Voice / Choir

Voice / Choir Lessons

Voice / Choir lessons are available in the form of one-on-one, private instruction to students ages 5 and up.
Students under the age of 18 may participate in group ensembles as part of Merit’s Instrumental and Vocal Music Program and the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory.

Voice / Choir Course Offerings 

  • Children’s Choir
    • Students grades K – 4th with no experience
    • Large group instruction
    • Classes meet once per week on Wednesday evenings
  • Beginner Voice + Mixed Chorus
    • Students grades 5th – 10th with no experience
    • Small and large group instruction
    • Classes meet once per week on Wednesday evenings
  • Intermediate Voice + Mixed Chorus
    • Students grades 5th – 10th with at least 1 year of experience
    • Small and large group instruction
    • Classes meet once per week on Wednesday evenings
  • Mixed Chorus
    • Students grades 5th-10th with no experience
    • Large group instruction
    • Classes meet once per week on Wednesday evenings
  •  Conservatory
    • Students who have auditioned and been accepted into the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory
    • Merit’s most advanced ensembles and musical courses designed to assist students in achieving a high level of success on their instrument
    • Classes meet once per week all-day Saturday.
  • Private lessons
    • Students ages 12 and up with varying levels of experience.
    • One-on-one private instruction
    • Classes meet once per week depending on instructor and student availability
  • Summer Conservatory Choir (Summer 2018 Session)
    • Age Range: 7th – 12th grade
    • Requirements: 2 years of experience plus teacher recommendation. New students must audition before registering for this camp.
    • Schedule: Tuesday & Friday evenings, June 26th & June 29th, July 3rd, 13th, 17th, 20th, 27th, & 31st, and August 3rd, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
    • Tuition: Free for Conservatory students, $250 for non-Conservatory students (inquire about financial aid)
  • Voice Camp (Summer 2018 Session)
    • Age Range: 4th – 9th grade
    • Requirements: No experience required.
    • Schedule: July 16th – July 20th, 10:00am – 2:30pm
    • Tuition: $330 (inquire about financial aid)
  • Children’s Choir (Summer 2018 Session)
    • Age Range: K – 4th grade
    • Requirements: No experience required.
    • Schedule: June 25th – August 13th, Monday’s & Wednesday’s, 5:30 -6:30pm
    • Tuition: $170 (inquire about financial aid)

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Students that have received a course code from their instructors can use that code here:

Upcoming Events

Storytime!

Date: Monday, November 12th, 2018
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Merit School of Music, Joy Faith Knapp Music Center

More Information

No EC Classes – Thanksgiving

Date: Monday, November 19th, 2018

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No IVM Classes – Thanksgiving

Date: Monday, November 19th, 2018

More Information

Adult Ukulele Club (Fall Session)

$190 class tuition

+$30 registration fee (per academic year)


Ages: 21 and up

Whether your favorite is Jason Mraz's I'm Yours, Elvis Presley's Can't Help Falling in Love, or Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's Somewhere Over the Rainbow, it's hard not to love the ukulele! Join other adults in this no experience necessary class for beginners. Ukulele is easy to learn, portable, and fun to play alone or in a group. Students will learn all the fundamentals- how to hold, tune, play chords, strum, and more while singing well known songs and soon to be favorites. Your instrument fee includes the cost of a high-quality concert-sized ukulele that is yours to keep!

Details
$190
Advanced Band Plus Woodwind, Brass, Percussion

GRADES: 5th - 10th

Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Students will improve their individual instrument skills in a 55-minute group class and will join a more experienced band ensemble. Students in the Advanced Band may be encouraged to audition for the Tuition-free Conservatory.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys
  • expand dynamic range of the instrument
  • to count complex rhythms
  • to identify common intervals aurally and visually
  • to sight read
  • to recognize music from various genres and periods

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week and includes ONE 60 MINUTE BAND CLASS AND ONE 55 MINUTE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CLASS (29 weeks)

Details
$755
Ages: 0-15 months Music Explorers (Fall Session)

Music Explorers: 0-15 months with caregiver
10-week session
$200 Per session (new students)
$180 Per session (automatic re-enrollment discount)
+ $30 registration fee (per academic year)

Stimulate your baby's young mind by exploring movement, rhythm, simple percussion instruments, and high and low sounds. In Music Explorers, babies are introduced to musical sounds, sensations, and instruments like shakers, tambourines, and drums that help develop motor skills and create strong neural pathways. Join Merit's community of parents and caregivers in musical games and activities that introduce music for the first time and learn along with your baby so that you can continue making music at home.

