Merit School of Music is a non-profit organization founded in 1979. For over 30 years we have been providing high quality music education to Chicago children of all ages and all levels of musical ability.

Our goals are:

• To help young people achieve their full musical potential
• To stimulate personal and educational growth through music
• To remove economic barriers to participation

We are devoted to giving children - especially those living in economically disadvantaged communities - the opportunity to grow through music. We provide substantial financial support through program subsidies, need-based tuition relief, low-cost instrument rental, and music supplies, so that motivated students can participate in every program regardless of their economic circumstance.

To achieve these goals, we provide a comprehensive range of musical instruction:

• Onsite group classes and private lessons in our 40,000 sq. ft., fully equipped, state-of-the-art music facility in downtown Chicago - the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center. These classes and lessons provide a continuum of instruction for children newborn to 18 years of age; they include Early Childhood programs, Instrumental Music programs, and our renowned Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-Free Conservatory for children of advanced musical ability.
• Music instruction at 71 offsite locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area through our Bridges: Partners in Music program. These locations include public schools, private schools and community centers. At these locations, Merit School of Music faculty provide instruction in general music, band, string, choral, percussion and early childhood music.