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.
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.
Thanks to support from the Ralla Klepak Foundation, our newest financial aid fund ensures COVID-19 can’t stop the music.
Enjoy some of our favorite socially-distanced student performances that you can watch from the safety and comfort of home.
Merit School of Music and Chicago Sinfonietta put together a free resource to help you develop your musical skills and artistic practice during a pandemic.
“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
Not long into the pandemic, Merit realized students were struggling to keep their instruments in tune. Our team quickly found a creative solution.
Curious what it’s like to learn music online? Pop into a few virtual classrooms to meet some of Merit’s amazing faculty and experience it for yourself.
Merit’s Philharmonic and String Orchestras recorded a moving performance of Holst’s Jupiter in honor of the essential workers who are keeping us safe.
Merit School of Music stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and join those who are speaking out against racism and hate.
In this infographic, learn how early access to music education helps babies and toddlers gain essential developmental and social skills.
Make the most of social isolation by using music to connect with friends, neighbors, family, and the Merit community.
In this infographic, learn how access to music education can impact a child’s cognitive growth, wellbeing, and 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.
“Music lessons are the last thing you want to give up, but sometimes they’re the first thing that has to go. Merit made sure that my family didn’t have to make that decision.”
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.
Mentorship matters! Proviso Mathematics & Science Academy band showed younger Merit students what it takes to set and achieve ambitious goals.
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.
Siblings Emily and Samuel Alvelo attended Merit as children. Learn how their time at Merit prepared them to pursue careers outside of music.
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.
Friend of Merit Diana Leifer supported music education with a particularly meaningful gift. Hear the story of why Diana sold her mother’s piano to support young Chicago musicians.