Parent/Caregiver attendance required.

Details
$180
Ages: 16-23 months Tuneful Toddlers (Fall Session)

Tuneful Toddlers: 16-23 months with caregiver

10-week session

$200 Per session (new students)

$180 Per session (automatic re-enrollment discount)

+ $30 registration fee (per academic year)


Put your toddler's energy to good use! In Tuneful Toddlers, your child will laugh, dance, and bounce to the beat of music from around the world. Children cooperate with each other as they sing and play simple percussion instruments together, and grown-ups learn new songs, games, and activities to continue music learning at home. By creating simple rhythms with their bodies and learning songs, nursery rhymes, and movement from our American heritage and world cultures, children develop coordination and motor skills, strengthen spatial reasoning, and increase language and literacy.


Students must be at least 16 months old by the first day of class to participate.


Parent/Caregiver attendance required.

Details
$180
Ages: 2-3 years Movers & Groovers (Fall Session)

Movers & Groovers: 2-3 years with caregiver
10-week session
$200 Per session (new students)
$180 Per session (automatic re-enrollment discount)
+ $30 registration fee (per academic year)

Merit's Movers and Groovers classes focus on your child's developing social/emotional and gross motor skills through musical games, listening exercises, and group songs an activities. You'll see examples of their cognitive growth as students are able to independently repeat familiar songs in class and have opportunities to practice sharing with friends and classmates. Explore new instruments and sounds while both you and your student develop friendships with members of your classroom and Merit community.

Students must be at least 2 years old by the first day of class in order to participate.

Parent/Caregiver attendance required.


Details
$180
Ages: 3-5 years Music Masters I (Fall Session)

Music Masters I: 3-5 years with caregiver

10-week session

$200 Per session (new students)

$180 Per session (automatic re-enrollment discount)

+ $30 registration fee (per academic year)


Prepare to be amazed at what your young musician can do! In Music Masters I, students will learn the components of timbre, rhythm, pitch, beat, and style through your child?s love of music, art, and storytelling. In this imaginative class, your child will explore beat and rhythm, experiment with percussion instruments, and play and sing along to music from world cultures. Children and their parents/caregivers cooperate in class, and teachers discuss ways to continue learning outside the classroom as well.


Students must be at least 3 years old by the first day of class to participate.


Parent/Caregiver attendance required.

Details
$180
Ages: 3-7 years Ukulele and You! (Fall Session)

Mixed Ages/ Family Class

See individual classes for schedules and tuition information.

Ukuleles are taking the world by storm - and it's time to see how this versatile instrument can make at-home music even more fun! In this new adult-child class, grown-ups learn to play ukulele while the whole classroom community is engaged with family activities that include songs, singing games and dances, musical books and instrument exploration. This class is designed for activities to continue at home to extend learning and family time through music. Siblings are welcome to attend for a discounted rate and your class tuition includes the cost of a high-quality concert sized ukulele that is yours to keep! Parent/Caregiver attendance required.


Beginning Beats

New to ukulele? Then this class is for you! The first class of the 10-week session is an introductory lesson reserved for grown-ups only. Children join the class in the second week.


Rocking On

Families who have completed the beginning ukulele class (Beginning Beats) should register for this continuing level. Extended techniques such as plucking, finger picking, and TAB notation are explored along with nonstop family fun!





Details
$305
Beginner Band Plus Woodwind, Brass, Percussion

Grades: 4th - 8th

Beginner classes introduce young musicians to their choice of woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments in a small group setting with like instruments. Additionally, students will come together and rehearse as a band.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • to play the instrument with proper posture, hand position, embouchure and articulation
  • to recognize the parts of the musical staff, note names, and time signatures
  • to count simple rhythms
  • to recognize common musical symbols and define basic vocabulary

Classes meet once per week and includes ONE 55 MINUTE BAND CLASS AND ONE 60 MINUTE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CLASS (29 weeks)

Details
$755
Beginner Guitar (Fall Session)

GRADES: 4th - 8th

Guitar students begin instruction at Merit in small group classes of five to eight students. Classes meet for 55 minutes each week and the small group atmosphere allows for individual attention as well as group learning.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • to identify the parts of the musical staff
  • to read notes and rhythms
  • to play scales, arpeggios and chords in 1st and 2nd position
  • to adjust their guitars to play in tune

