- Music Classes & Lessons
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- Early Childhood
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- 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
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Merit's supporters remove barriers to music education, ensuring access for Chicago's youth.
- Resources
Music for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Engaging children who are deaf or hard of hearing through the power of music education.
Music Education for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Children
Merit School of Music is proud to partner with the Foundation for Hearing and Speech Resources (FHSR) to provide high-quality music education for children who are deaf or hard of hearing through the Music to My Ears (MTME) program.
For children with hearing loss, MTME provides the added benefits of easing language acquisition and reinforcing normal hearing patterned speech as well as the evidence-based benefits of music education, including social-emotional skills development, language development, and music appreciation. Through music education, our goal is to give the joy of music to deaf and hard of hearing children and all the lifelong benefits of having music in their lives.
Learn more about:
Impact
Music education is especially beneficial for children with hearing loss. Learning music helps them with:
Proper breathing and articulation
Increased language acquisition and complexity of sentence structure
Better detection of word rhythmic regularity in conversations
Enhanced social-emotional skills and confidence
Reinforced inhibitory control and muscle memory
What We Offer
In partnership with FHSR, Merit is delighted to provide music programming for children ages 3-13 at four local Chicagoland schools:
- Child’s Voice in Wood Dale
- Kinzie Elementary School in Garfield Ridge
- Terrace Elementary School in Des Plaines
- Trinity School for the Deaf at Children of Peace in the West Loop
By curating a music curriculum specifically for children with hearing loss, Merit’s Early Childhood teaching artists and FHSR’s staff bring the joy and discipline of music into each student’s life through this one-of-a-kind, school-based program.
Music Class Scholarships
Thanks to our partnership with FHSR and their generosity, children ages 0-8 who are deaf or hard of hearing are eligible for full scholarships to join Merit’s Early Childhood music classes, group music classes, or private lessons at no cost.
FHSR x Merit Musical Storytimes
Learn, dance, and sing along at these fun and educational events! Families and kids of all ages and abilities are welcome. Be sure to check our calendar and Eventbrite page for upcoming events.
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