High-Intermediate through Advanced Instruction

The Tuition-free Conservatory, established in 1979, is Merit’s landmark program. Merit offers a well developed, nationally recognized curriculum that creates fine young musicians and produces confident and disciplined students. The students of the Tuition-free Conservatory are motivated, diverse and talented children and young adults, representing all of the communities in the greater Chicago area. Students meet for 26 Saturdays during the school year for 3 ½ to 5 ½ hours.

Core Curriculum
All Merit students take weekly classes in the following:

Music theory Instrumental technique classes

Large ensembles Assemblies and performances

Core Curriculum for Jazz Studies
Jazz Studies includes participation in:

Concert Jazz Band Latin Jazz Band Jazz combo (by reccomendation only)

Jazz improvisation Instrumental technique class Assemblies and performances

Electives

Chamber ensembles

The Composer’s Forum

Other Opportunities for Conservatory Students

Performathon Performance opportunities Private lesson scholarships Annual Concerto Competition College counseling College scholarships and special awards Tickets to professional performances Student leadership involvement

Music Camp and Summer Institute Scholarships (Merit students recieve scholarships to attend such programs as the National High School Music Institute, the Steans Institute for Young Artists, Interlochen, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Bay State String Camp and more.)