SCHEDULE: Classes meet once per week (29 weeks)

Details
$650
Beginner Piano (Fall Session)

GRADES: 1st - 6th

Beginning Piano students learn to read music, define basic vocabulary terms and begin performing a variety of pieces.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • proper posture and hand position
  • to recognize parts of the musical staff
  • to read rhythms and notes in treble and bass clefs

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 55 MINUTES (29 weeks)

Details
$650
Beginner Voice Plus Mixed Chorus
Grades: 5th-10th

Students have the opportunity to develop their voice as an instrument and deepen their musical studies through Merit's unique Vocal Curriculum. Students will also attend Mixed Chorus which is a mandatory class for all Merit voice students (see Mixed Chorus for more details).
Students will learn:
+ to sing selected intervals and scales
+to identify different time signatures, key signatures, dynamics and musical vocabulary
+to identify the passagio (or break) in their voice
+to produce a good vocal tone at all ranges and dynamic levels
+to sing repertoire in two part harmony
+to sing English, Latin, Spanish, and Italian

Classes meet once per week (29 weeks)
Details
$755
Beginning Suzuki-Alegre Strings
AGES: 4 - 7 years
Students must be 4 years old by October 1, 2018

This class requires students to register for weekly private lessons in addition to the 45-minute group class.

These classes provide the necessary building blocks for young musicians interested in playing stringed instruments. Classes are large enough for students to play as a group, yet small enough for beginners to receive the individual attention they need. Parent attendance is required. It's a fun, collaborative environment!

Students will learn:
  • the proper way to hold their instrument and bow, while beginning to play their first notes
  • basic ensemble and listening skills
  • to apply their instrumental technique and musical knowledge through Suzuki repertoire and Latin folk music
Requirements:
New Suzuki- Alegre Strings families are required to participate in a training class (dates TBD).

Note: Children should not attend the training session, but a fun musical activity will be available to those who have parents attending. Children are not required to attend this activity.
Details
$545
Beginning Traditional Strings
Grades: K-5th

These classes provide the necessary building blocks for young musicians interested in playing stringed instruments. classes are large enough for students to play as a group, yet small enough for beginners to receive the individual attention they need. It's a fun, collaborate environment.

Students will learn:
  • the proper way to hold their instrument and bow, while beginning to play their first notes
  • to read notes and rhythms on the staff
  • to apply their instrumental technique and musical knowledge through basic repertoire

Details
$650
Chicago Academy Advanced Violin D
Details
$475
Chicago Academy Beginning Violin A
Details
$475
Chicago Academy Beginning Violin C
Details
$475
Chicago Academy Violin B
Details
$475
Children's Choir
Grades: K-4th

Merit's Children's Choir is great for students who want to begin using their voice as an instrument. Children's Choir does not require prior singing experience and can be added to any program or purchased as a stand-alone class. Students must be at least 6 years old by October 1, 2018 to enroll.

Students will learn:
  • to use proper vocal technique including posture, breathing and vowel shape
  • to sing in solfege (do-re-mi)
  • to count rhythms
  • to sing in unison and harmony
Schedule: Classes meet once per week for 60 minutes (29 weeks)
Details
$180
El Valor Comunidad Beginning Bass
Ages: 6-15 yrs
Open to students interested in learning the bass at El Valor Comunidad.
Details
 
El Valor Comunidad Beginning Cello
Ages: 6-9 yrs
Open to students interested in learning the cello at El Valor Comunidad.
Details
 
El Valor Comunidad Beginning Viola
Ages: 6-9 yrs
Open to students interested in learning the viola at El Valor Comunidad.
Details
 
El Valor Comunidad Beginning Violin
Ages: 6-9 yrs
Open to students interested in learning the violin at El Valor Comunidad.
Details
 
El Valor Comunidad Returning Students
Grades: 1st- 10th
Open to students previously enrolled in the 17-18 Academic Year or 2018 Summer Session at El Valor Comunidad.
Details
 
High Intermediate Group Piano + Private Lessons

GRADES: 1st - 10th

Students enrolling in this course must also register for weekly private lessons - Register here. Prices may vary depending on duration of the class (90-minutes). Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Our faculty challenges students in these classes with more complex piano repertoire and musical concepts. Students learn musicianship and instrumental technique, while building knowledge and discipline on their way to becoming a poised musician. An average of five to six students per class provides a group experience while allowing for individual attention.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • major and minor key signatures and to incorporate their knowledge through scales and arpeggios
  • complex rhythms
  • the use of pedals

