Merit School of Music

10/13/2026

As Play On 2026 approaches, we're excited to unveil this year's raffle prizes. Whether you're dreaming of a getaway, a special night out, or a one-of-a-kind experience, there's plenty to get excited about. Every raffle ticket purchased helps support Merit's mission of removing barriers to high-quality music education for young people across Chicago. Get your raffle tickets now—no need to be present to win! https://hubs.la/Q04B184X0

10/09/2026

Music, movement, and stories brought us together outdoors at last weekend’s Merit Near North Fall Musical Storytime! 🍂 Early Childhood faculty member Tanya Guerrero and guitarist Tim Stine led the storytime full of musical exploration, movement, and reading. Then our faculty fiddling trio took the stage: Nina Saito (fiddle), Chris Smith (banjo), and Jan Janz (guitar).

Thank you to everyone who spent their beautiful Saturday morning with us!

10/08/2026

Incredible news from an incredible alum! 🎹 We are thrilled to share that Joshua Mhoon just won the Nina Simone Piano Competition. Congratulations to Josh on this fantastic achievement—your Merit family is so proud! 💙💛🧡

10/08/2026

It takes an ensemble to bring Merit's mission to life. From inspiring faculty members to dedicated alums to volunteer leaders, our community helps create opportunities for young musicians across Chicago.

A 2012 graduate of the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory, Kamila has come full circle as a leader in the Merit community. She now chairs the Associate Board, helping advance fundraising and leading community engagement efforts, and serves on the Board of Trustees as the Associate Board representative. With degrees from Northwestern University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, plus a recent Civic Leadership Academy Fellowship at the University of Chicago, Kamila continues to inspire us through her commitment to education, leadership, and service. She currently serves as a Program Officer at Alphawood Foundation. We're grateful for leaders like Kamila, whose dedication helps ensure the next generation of young musicians can thrive through the power of music.

10/07/2026

Urgent: Due to an unforeseen maintenance issue this afternoon at our West Loop branch, classes are now cancelled on Wednesday, October 7 at 38 S. Peoria St. We expect all classes to resume tomorrow October 8 as scheduled. Please email your teacher, program manager or director if you have questions.

10/02/2026

Join us at NPN’s Preschool & Elementary School Fair and Family Playdate this Sunday! Visit our table on the second floor, learn all about Merit, and explore the museum with your family. Attend for free by entering SF26 when you register at https://hubs.la/Q04yZpTG0.

10/01/2026

This Saturday! 🍂🎶 We hope you see you there.

Join Merit School of Music for a special fall-inspired Musical Storytime at our branch in Old Town! 🍂

Merit’s talented team of performing artists will engage your little ones and promote early literacy development with a unique blend of music, movement, and fun.

📆 Saturday 10/3
🕙 10-10:45am
📍 Amphitheater outside Church of the Three Crosses (333 W Wisconsin St)

RSVP for a goodie bag! https://hubs.la/Q04x7Y2B0

09/25/2026

🧟 Ready, set, ghoul! 👻 Get your tickets to our FREE Trick or Tunes Sensory & Family-Friendly Concerts today! 🎟️ Come hear Merit's Wind Symphony perform some of your favorite Halloween favorites.

At this fun, sensory-friendly concert, the audience is invited to dance to the music, make noise, take breaks, clap along, use sensory supports like headphones or fidgets, and enjoy the music however feels best to you. Costumes are welcome and goodie bags will be provided! 🎃

📅 10/24
🕥 10:30am
📍38 S Peoria St

Reserve your spot ⏩ https://hubs.la/Q04ygqL50

09/24/2026

Before welcoming students back for a new school year, more than 80 Merit faculty and staff gathered for the annual fall faculty meeting. The day included celebrations of major faculty milestones, peer-led professional development sessions, and opportunities for the teachers to learn from one another and strengthen their connections.

Read how Merit's community of educators drew on one another’s expertise, built new connections, and set the stage for a successful school year! https://hubs.ly/Q04ygkjF0

09/23/2026

A few of our favorite moments from Around the World in 88 Keys, our annual piano concert highlighting composers from underrepresented backgrounds and from all around the globe. Twenty-four piano students performing original compositions and traditional folk songs representing Mexico, Japan, Korea, China, the USA, Malaysia, Spain, Canada, and Ireland.