Merit School of Music is proud to announce the opening of our Merit Near North branch in the Old Town neighborhood at 458 W Eugenie St.
Part of Merit’s multi-year growth-focused strategic plan, the expansion is grounded in our mission to transform the lives of Chicago-area youth by removing barriers to high-quality music education. The bold strategic plan also encompasses a new Merit South Shore branch which launched this past summer through a partnership with Bryn Mawr Community Church.
Building on over forty years of excellence in music education throughout Chicago at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in the West Loop and at 25 Merit Music in Communities partner sites, we will offer a variety of opportunities for kids and teens of all ages and skill levels at Merit Near North.
“This expansion extends the impact and sustainability of our mission by opening doors for more students in more neighborhoods to experience the depth and quality of instruction Merit’s teachers offer in our welcoming musical learning community. We are thrilled to add Merit Near North to our robust community.”
Following two years of planning, Merit has achieved this expansion by acquiring the Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park (SMSLP) which has been owned and operated by longtime Merit faculty member Janet Janz for nearly 40 years. Merit has worked closely with SMSLP to ensure a smooth transition for the students and staff currently involved with the school while expanding access to high-quality music education in a neighborhood popular with young families.
This fall, offerings include private lessons with Merit’s top-tier teaching artists, engaging and formative Early Childhood music classes for children ages 0 – 8 years, and group classes in violin, cello, and piano. Fall classes and lessons begin on September 14, and registration is now open!
