Strings Classes, Lessons, & Orchestra
Learn to play a string instrument with Chicago’s best music teachers, offering personalized classes and lessons for every skill level.
Strings Programs for Kids, Teens, & Adults
Winter/Spring Registration Now Open!
Enroll by January 8 to secure your spot
Whether you’re the first chair in your high school’s orchestra or are just getting started with music, Merit’s celebrated Strings faculty are here to help unlock your full potential.
For over 45 years, Merit students have excelled in All-State ensembles, attended top music conservatories, and pursued successful careers as teaching artists and performers. Our music classes and lessons in violin, cello, viola, and bass have helped them build the confidence to achieve their dreams in music and beyond.
Merit offers Strings classes, ensembles, workshops, camps, and private lessons for the following instruments:
- Bass
- Cello
- Viola
- Violin
Beginner Violin Classes (Ages 5+)
Learn how to play violin this winter/spring! Merit’s strings classes for beginners emphasize foundational techniques, note reading, and performance skills.
Our Beginning Violin classes are designed for young musicians to build their skills through small group instruction. These strings classes integrate a diverse range of music, providing a well-rounded introduction to string instruments.
Winter/spring registration runs November 14 - January 8.
Strings Music Programs for Any Level
Ages 5 to 15
Enhance your skills and technique, build confidence, and make lifelong friends in our beginner-friendly group classes. Whether you’re interested in violin classes, cello classes, or other strings classes, learn to play an instrument and thrive in a supportive group setting.
Ages 4 to adult
Receive personalized instruction with our skilled faculty through one-on-one violin lessons, cello lessons, and other strings lessons. Explore your unique talents and musical interests with tailored private lessons designed to help you achieve your goals.
Ages 10 to 18
Join the ranks of Merit’s talented and diverse young musicians by auditioning for our prestigious, tuition-free Conservatory. Our Conservatory program offers advanced training and performance opportunities, helping you develop your skills in a nurturing environment and prepare for a successful musical journey.
Ages 6 to 18
Make friends, create lasting memories, and learn to play an instrument during the summer with Merit’s violin programs, cello programs, and other strings programs. Our summer music classes, camps, workshops, and ensembles offer a fun and enriching experience for all
Watch Merit Strings Students in Action
Each year, Merit violin, cello, and other strings students, along with music students of all ages, come together to perform in concerts at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center and various venues throughout Chicago.
Past performances include concerts at the Symphony Center, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the World Suzuki Convention in Masumoto, Japan.
Chicago's Best Strings Teachers
“My role is to guide students through their many years at Merit, to offer them different encouraging paths, to lift them up when they are in doubt, and redirect them when they are losing strength. Thankfully, music is my greatest ally. Who can resist music’s beauty, its capacity to enter into everyone’s inner spirit? My students look back and realize their transformation through music. They look back and realize the immeasurable value of what Merit helped them achieve.”
Monica Lugo
Head of Merit’s Suzuki-Alegre Strings Ensemble
& Strings Faculty Member
Meet Our Faculty
Our celebrated teaching artists are working jazz, classical, and pop musicians who have toured nationally, led ensembles, and supported students in achieving ambitious goals. Committed to helping Merit students succeed in music and in life, our Strings faculty provide students with the immersive training, feedback, and mentorship they need to learn and grow.
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Meet Merit Strings Students & Alumni
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Strings & Orchestra FAQs
What age can my child start learning string instruments?
Your child can begin learning string instruments starting at age 4 or 7, depending on the instrument. Learn why.
Merit’s group strings classes start at age 5. If your young music-lover isn’t old enough for their intended instrument, there are plenty of classes we recommend that will help prepare them for instrument study:
- Music Masters 1 (Ages 3-4) – This class teaches children the components of timbre, rhythm, pitch, beat, and style. Your child will explore the building blocks of music, experiment with percussion instruments, and play and sing along to music from world cultures.
- Music Masters 2 (Ages 5-6) – This class prepares young music-lovers for instrument study. Your child will learn the basics of music theory, note reading, and music composition through playing the glockenspiel and exploring musical games and stories. Children ages 5 to 6 explore the instrument families, learn to read music notation, compose, sing with Curwen hand signs, and complete short weekly homework assignments to reinforce learning.
How do I know what level of strings I should sign up for?
New to Merit? Feel free to reach out to Merit’s Strings Program Manager, Nicole Hernandez, at nhernandez@meritmusic.org if you need help! Returning Merit strings students should reference their teacher recommendation when selecting a Continuing Strings class.
What is the difference between Suzuki-Alegre and Traditional Strings?
The Suzuki method applies the principles of language acquisition to the learning of music. Parents play an active role in the learning process and the curriculum incorporates constant repetition, learning music by ear, and memorization. At Merit, Suzuki-Alegre students benefit from the pairing of the Suzuki method with a diverse array of music from Latinx culture. Suzuki students are also required to sign up for private lessons in conjunction with their group classes. Merit currently offers Suzuki-Alegre classes for the violin and cello.
Read On: Suzuki Method Overview →
In Traditional strings classes, parent involvement is still encouraged—through providing a supportive practicing environment at home and ensuring your child sticks to their practice routine—but parents/caregivers don’t regularly attend classes. In addition, note reading skills are taught earlier on and memorization of music isn’t usually required. Merit currently offers Traditional classes for violin and bass.
How can I rent a string instrument?
Every student will need their own string instrument before their first class or lesson. Learn more about your instrument rental options.
What are the audition requirements for the Conservatory Orchestra Division?
Learn more about audition requirements. Keep in mind that these requirements are updated each year.
What is the attendance policy for classes and lessons?
Students are expected to be present and on time for all classes and lessons. We are unable to provide refunds, credits, or make-ups for any lessons missed by students.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQs page or contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org.
Additional Resources
Want to Know More About Strings Classes & Lessons?
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