SUMMER COVID PROTOCOL UPDATES: Beginning June 1, Merit will be instituting new COVID protocols, including moving to masks recommended for all visitors. Current COVID protocols remains in effect through May 31, with the exception of a few special events. READ MORE »

Voice

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🌞 THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN SUMMER music camps & classes!

SAVE THE DATE! Fall Early Bird Registration opens June 27

Whether you’re a singer-songwriter, musical theater buff, or coloratura soprano in training, Merit’s celebrated faculty will help you find your voice.
For over 40 years, Merit students have gained the confidence to chase their dreams in music and beyond. Our singers have auditioned into All-State Choir, sung with the Lyric Opera Children’s Choir, gone on to attend some of the country’s best music conservatories, and pursued careers as teaching artists and performers. 

Merit offers Voice classes, ensembles, workshops, camps, and private lessons for the following musical styles:

  • Classical
  • Musical theater
  • Pop
  • Jazz

Browse summer voice programming

FREE! INSTRUMENT EXPLORATION WORKSHOP

CLASS IS FULL June 25 • 10:00am – 12:45pm (Ages 8-13) & 11:45am – 12:45pm (Ages 4-13)
JUST ADDED! August 20 • 10:00am – 12:45pm (Ages 8-13) & 11:45am – 12:45pm (Ages 4-13)

Have a music-loving child who isn’t quite sure which instrument to choose? The best way to pick is by trying them all! This fun introductory class is designed to give young music lovers the chance to explore various instruments—piano, violin, trumpet, guitar, flute, voice, & many more!

Children ages 8-13 will begin the day with a session on wind and brass instruments and guitar. Younger kids are invited to join us for the second part of the session as we explore strings, piano, and voice. Students will end the session by choosing their favorite instrument and will have the opportunity to reserve a spot in Merit’s popular fall group classes and ensembles.

> Learn more & register now!

CHOIR CAMP

July 17 – 29 • 9:30am – 4:30pm

Make friends, memories, and beautiful music at Merit’s summer Choir Camp! Students will explore vocal music in many forms and learn to express themselves through song during large ensemble rehearsals.

Throughout the camp, your child will have a chance to try something new in two engaging elective classes, with exciting options ranging from Drumline to Conducting. After students spend two weeks having fun, making friends, and refining their skills with the support of Merit’s celebrated faculty, the camp will conclude with a fun final performance.

Choir Camp is best for singers ages 8-14 who are excited to sing and make music together. Beginners welcome! No teacher recommendation or placement audition required.

> Learn more & register now!

Programs for singers of all levels

Group Classes & Ensembles

Hone your technique and skill alongside other driven young singers in group classes and choir ensembles. Classes are open to singers ages 7 and up. Beginners welcome!

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Private Lessons

In-person & virtual options available

Work one-on-one with skilled and supportive faculty to explore your individual talents and musical interests. Lessons are open to singers ages 12 and up.

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Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory

Join the best of Merit’s talented student musicians by auditioning for Merit’s prestigious tuition-free Conservatory.  

AUDITION

Summer Camps

Make friends, memories, and music all summer long with Merit’s line-up of camps, classes, workshops, and ensembles.

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Watch Merit Voice students in action!

 

Each year, Merit singers of all ages come together to perform in concerts online, at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, and at venues throughout Chicago.

Past performances include concerts at the Symphony Center, Civic Opera House, Time Out Market Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Skydeck at Willis Tower.

Chicago’s finest Voice faculty

“It is my duty to push these students hard toward excellence by making them aware of how talented they are and what a responsibility that is. I give my students — from all walks of life, rich or poor — a reality check, sugar-coating nothing. And if I think they have what it takes to go far, I back up my encouragement by doing my best to infuse them with fearlessness and brazenness that is necessary to pursue a solo performance career. And their efforts are reaping fruit.”

– Jade Maze
Voice Department Chair and Voice Faculty Member

Chicago-Voice-Lessons-and-Choir

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 Voice faculty provides students with the immersive training, feedback, and mentorship they need to learn and grow. 

BROWSE VOICE FACULTY

Meet Merit Voice Students and Alumni

Merit ensemble Perfect Cadence performs “A Song for Peace”

Merit alums Kim Jones and Marisa Buchheit sing Schubert’s “Ave Maria” 

Therese Escano, Merit student, performs “Somewhere That’s Green” while sheltering in place