Merit – South Shore

Affordable South Shore Music Classes

🍁 Fall Class Registration Now Open!
Classes fill up fast! Register early to reserve your spot

Merit School of Music and Bryn Mawr Community Church are excited to partner in bringing Merit’s high-quality 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. 

Join Us! Upcoming South Shore Events

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

Saturday, July 26 &

Saturday, Aug 16

10:00 – 11:00 am • $15/per child

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

Come sing, shake, and celebrate community through sound at our pop-up playdate. Registration required!

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 out to explore our instrument petting zoo, meet our team, and enjoy live performances.

South Shore Fall Line-up

Absolute 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.

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.

The exterior of Bryn Mawr Community Church in Chicago. A grey stone church with a tall steeple and grand entrance with a blue sky and white clouds in the background.

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.