Resources for Merit Students & Parents
Informational resources to support your Merit experience
We've Got You Covered!
This page is your one-stop shop for getting started and staying up-to-date on all things Merit.
Jump to a Section:
How to Register
Classes
- Optional step: Apply for financial aid (Aid applications must be submitted before registering.).
- Browse our programs online.
- Select your course.
- Complete your registration.
Private Lessons
New students
Please note: Now through July 17, we encourage new students to fill out the New Student Interest form linked below. Our team will begin processing submissions at the end of May, and these requests will be prioritized.
- Submit a New Student Interest form.
- Our Student Services team will work with you to personally match you with a teacher based on your goals and schedule.
- While you wait: If you’re applying for financial aid, please note that aid applications must be submitted before registering. Apply for aid.
- We’ll send you a personalized registration link. Click on your link, complete your registration, confirm your preferred payment plan, and you’re good to go!
Returning students: Learn how to renew your private lesson package for the next semester.
Apply for Financial Aid
Now accepting Financial Aid applications for Academic Year 2026-27 for new and returning students.
We’re dedicated to providing access to music education through the award of financial aid to eligible families. Aid is based on a sliding scale of up to 80% of tuition.
While Merit desires to provide as much aid as possible, it is a limited resource and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Before You Apply
Please note! In order to receive your financial aid package, you need to submit a financial aid form (below) before you register. Once processed, your financial aid will be automatically applied to your SmartRec account so you know exactly how much you will owe. Your aid cannot be applied retroactively. Please wait until you receive your Financial Aid Award Notification before completing registration.
Special thanks to The Negaunee Foundation and The Negaunee Fund for Educational Excellence and Access for supporting our financial aid program.
Before You Apply
- Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.
- Families should complete the Financial Aid Application before registering for classes or private lessons.
- Please wait until you receive confirmation from Student Services that your financial aid has been applied to your account before registering.
- Financial aid is awarded for one academic year only.
- Families must submit a new Financial Aid Application each academic year.
- Receiving financial aid in a previous year does not guarantee eligibility for future awards.
Fill Out a Financial Aid Form
More Information
What programs are eligible for financial aid?
- Eligible for aid: Group classes, private lessons (for kids and teens), and summer camps
- Not eligible: Early Childhood classes and private lessons for adults
How is financial aid determined?
Financial aid is need-based, contingent upon household income and number of members in a household. Aid is based on a sliding scale up to 80% of tuition.
What income evidence is required?
Accepted Documentation
- Most recent Federal Tax Return (1040 or 1099)
- W-2
- Recent Pay Stub
- Employer Income Verification Letter
- Must be typed on official company letterhead and include the employee’s full name, dates of employment, the company’s contact information, and the signature of the employer or an authorized representative verifying the employee’s employment
- Social Security Benefits Letter
- Disability Benefits Letter
- Unemployment Benefits Letter
Documentation We Do Not Accept
- Medicaid cards
- Medical insurance cards
- SNAP cards
- Expired documentation
If your family has been impacted by any extenuating circumstances not reflected in your evidence of income, please feel free to use the “Questions or comments?” section in the financial aid form to explain any financial changes that you may have experienced so that we can take that into account when putting together your aid package.
What if I don’t have one of the accepted income documents?
If your family has experienced unusual financial circumstances or is unable to provide one of the accepted forms of income documentation, we still encourage you to complete the Financial Aid Application.
If you have questions about your documentation or believe your situation requires additional consideration, you are welcome to contact our Financial Aid Exceptions Committee at: Exceptions@meritmusic.org
Our Exceptions Committee reviews requests on a case-by-case basis for families experiencing unique financial circumstances or those who are unable to provide one of our standard forms of income verification.
Please note that submitting a request to the Exceptions Committee does not guarantee approval. Additional documentation may be requested, and all requests are reviewed individually.
What happens after I submit my Financial Aid Application?
After you submit your Financial Aid Application, Student Services will review your application and supporting documentation. Below is an overview of what you can expect throughout the review process:
- Submit Financial Aid Application.
- Student Services reviews the application.
- Additional documentation may be requested.
- Financial aid is applied to the student’s account.
- Family receives a Financial Aid Award Notification email.
- Family may then proceed with registration.
When will I receive my financial aid decision?
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
Once your application has been processed, Student Services will email you with your Financial Aid Award Notification.
Please wait until you receive this confirmation before registering.
Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Financial aid is awarded for one academic year only, and families must submit a new Financial Aid Application each year to be considered for assistance.
Please note that receiving financial aid in a previous academic year does not guarantee eligibility for future awards. Each application is reviewed independently based on your family’s current financial information and available funding.
We encourage returning families to submit their application as early as possible, as financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available.
When will my financial aid be applied?
Your financial aid will be applied once it has been reviewed and approved by our Student Services team. Our team will then pre-load your SmartRec account with your financial aid package. You must apply for financial aid before you register for classes or lessons.
