Merit – South Shore

Affordable South Shore Music Classes

After-school Violin & Cello Classes

Check Back Soon for Summer 2026 Dates

Merit School of Music and Bryn Mawr Community Church are excited to partner in bringing Merit’s high-quality, after-school music classes to Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.

Taking place at Bryn Mawr Community Church, these fun and educational music classes are taught by Merit’s experienced and passionate music teachers—some of the best in Chicago.

Browse & Register for Classes →

Join Us! Upcoming South Shore Events

Explore music-making while getting to know Merit – South Shore.

South Shore Sounds Series

“Let’s Sing Our Thanks!”

November 8

10:00 am • $15/per child

Join us for a joyful celebration of gratitude through music! Designed for kids ages 0–5, this special pop-up class invites babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to explore rhythm, song, and creative expression with hands-on musical play. Together, we’ll sing, move, and give thanks through the universal language of music.

Registration required! Limited spots available.

South Shore Sounds Series

“Let’s Celebrate the World in Song!”

December 6

10:00 am • $15/per child

Come sing, play, and explore the sounds of our amazing world! In this pop-up class, children ages 0–5 will celebrate global rhythms and melodies through joyful, hands-on musical play. Perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, this class encourages creative expression while introducing them to music that connects us all.

Registration required! Limited spots available.

South Shore Sounds Series

3 new classes added!

10/11, 11/8, & 12/6

10:00 am • $15/per child

Kids ages 0-5 will explore rhythm, song, and creative expression through hands-on musical play—perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Come sing, move, and celebrate community through sound at our pop-up playdate. Registration required! Limited spots available.

Open House: Merit - South Shore

Saturday, September 20

10:00 – 11:30 am

You’re invited to Merit – South Shore’s Open House on Saturday, September 20! 🏠 Bring the whole family (and your friends!) to explore our instrument petting zoo, meet our team, and enjoy live performances.

South Shore Fall Group Classes

After-school Music Classes – Beginners Welcome!

Turn up the music with high-quality music programming taught by top music educators. Small class sizes allow students to benefit from peer interaction while still receiving individual support.

Fall registration is closed, but the music doesn’t stop here! Stay tuned for updates on summer 2026 classes.

Thursdays @ 5pm • Oct 16-May 28
(Ages 5-12)

Beginning Traditional Violin focuses on the foundations of proper string technique, note reading, basic musical concepts, and performance skills.

Thursdays @ 5pm • Oct 16-May 28
(Ages 5-9)

Beginning Traditional Cello focuses on the foundations of proper string technique, note reading, basic musical concepts, and performance skills.

Thursdays @ 6pm • Oct 16-May 28
Ages 6-15

Take your young violin or cello player’s skills to the next level! These classes builds on beginning strings programming, adding new skills with each piece of repertoire. 

About this Location

Bryn Mawr Community Church

As a valued partner of Merit School of Music and a strong proponent for empowering youth, Bryn Mawr Community Church serves as a South Shore hub for Merit’s music programming.

Since its founding in 1914, Bryn Mawr Community Church has been a cornerstone of the South Shore community in Chicago, evolving to meet the changing needs of its congregation and neighborhood. The church focuses on serving a diverse congregation and fostering a sense of unity and family.

How to Get Here

Bryn Mawr Community Church is located in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood on the southwest corner of Jeffrey Blvd and E 70th St.

Music classes take place in the parish hall. Enter on Jeffery Blvd, using the entrance to the south of the church.

Merit School of Music – South Shore

Bryn Mawr Community Church – Parish Hall
7000 S Jeffery Blvd
Chicago, IL 60649

Public Transit

The “71” Bus to the corner of 71st Street and Jeffrey
The “J14” Bus to the corner of 71st Street and Jeffrey
The “15” Bus to the corner of 71st Street and Jeffrey

Driving & Parking

A few common routes to Bryn Mawr Community Church include Lakeshore Dr, I-90, S South Shore Dr, or S Stony Island Ave.

There is a free parking lot on Jeffery Blvd, directly across the street from the church.

Contact Us

Need help or have a question? Contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org or 312-786-9428. We’re here for you!

Discover a New Passion

Start your musical journey on a high note with Merit School of Music.

Merit – South Shore

Affordable South Shore Music Classes

After-school Violin & Cello Classes

Check Back Soon for Summer 2026 Dates

Join Us! Upcoming South Shore Events

Explore music-making while getting to know Merit – South Shore.

“Let’s Sing Our Thanks!”

November 8

10:00 am • $15/per child

“Let’s Celebrate the World in Song!”

December 6

10:00 am • $15/per child

3 new classes added!

10/11, 11/8, & 12/6

10:00 am • $15/per child

Saturday, September 20

10:00 – 11:30 am

South Shore Fall Group Classes

After-school Music Classes – Beginners Welcome!

About this Location

Bryn Mawr Community Church

How to Get Here

Merit School of Music – South Shore

Bryn Mawr Community Church – Parish Hall7000 S Jeffery BlvdChicago, IL 60649

Public Transit

Driving & Parking

Contact Us

Discover a New Passion

Locations

Make Music

Merit School of Music

Bryn Mawr Community Church – Parish Hall
7000 S Jeffery Blvd
Chicago, IL 60649