Private Lessons
Personalized, one-on-one lessons with expert teachers who can meet you wherever you’re at on your musical journey and help unlock your full potential.
Reach Your Full Musical Potential with Chicago's Best Instructors
Now Enrolling!
Academic Year 2024-25: Now – June 15
Private music lessons offer the one-on-one attention of a music teacher who can tailor lessons personally to you, helping to enhance your skills and meet your musical goals.
Merit’s passionate and highly experienced teaching artists foster a safe, developmentally rich, and fun environment for students of all ages and experience levels—from ages 4 to adult, beginners through advanced. Build your customized lesson plan by choosing from a wide variety of instruments, genres, and convenient scheduling options.
Get in touch today, and we’ll connect you with the expert teacher who’s right for you.
How to Enroll in Private Music Lessons
New Students
Submit an Inquiry Form
Tell us what you’re looking for with private music lessons by filling out the form below.
Get Matched with a Teacher
Our Student Services team will work with you to personally match you with a teacher based on your goals and schedule. We aim to match you with a teacher within 2-4 weeks.
While you wait: If you are applying for financial aid, please note that aid applications and SmartRec pre-registration must be submitted before you can complete your registration. Apply for aid.
Register
We’ll send you a personalized registration link. Click on your link, complete your registration, confirm your preferred payment plan, and you’re good to go!
Returning Students
Please speak with your instructor about your intent to register and then we will follow up with next steps, including a personal registration link. Learn more about the private lesson re-enrollment process.
Private Music Lessons by Age
Lessons for Ages 4 to Adult
Ages 4+
- Cello
- Violin
Ages 5+
- Piano*
*Please note: Due to high demand, we currently don’t have availability for new piano private lesson students. If you’re interested in piano lessons, we invite you to join our waitlist by filling out this form.
Ages 7+
- Bass
- Viola
Ages 8+
- Guitar
Ages 9+
- Bassoon
- Clarinet
- Flute
- Horn
- Jazz Bass
- Jazz Drumset
- Jazz Guitar
- Jazz Piano
- Jazz Saxophone
- Jazz Trombone
- Jazz Trumpet
- Oboe
- Percussion
- Saxophone
- Theory/Composition
- Trombone
- Trumpet
- Tuba/Euphonium
Ages 12+
- Voice (classical, musical theater, pop, and jazz)
What age should your child start music lessons? →
Learn why we recommend introducing kids and teens to certain instruments based on their age.
2 Convenient Chicago Locations
Private Music Lessons FAQs
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page or contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
How much do private lessons cost?
Private lessons pricing for Academic Year 2024-25:
- 30-minute lessons: $49 each
- 45-minute lessons: $68 each
- 60-minute lessons: $86 each
- 90-minute lessons: $126 each
We provide financial support through payment plans, need-based tuition relief, and low-cost instrument rental and music supplies, so that motivated students can participate in our programs regardless of economic circumstances. Learn More →
I'm a new private lesson student. How do I register?
New private lesson students
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- Submit an inquiry form.
- Our Student Services team will work with you to personally match you with a teacher based on your goals and schedule.
- While you wait: If you are applying for financial aid, please note that aid applications and SmartRec pre-registration must be submitted before you can complete your registration. Apply for aid.
- We’ll send you a personalized registration link. Click on your link, complete your registration, confirm your preferred payment plan, and you’re good to go!
I'm a returning private lesson student. How do I register for the next semester?
There are three steps to renewing your private lesson registration:
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- Confirm your intent to return and schedule with your private lesson teacher within the first few weeks of registration opening. With your teacher, you’ll determine: What day will your lessons be? What time? How long?
- Student Services will then meet with private lesson teachers, and we will update your private lesson package based on the schedule you’ve decided upon together.
- Ahead of the registration deadline, Student Services will send you a personalized link to register for private lessons in SmartRec.
Please feel free to reach out to us at studentservices@meritmusic.org with any questions.
Do you offer instrument rentals?
Can I change my private lesson schedule?
Yes, if you need to change the day, time, or length of your lesson or add additional lessons, we are happy to accommodate you.
What if I decide to cancel my private lessons?
Students who wish to withdraw from lessons must notify both their private teacher and Student Services in writing.
What is the attendance policy for private lessons?
Students are expected to be present and on time for all private lessons. We are unable to provide refunds, credits, or make-ups for any lessons missed by students.
