- Music Classes & Lessons
- Group Classes & Ensembles
- Private Lessons
- Early Childhood
- Summer Camps
- View by Instrument/Age
- Why Choose Merit
Individual lessons and group classes for students at any level.
- Community Programs
Bringing accessible, high-quality music education to Chicagoland communities.
- Selective Programs
The highest level of achievement for Merit students in tuition-free, audition-based programs.
- About
- Impact
- Support
Merit's supporters remove barriers to music education, ensuring access for Chicago's youth.
- Resources
You Can Help with a Donation
We make it easy to donate with a one-time or recurring gift, either online or via electronic transfer.
If you prefer to donate by check, simply make it out to Merit School of Music and mail it to us at:
Merit School of Music
38 S. Peoria St.
Chicago, IL 60607
Prefer to find out more directly from one of our staff? Reach out to Meredith Barber, Vice President for Development & Marketing, at mbarber@meritmusic.org or 312-267-4461.
Employer Matching Gifts
Click here to find out if your employer will double your donation!
Or contact development@
meritmusic.org to see if your employer offers a matching gift program.
Gifts of Stocks, Bonds, or Mutual Funds
Your donation of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds is a great way to make an impact.
Fill out our securities transfer form or contact us at
872-225-3945 or stock@meritmusic.org.
Instruments, Music Supplies, and Other In-Kind Gifts
You can help our students develop as musicians by making a tax-deductible gift of property.
Read about what types of in-kind donations we need and how the process works.
IRA Distributions
Fulfill your philanthropy goals after retirement with a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA .
Learn more or contact us to get started.
Planned Giving
Ensure access to music education for future generations through Merit’s planned giving program.
Music at Merit Makes the Difference
1
+
students learn in a diverse community of hardworking peers
1
%
of Conservatory graduates go on to college
1
%
of students learning at a reduced or no cost
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+ Shop for Merit School of Music swag
Merit Is a Sound Investment
Merit boasts Candid’s (formerly GuideStar) Platinum Seal of Transparency and a 4-star rating (the highest possible) on CharityNavigator, demonstrating ongoing fiscal excellence.
