased confidence and independence
- Higher grades—an average of 17% in math and 19% in English
- 24% more likely to graduate
- Can better manage anxiety and express their emotions
By the Numbers
0
+
students engaged annually
0
%
Conservatory graduates accepted to college
0
Chicago-area partner sites
$
0
M
financial aid and student support
0
%
students learning at a reduced or no cost
0
esteemed teaching artists
Serving All of Chicagoland
In bringing together music students from 139+ zip codes, we foster a community that supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging.
Merit’s Joy Faith Knapp Music Center
Merit students come from these Chicago neighborhoods
Merit students come from these suburban locations
Merit Music in Communities sites as of fall 2023
We proudly engage a student body as vibrant and diverse as the city of Chicago itself.
What Our Students Are Saying
“Merit has changed my life. It’s changed the entire trajectory of where I’m going, who I believe I am. Merit has given me these opportunities, this vision, this hope for a better dream of myself.”
OscarMerit alum
“At Merit, I have always felt welcomed, respected, valued, motivated, challenged, and excited about music. Merit works very hard to meet the gap in music education equity. I am so thankful for the music programs at Merit.“
ZahidMerit student
“Music has definitely changed me for the better. It has taught me so much about the world and I couldn’t be more grateful. I loved the community feel of Merit and how you could tell the teachers cared about your education.”
StephanieMerit alum
“I realize how many changes I’ve gone through during my time at Merit. I was very shy, self-conscious, and doubted my musical ability. Through the years, I’ve worked with many wonderful and creative educators that showed me how to grow as a musician and person.”
AlexanderMerit alum
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Our Alums
100%
of Conservatory graduates attend college
50%
study music
35%
study STEM fields
24%
are the first in their family to go to college
Give the Gift of Music!
Your support transforms the lives of young musicians across Chicagoland.