Meet Meve! This 10-year-old has a passion for music that can’t be contained to just one instrument. She studies both cello and violin at Merit – South Shore, and once a week she comes to the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in the West Loop to sing in our Children’s Choir!

We caught up with Meve to learn more about her musical journey, what inspires her, and how she finds joy through the power of music.

Meet Ellen, a 16-year-old cellist studying at Merit School of Music – Near North!

She has spent nearly her entire life immersed in music, beginning at only 18 months old in an Early Childhood music class taught by longtime Merit faculty member Janet Janz through the Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park (now Merit – Near North).

In this student spotlight conversation, Ellen reflects on how music has taught her perseverance, connected her with a beloved mentor, and helped her find her voice through the cello. We are so excited to have Ellen as a Merit student now – one of many who joined us when Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park became Merit – Near North last fall.

Meet Emma, a first-time student at Merit’s Clarinet Camp. Fourteen-year-old Emma has been playing clarinet for a year and a half, and this summer she wants to improve her technique and expand her repertoire. Throughout the year, she practices frequently at home, where her baby brother tries to mimic her clarinet playing with his fidget toy.

Throughout the week, Emma learned classical clarinet repertoire, studied with renowned guest clarinetists, caught live performances at Merit and the Grant Park Music Festival, and more. She joined five other students and Merit’s renowned faculty for a week of group rehearsals, practice tips, and chamber music.

Though this is Emma’s first Clarinet Camp experience, she is no stranger to the Nancy W. Knowles Summer Camp Program here at Merit School of Music. When she enrolled in Camp Merit last summer, she had only been playing the clarinet for six months. She was challenged by the music she played in band, especially daunted by notes so high she’d never played them before. Resilient, she became more and more comfortable with playing high notes so that, by the time she tried out for her high school’s Symphonic Band in the fall, her range earned her a coveted spot. This summer, she is sure to face more challenges that will grow her abilities as a musician. Follow Emma through her week at Clarinet Camp!

Last summer, Merit School of Music launched a new initiative in partnership with Bryn Mawr Community Church to expand access to high-quality music education in the South Shore community. What began as a pilot program has quickly become a vibrant and growing hub for young musicians in the neighborhood, and one year later, the excitement is only building.

This summer, every beginner class at Merit – South Shore is full. Demand is growing, and so is our commitment to making music education more accessible than ever. As we look ahead, we’re energized by the response from the community and more determined than ever to meet that enthusiasm with joyful, meaningful programming.