We’re Teaming Up with Schools & Community Centers
Launched in 1984, Merit Music in Communities (MMiC) provides high-quality music education at 30 schools and community centers throughout Chicago.
In many cases, the MMiC program serves as a student’s first step on a lifetime journey of musical involvement and appreciation.
Motivated students are encouraged to continue their studies by enrolling in Merit’s group classes and private lessons, or auditioning for the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory.
MMiC Impact
MMiC continually engages children and families in underrepresented and often under-resourced communities where the need is greatest and access most limited.
Merit and MMiC have filled this need for tens of thousands of children over nearly 40 years.
Special thanks to the Ralla Klepak Merit Music in Communities Sustainability and Innovation Fund for its generous support of all MMiC activities.
Programming
Merit offers a wide variety of programming options for our community partners.
We work with each school or community center to tailor programming to their individual preferences and resources.
MMiC offers group instruction for:
- General music
- Band
- Strings
- Orchestra
- Choir
- World percussion
Our most intensive programs provide:
- Large ensemble rehearsals (band/orchestra/choir)
- Smaller sectional rehearsals
- Group classes
- Individual lessons
In order to further reduce financial barriers to music education, in some cases, Merit offers:
- Low-cost or free instrument rentals
- Discounted music supplies
- Transportation assistance
Community Partners
- Alfred Nobel Elementary School
- Augustus H. Burley Elementary School
- Bell Elementary School*
- Burbank Elementary School
- Jonathan Burr Elementary School
- Carson Elementary School
- Child’s Voice*
- Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
- Frank W. Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy
- Frederic Chopin Elementary School
- Intercultural Montessori Language School (West Loop & Oak Park locations)
- James Hedges School
- James Otis Elementary
- James Ward Elementary School
- Jamieson Elementary School*
- Kinzie Elementary School*
- Orozco Elementary School
- Philip D. Armour Elementary School
- Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy
- St. Sabina Academy
- South Shore Fine Arts Academy
- Terrace Elementary School*
- Trinity School for the Deaf at Children of Peace*
* In partnership with The Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR)
Interested in Partnering with Merit at Your School?
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Your support helps provide high-quality music education in schools and community centers across Chicago.