Applications for Music Classes and Private Lessons

Register Now for Mid-Year Classes!

New and Continuing Families: Click here to see important registration dates and register for mid-year Instrumental Music and Early Childhood classes. Note: Applications for Private Lessons and the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-Free Conservatory are available as PDF files below.

If you are unable to register online, Merit applications are also available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format. To view, print or fill them out, you need to have the most recent Acrobat Reader software installed on your system. You can download your own free copy of the latest version of Acrobat Reader from Adobe Systems, Inc.

Early Childhood Classes

Click here to register online, or complete an Early Childhood Class Application.

Instrumental Music Classes

New students with no prior experience - Click here to register online, or complete an Instrumental Music Class Application for Level 1 classes without an audition.
New students with prior experience must complete and return an Audition Request Form to arrange a placement audition.

Current students should have received a pre-filled, teacher-recommended application for the next appropriate class in time for registration.

Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory

Auditions for the Alice S. Pfaelzer Tuition-free Conservatory are held in spring for the following academic year enrollment.

To schedule an audition, contact Timothy Riordan at 312.267.4473 or .

Private Lessons

Complete a Private Music Lesson Application

Scholarships and Financial Aid

In keeping with our mission, more than 95 percent of Merit students receive some form of financial aid to supplement the cost of their instruction. Financial aid is awarded on a sliding scale based on proof of income and other supporting documents.

When applying for financial aid, parents of new and returning students must complete the Financial Aid Application section on the appropriate music class application. In addition, parents must submit ONE of the following:

• A copy of your 2010 1040 federal tax form (first page only)
• Proof of unemployment
• Proof of social security

If you are applying for more than one class, you don't need to submit proof of income twice. All new and returning students must submit proof of income in order to be considered for financial aid.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed.You will be notified of your financial aid award and any remaining tuition balance once your application has been received and accepted.

Instrument Loan Program

Instruments are available for loan for students with demonstrated financial need through Merit School of Music's Glasser-Rosenthal Library. Inventory is limited and based on availability.