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 90 MINUTES (29 weeks)

Details
$880
High Intermediate Guitar Group Classes

GRADES: 6th - 10th

Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

As students advance through the program, they will have the opportunity to expand their musical studies in an extended class that focuses on more advanced techniques.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

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

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 90 MINUTES (29 weeks)

Details
$880
High Intermediate Suzuki Alegre Strings +Orchestra
Grades: 4th-10th

This class requires students to register for weekly private lessons in addition to the 90-minute group class.

Most students will have completed at least 4 years of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

In these most advanced classes, students will continue learning together through the Suzuki method and prepare to audition for the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory. Students continue their orchestral training each week, while attending a longer, more intensive instrumental music class designed to enhance instrumental technique, musical knowledge and musical skills. Class sizes remain small and personal while students work closely with our highly qualified and energetic string teachers. Students will showcase their skills in the winter and spring concerts as well as Merit's annual StringTacular Concert in the spring. Parent attendance is required.

Students will learn:
  • scales and arpeggios in major, natrual minor keys
  • effective vibrato and advanced fingerings and positions
  • a more advanced approach to bow technique that incorporates double stops, multiple-note slurs and off-the-string articulations
Classes meet once per week and includes a 90-minute group class and one 60-minute orchestra (29 weeks).
Details
$990
High Intermediate Traditional Strings + Orchestra
Grades: 5th-9th

Most students will have completed at least 4 years of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Final preparations for entry into the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory! Students continue their orchestral training each week, while attending a longer, more intensive instrumental music class designed to enhance instrumental technique, musical knowledge and musical skills. Class sizes remain small and personal and students work closely with our highly qualified and energetic string teachers. Students will showcase their skills in Merit's winter and spring concerts.

Students will learn:
  • scales and arpeggios in major, natural minor keys
  • effective vibrato
  • advanced fingerings and positions
  • a more advanced approach to bow technique that incorporates double stops, multiple note slurs and off-the-string articulations
Classes meet once per week for 2.5 hours (29 weeks)
Details
$990
Intermediate Band Plus Woodwind, Brass, Percussion

GRADES: 5th - 10th

Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Students will improve their individual instrument skills in a 55-minute group class and will join a more experienced band ensemble. Students in the Advanced Band may be encouraged to audition for the Tuition-free Conservatory.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys
  • expand dynamic range of the instrument
  • to count complex rhythms
  • to identify common intervals aurally and visually
  • to sight read
  • to recognize music from various genres and periods

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week and includes ONE 60 MINUTE BAND CLASS AND ONE 55 MINUTE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CLASS (29 weeks)

Details
$755
Intermediate Group Piano (55 min)

GRADES: 1st - 10th

Prices may vary depending on duration of the class (55-minutes). Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Our faculty challenges students in these classes with more complex piano repertoire and musical concepts. Students learn musicianship and instrumental technique, while building knowledge and discipline on their way to becoming a poised musician. An average of five to six students per class provides a group experience while allowing for individual attention.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • major and minor key signatures and to incorporate their knowledge through scales and arpeggios
  • complex rhythms
  • the use of pedals

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 55 MINUTES (30 weeks)

Details
$650
Intermediate Group Piano (90 min)

GRADES: 1st - 10th

Prices may vary depending on duration of the class (90-minutes). Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Our faculty challenges students in these classes with more complex piano repertoire and musical concepts. Students learn musicianship and instrumental technique, while building knowledge and discipline on their way to becoming a poised musician. An average of five to six students per class provides a group experience while allowing for individual attention.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

  • major and minor key signatures and to incorporate their knowledge through scales and arpeggios
  • complex rhythms
  • the use of pedals

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 90 MINUTES (29 weeks)

Details
$880
Intermediate Guitar Group Classes

GRADES: 4th - 10th

Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

After roughly one year in the program, faculty challenge students advance to further develop technique, musical skills and knowledge.

STUDENTS WILL LEARN:

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

SCHEDULE:

Classes meet once per week for 55 MINUTES (29 weeks)

Details
$650
Intermediate Suzuki Alegre Strings Plus Orchestra
Grades: 1st-10th

This class requires students to register for weekly private lessons in addition to the 55-minute group class.