Note: Up-to-date financial aid documents must be submitted prior to registration. This is a necessary step to receiving your discount and allowing us to process it in time for it to be automatically applied to your invoice.
I already registered. Can financial aid be added to my account?
Financial aid must be approved and applied to your account before registration. Unfortunately, Student Services cannot retroactively apply financial aid after registration has been completed.
Are new students eligible to receive financial aid?
Both new and returning students can receive financial aid if their family’s tax return deems them eligible and if financial aid funds are still available.
As noted above, financial aid is a limited resource and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
What would prevent a student from receiving financial aid?
There are a variety of reasons why a student might not receive financial aid:
- Household income exceeds the threshold to qualify for financial aid
- All of Merit’s financial aid has been distributed and there are no more funds available
Are scholarships available in addition to financial aid?
Yes. Merit offers a variety of scholarship opportunities throughout the year. Many scholarships are awarded through faculty recommendation or specific scholarship programs and do not require a separate application. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship.
If you’re interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities, we encourage you to speak with your teacher or contact Student Services.
Rent an Instrument
Merit’s Glasser-Rosenthal Library hosts an inventory of more than 1,300 instruments as well as all accessories a young musician needs—strings, reeds, instrument cases, and more. From tuning and repairs on instruments, to sizing up as students grow from one size to another, we’re prepared to meet all the needs of our students.
All current Merit students are eligible to rent instruments, and are encouraged to stop by our library during open hours to explore our catalog of sheet music, books, and more.
Please note that rentals are subject to availability, so you’re encouraged to see the librarian about instrument needs or fill out the rental form below soon after completing your class or lesson registration.
Rental fee for Academic Year 2026–27:
- Standard rate: $25 per month
- Financial aid rate: $10 per month (if eligible)
Academic year rentals span from September through August. You’re able to customize the length of your instrument rental and pay only for the months you’re actively using an instrument.
Library Hours
Tuesdays through Thursdays, 3:30pm – 6:00pm
Library support is always available by appointment! Please email us at least 2 business days in advance to schedule your appointment. Contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
Fill out an instrument rental form
Am I eligible to rent an instrument?
Eligibility Requirements
To rent an instrument during the academic year, your child must be enrolled in either Instrumental & Vocal Music group classes, private lessons, and/or Conservatory.
During summer, enrollment in Merit classes is not required to continue your instrument rental. This is to encourage summer practicing. However, to continue renting in the next academic year, you will need to re-enroll in Merit classes.
What is your late return policy?
Late Return Policy
- Families who miss their instrument return date will be charged a late fee of $25. This fee will be posted to your account the day after the instrument return date.
- At one month and two months after the first fee is applied, if the instrument is still not returned to the library, a second and third $25 late fee will be posted to your account.
- If the instrument is not returned by 90 days after the due date, the instrument is considered lost. The cost of replacing the instrument will be posted on your account.
- For any instrument kept over 90 days, your account will be sent to collections and a police report will be filed.
What if I need a different sized instrument?
Changing Instrument Sizes
If your teacher decides it’s time for a different sized instrument, you can swap it at no cost. Simply stop by the library during open hours (listed above) or contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
What happens if my instrument breaks?
Broken or Damaged Instruments
Merit understands that accidents happen, and we try to be as forgiving as possible. Repeat or extenuating offenses are subject to discussion and may be the responsibility of the family. To inquire about replacing a broken instrument, visit the library during open hours (listed above) or contact us at library@meritmusic.org.
What instrument supplies/accessories does Merit offer?
Supplies & Accessories
Merit offers a vast array of supplies and accessories related to the instrument you’re renting—from bows and instrument cases to rosin and mouthpieces. A limited number of supplies are included in your instrument rental, and anything over that amount is available for purchase.
Can I use a Merit instrument outside of Merit?
Merit instruments must be used in Merit classes and lessons, Merit Music in Communities sites, performances, or at home practice. They are not intended for use in non-Merit programming.
Does the rental fee qualify for financial aid?
Rental Fee & Financial Aid
Yes, the instrument rental fee is eligible for financial aid. Click here to apply for financial aid if you haven’t already.
Report an Absence
Need to Miss a Class or Lesson?
Let your teacher and Merit administration know ahead of time by filling out the absence form for your program below.
Click on the appropriate dropdown below to report an absence.
Early Childhood
Please email Ms. Frances as far in advance as possible to let her know the date of your absence and to schedule a make-up class.
Group Classes (IVM)
Private Lessons
Contact your teacher directly.
Conservatory
Need Help with Something Else?
Contact Us
Merit’s Student Services team is here to support students and parents throughout every step of their music education journey.
For questions or if you need help registering, please contact us at studentservices@meritmusic.org or by phone at (312) 786-9428.
Student Services Office Hours
From June 15 to August 10, 2026, summer open office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 – 5:00 pm.
Wednesdays are by appointment only.
Standard open office hours resume on August 11, 2026.
Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays by appointment only
Second Saturday of the month fom 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Book Your Appointment Online Ahead of Time!
Please book your appointment ahead of time using our online system.
