Merit School of Music

08/20/2026

"It doesn't matter where you come from. It doesn't matter where you're going. It matters that you're here."

Merit students travel from near and far to be part of something special. Hear from Merit students, faculty, and staff what they love about this musical community.

Give the gift of music. 100% of your gift provides life-changing ac...

08/18/2026

👶 It’s never too early to start learning music! 🎶 Exposure to music from a young age can improve the development of fine and gross motor skills, support speech and literacy learning, and form positive relationships.

Explore our Early Childhood classes for babies, toddlers, and young children at https://hubs.la/Q04sPTgN0. Sign up for a free trial or register for fall classes today!

08/17/2026

We'll see you on Saturday! Join us at Merit South Shore's Open House for a fun, music-filled morning of performances and hands-on activities, including an instrument petting zoo.

🗓️ Saturday 8/22
🕙 10-11:30 am
📍 Bryn Mawr Community Church, 7000 S Jeffrey Blvd

Check out the space, try out the instruments, enjoy some live music, and sign up for fall classes. Learn more and let us know you'll be there ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04sttQd0

08/14/2026

UPDATE: Our Merit Near North Open House has been postponed due to inclement weather. 🌧️ Stay tuned for updates on rescheduling!

08/13/2026

Last week, Merit trombone students helped kick off the new academic year for school administrators across the city at the Chicago Public Schools Back to School Leadership Kickoff! Enjoy a snippet of their energetic performance, led by faculty Timothy Riordan.

Many thanks to CPS for inviting Merit to be part of the kickoff; we are so grateful for their continued partnership.

08/12/2026

We’re excited to welcome Alderman Timmy Knudsen, Ward 43 to Merit’s Open House on August 15! Join us for a morning of music, exploration, and community as families discover all that Merit has to offer. 🎶

📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ 10–11:30 AM
📍 Merit School of Music – Near North

Come explore instruments, hear live music, meet our faculty, and learn more about our programs for young musicians.

Learn more and let us know you'll be there ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04stS0C0

08/10/2026

Start your child's musical journey on a high note! Join us at one of our upcoming open houses at our Near North and South Shore branches to jam out live music, collect some swag, and learn all about Merit's offerings for music classes this fall! 🎶🍂

📍Merit Near North (458 Eugenie St)
Saturday, August 15
10-11:30a.m.

📍Merit South Shore (7000 S Jeffrey Blvd)
Saturday, August 22
10-11:30a.m.

Learn more & let us know you'll be there! https://hubs.la/Q04stV0L0

08/07/2026

Come see us this Saturday! We'll be at Booth 79 at the Bud Billiken Festival, so stop by to pick up some swag, make some music at the instrument petting zoo, and learn all about Merit's fall classes! 🎶

🗓️ Saturday, August 8
🕙 10am-4pm
📍 Washington Park

We can't wait to see you there! 👋

08/06/2026

Have a music-loving child who's not sure which instrument to play? Come try them all out! These introductory workshops are designed to give kids the chance to explore different instruments and learn all about Merit’s programming.

Get ready for faculty demonstrations, a lesson in the basics, and plenty of time to experiment with the instruments at these hands-on, exploratory workshops. Plus, attendees get a special discount on class registrations!

🎻 Strings (ages 6 - 13) - August 12 @ 5pm
🎺 Band (ages 9 - 12) - August 19 @ 5pm
🎸 Guitar (ages 8 - 13) - August 26 @ 5pm

Register today ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04s8ztN0

08/05/2026

Music is even more fun when it's shared. 🎵 From developing musical skills to forging new friendships, group classes offer students a supportive environment to learn, grow, and create together.

Want to know what a group class at Merit is really like? Check out our blog for an inside look, then explore our fall offerings and enroll today!

Read the blog ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04rR9MV0
Registration is open now ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04rQ_gT0