Stories

From leaders of the United States to Grammy-winning pop stars and even the first person to land on the moon, this list offers a snapshot of successful people who studied classical music. Some might surprise you!

Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Music Director, Maestro Enrique Mazzola, spent weeks with Conservatory students preparing them for Winter Concerts and leading an unforgettable open rehearsal with the Merit Philharmonic and Conservatory choirs.

You might have noticed that playing an instrument or singing makes you feel good, but have you ever wondered why? Research shows that creating music is directly connected to natural healing processes in both body and mind.

Merit guitarist Eddy Liberzon is on a roll. Seventh-grade Conservatory student had four performances at three different venues over the course of five days! And Eddy is just one of the many Merit students who are back to performing all around town this year.

Studying music helps prepare you for a successful career—whatever that career may be. Whether you pursue finance, medicine, or education, read about how those who learn to play an instrument or to sing are prepared to excel.

We sat down with Grammy award-winning artist and producer, Merit Music in Communities alum, and Play On 2022  headliner, Peter CottonTale, to talk about why music education matters and what it means to perform for Merit.

Learning to play an instrument or sing has been scientifically proven to strengthen your brain and sharpen skills such as decision-making, creative thinking, and even raise IQ levels!

Is my toddler too young to start music classes? Is my teenager too old to take piano lessons? Children can start on violin at age four, but did you know that they need to wait until age 9 for trombone? How can parents learn what to do?

The in-person return of Merit’s annual Gala on May 18 was an evening to remember! Read about what made this year’s event so incredible — including the honorees that were awarded, student performances, and view videos and photos.

Merit’s Gala, taking place on May 18 at the Four Seasons, is the first opportunity for many of our students to perform live in our community since 2019! Meet a few of this year’s student performers, including Alegre Strings, Honors Jazz Combo, and more. Hear about how excited they are to dazzle the audience!

Merit School of Music’s Conservatory students sat down with talented industry professionals at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center for life-changing and inspiring workshops.

Merit Conservatory alum and current Juilliard freshman, Joshua Mhoon, performed pieces by Isaac Albéniz and Nikolai Kapustin at Carnegie Hall in New York City with a special surprise appearance by world-renowned pianist, Lang Lang. Check out the full story!

Merit’s inspiring Leadership Institute, a free mentorship program supporting Conservatory high school juniors and seniors’ college prep, hosted a panel to chat with students about how music study influenced their careers and gave them valuable life tips.

Merit students had the opportunity to work with composer and conductor Kevin Day at our Conservatory Winter Concert series. Read about how this unique musical experience impacted the young musicians of Wind Symphony.

Check out the amazing story of this dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo, Merit alum Dr. Jennifer Turner and her mother, Dr. Audrey M. Turner, and the scholarship Jennifer created to support young musicians.

Travel across the globe with Merit’s Conservatory musicians and Ballet Chicago’s talented young dancers in our 3rd annual collaboration.

Take a behind the scenes look at a day in the life of Merit Conservatory student Luke Magee studying piano & percussion.

Not sure how to choose an instrument for your child? We’ve made it easy by breaking down the 5 principles to consider.

Donors like Tom and Janet Leopold help young musicians by believing in Merit’s core mission.

After 16 months of making music and creating community virtually, we are beyond excited to kick off summer camps & classes by reopening our doors in July.

When Tony was in first grade, he was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Soon after, Tony’s mother enrolled him in music lessons at Merit.

Enjoy some of our favorite socially-distanced student performances that you can watch from the safety and comfort of home.

“We as adults have to do whatever it takes to make sure that access to what’s essential is never taken away.” – Principal Kiltae Fernando Kim, Gunsaulus Elementary

Merit School of Music stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and join those who are speaking out against racism and hate.

Make the most of social isolation by using music to connect with friends, neighbors, family, and the Merit community.

Learn how Joshua Mhoon, a 16-year-old Merit student, was recognized by the Lang Lang Foundation as one of the most promising young pianists in the world.

While preparing for the next chapter in her life as a musician and student, Carly reflected on the community that helped her become the person she is today.

In 2019, two Merit students joined the National Youth Orchestra. Learn how NYO gave them the opportunity to travel the world while doing what they loved.

Merit’s Conservatory Wind Symphony was invited by the University of Illinois to take a special tour of the school and perform alongside the illustrious Illinois Wind Symphony.