Most students will have completed at least 2 years of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

In these performance-based classes, students will continue learning together through the Suzuki method in instrumental music classes in preparation for playing in large ensemble. Students will showcase their skills at Merit's annual StringTacular Concert in the spring. Parent Attendance is required.

Students will learn:
  • Advanced Suzuki-Alegre Strings repertoire
  • Advanced technique on the instrument
  • to become acquainted with reading more difficult rhythms and key signatures
  • advanced ensemble skills
Classes meet once per week and includes a 55-minute group class and one 60-minute orchestra (29 weeks).
Details
$755
Intermediate Suzuki-Alegre Strings Group Class
Grades: K-7th

This class requires students to register for weekly private lessons in addition to the 55-minute group class.

Most students will have completed at least 1 year of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

In these performance-based classes, students will continue learning together through the Suzuki method in instrumental music classes in preparation for playing in large ensemble. Students will showcase their skills at Merit's annual StringTacular Concert in the spring. Parent Attendance is required.

Students will learn:
  • Intermediate Suzuki-Alegre Strings repertoire
  • to refine their technique and facility on the instrument
  • to become acquainted with reading more difficult rhythms and key signatures
  • continued ensemble skills
Classes meet once per week for 55-minutes (29 weeks)
Details
$650
Intermediate Traditional String Group Class
Grades: 1st - 7th

Most students will have completed at least 1 year of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Students will continue to work on solo repertoire and basic skills while preparing to play in a large ensemble. A spring concert will be held to showcase the students' skills.

Students will learn:
  • basic scales and arpeggios
  • more advanced finger positions
  • to refine their technique and facility on the instrument
  • to become more comfortable reading notes and rhythms

Classes meet once per week for 55-minutes (29 weeks)
Details
$650
Intermediate Traditional Strings Plus Orchestra
Grades: 5th-10th

Most students will have completed at least 2 years of instruction. This class is available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Most students begin string orchestra in the third year of study, when they come together to play alongside one another while continuing in their instrumental musical classes. The string orchestras will showcase their skills in the winter and spring concerts.

Students will learn:
  • to use all four strings
  • advanced finger positions
  • to count basic rhythms and begin counting rhythms
  • to identify common intervals aurally and visually
  • to identify common key signatures
Classes meet once per week for 2 hours (29 weeks)
Details
$650
Intermediate Voice Plus Mixed Chorus
Grades: 5th-10th

Available to students via teacher recommendation or placement audition.

Students will continue to develop their voice as an instrument and deepen their musical studies through Merit's unique vocal curriculum. Students will also attend Mixed Chorus which is a mandatory class for all Merit voice students (see Mixed Chorus for more details).

Students will learn:
  • to sing repertoire in three and four part harmony
  • to learn to sight-sing
  • to refine aural skills
  • to take part in advanced small and large group repertoire
  • to refine tone and technique
Schedule:
Classes meet once per week and includes one 55- minute group class and one 60 minute large ensemble rehearsal (29 weeks).
Details
$990
Private Lessons
Private lessons are the key component to reaching one's full potential as a musician, especially when combined with Merit School of Music's instrumental Music or Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory programs. Merit School of Music's faculty provides students with one-on-one instruction that is necessary to advance their level of musicianship and allows students to explore their individual talents and interests, develop skills and overcome challenges. Students who take private lessons learn in-depth instrumental technique, practice methods, dedication, commitment and achievement. Feedback is a required part of the process.

Resources and opportunities included in private lesson tuition:
  • one on one instruction with tailored goal setting
  • Access to Merit's highly qualified and dedicated faculty
  • Financial aid for qualifiying families
  • Annual studio recital
  • Merit Young Musician's Competition (March)
  • Two written evaluations per year (February and June)
  • Access to Merit's library and audio/visual recordings
  • Free admission to most Merit concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center
Details
 
Tuition-Free Conservatory
One of Merit's signature programs, the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory represents the culmination of Merit's music education continuum with the most accomplished of the student musicians; entry is by audition only.

In return for students' hard work and dedication, Merit provides the Conservatory experience on a tuition free basis. Students' skills are showcased in concerts and performances throughout the year. instruction from Chicago's finest music educators is provided through a weekly curriculum that includes large ensembles, instrumental technique classes, music theory classes and a variety of elective classes, as well as live performances. World-class professional artists lead master classes.
Details