Merit has partnered with the following community organizations to ensure that Chicago youth have access to quality music and art education programs, regardless of their economic backgrounds.

All-City Youth Orchestras Chicago Sinfonietta Chicago Symphony Orchestra Department of Children and Family Services, Project S.O.A.R.

Fosco Park, Creative Communities Rock for Kids Steans Institute for Young Artists at Ravinia

All-City Youth Orchestras and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Merit School of Music, in partnership with the Albert Pick, Jr. Fund, Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, provides private lesson instruction and other support and training for members of the All- City Youth and Symphony Orchestras.

This partnership provides approximately 83 All-City Orchestra students with weekly individual lessons, mentoring with professional musicians, instrument rental and admission to Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts. Private lessons cost a minimal fee.

Merit is very excited to have been selected (for the first time in 2004) as the school to provide these lessons.

Fosco Park - Creative Communities
Creative Communities brings music education to children in the mixed-income community of Roosevelt Square, formerly ABLA Homes, with the hope of enriching their lives and creating a bridge for this changing community through music.

Through Creative Communities, students have the opportunity to participate in free, bi-weekly music classes in ethnic drumming and musical theater. Classes run throughout the school year, and are taught by professional musicians and music educators.

Through their involvement, students develop not only musical and performance skills, but also learn discipline, teamwork, and gain confidence in their abilities.

Merit School of Music thanks LR Development for their financial support of the Merit School of Music Creative Communities Program.

Merit has been a presence in Roosevelt Square Square (formerly ABLA Homes) since 2001. This community is in the midst of a major redevelopment project that is transforming it from one of Chicago’s oldest and largest public housing communities into a multi-ethnic, mixed-income community called Roosevelt Square. While the hope is for this new community to serve as a model for Chicago and the nation, it will require many families to adjust to new surroundings and neighbors. Creative Communities aims to enrich the lives of children by helping to create a bridge for this changing community through music.

For more information, please contact:
Betsy Ko, Director of Bridges: Partners in Music
312.786.9428 x246

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Project S.O.A.R. (Statewide Opportunities for Arts and Recreation)
Merit’s partnership with DCFS provides access to quality music instruction to students in the foster care system. Qualifying students will receive financial scholarships to participate in piano, choir or percussion classes.

Eligibility: Children under the age of 18 living in foster care are eligible to participate. Foster families should be registered with DCFS in order to qualify for the scholarships.

For more information, please contact:
Troy Anderson, Director of the Preparatory Program and Dynamic Starts
312.786.9428 x471

 
or
 
Tara Trudel, Director of Music Explorers and Associate Director of Preparatory Program and Dynamic Starts
312.786.9428 x466

Rock for Kids
Rock For Kids is a nonprofit organization that provides support, inspiration and assistance to children who are homeless or in need. Committed to the dignity of our children, Rock For Kids works with families and organizations to positively impact and celebrate young lives.

A major component of Rock for Kids is Youth Jam, which brings quality music education to homeless and underprivileged children by providing free music lessons in a safe and constructive environment. Youth Jam provides opportunities for children to improve their self-esteem and gain confidence while having fun and expressing themselves through music.

For more information, please contact:
Betsy Ko, Director of Bridges: Partners in Music
312.786.9428 x246

Regenstein Windows Program
The Regenstein Windows Program is dedicated to the musical and personal development of children who live in public and subsidized housing in Chicago. The Merit School of Music has been a leading example of the positive impact that the study of music has on the social and intellectual development of underserved children.

The Regenstein Windows Scholarship provides selected students with a full financial scholarship, an instrument for use while enrolled at Merit, musical supplies, and public transportation tickets to and from their Merit obligations. In addition, students and families receive additional staff support to help guide them through their Merit experience and keep them notified of opportunities for their student.

The Regenstein Windows Program is supported by an endowment grant from the Regenstein Foundation and the Theodore W. Batterman Family Foundation. The Windows Scholarship is available only to applicants under the age of eighteen who live in Chicago public or subsidized housing.

Eligibility: Children under the age of 18, living in Chicago Housing Authority communities, Housing Choice Voucher accommodations, Hispanic Housing or CHA scattered site communities, are eligible for the Windows Scholarship.

To be considered for the Regenstein Windows Scholarship, applicants must submit the following information:

• Proof of residence
• 2006 Federal Tax Return for all adults living in the household
• Current Medical Card, if applicable