Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year at Merit School of Music!
From Near North to South Shore and beyond, Merit students are making music all throughout the city of Chicago! Whether you’re returning for another year or just starting your musical journey with us, we’re so glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to see all that you’ll discover, create, and accomplish this year.
At Merit, music is what brings us together, but it’s the community we build that makes this place truly special. Students from across the Chicagoland area come here not just to learn an instrument but to grow alongside each other, form meaningful friendships, and be part of something bigger than themselves. You belong here, in a space where collaboration, creativity, and care are at the heart of everything we do.
This year, we are thrilled to continue building community and nurturing that sense of connection.
Growth at Near North and South Shore
Now in their second year, our Near North and South Shore branches are thriving, and we’re proud to see these programs continue to grow and flourish!
At Merit – Near North, school-age students are diving into violin, cello, and piano, and this winter, we’re thrilled to add guitar to the mix with a 10-week Intro to Guitar mini session.
We’ve also introduced Jugamos Juntos to our Early Childhood offerings at Near North! This mixed-age bilingual Spanish class gives young children and their caregivers a joyful, culturally rich musical experience to share.
Meanwhile, over at Merit – South Shore, our violin and cello classes start in a few weeks, welcoming both brand-new and returning students. We’ve also launched a series of pop-up music classes for little ones ages 0-5, sparking early joy and curiosity through rhythm and song.
Expanding Beginning Mini Sessions
After a successful pilot last year, our 10-week mini sessions are back and better than ever! These short, focused sessions in guitar and violin offer students a chance to dive into music in an accessible and energizing way.
The second round begins December 10 – sign up today!
Merit Students & Alums Play On
On October 27, we’ll gather for the 7th annual Play On benefit concert, an evening that showcases not just incredible talent but the vibrant community that Merit helps create.
This year’s headliner is Resavoir, led by Merit alum Will Miller. We’re also thrilled to welcome back Julián Pujols Quall and their project Mamey, bringing a fresh and dynamic take on Dominico-Haitian jazz. And of course, Merit’s Honors Jazz Combo will open the night, continuing a proud tradition of excellence and creativity.
Join us at City Winery to celebrate the transformative power of music as you support our mission to make high-quality music education accessible to all.
This year, I invite you to commit yourself fully to the music. Challenge yourself, embrace your creativity, and let your passion guide you.
But just as importantly, take the time to build connections. Get to know your classmates, your teachers, and the wider Merit community. The relationships you form here can be just as powerful as the music you make, because what makes Merit special isn’t just the music; it’s the community we build by showing up for each other, in rehearsal and beyond.
Welcome to a new year of learning, growing, and making music together.
All the best,
Kurtis Gildow
Dean & Vice President for Educational Affairs
