Merit School of Music

06/11/2026

What does it look like when someone gives back to the community that shaped them?

Meet Jemima Adeyinka. At 7, a Merit Music in Communities (MMIC) teacher handed her a violin at her Chicago elementary school. This opportunity opened a door to a world she didn't know existed. She went on to study at the University of Chicago, carrying with her the discipline, collaboration, and love of music that Merit instilled.

Today, Jemima has returned as Merit's Program Liaison for our new South Shore branch, right in the neighborhood where she grew up. Her mission: ensure the next generation of South Shore kids has access to the same transformative experience she did. Learn more about Jemima's full-circle journey here: https://hubs.la/Q04kv8zt0

06/10/2026

Is it summer camp time yet?! 🎶☀️ Watch last year's summer campers bring the house down with their kazoo performance (yes, kazoo — and yes, it's incredible).

The Nancy W. Knowles Summer Camp Program is back with options for all ages, instruments, and experience levels. Whether your child is a first-timer or a seasoned young musician, summer at Merit is where kids stay social, stay creative, and make lifelong friends with fellow music lovers from across Chicago.

The best music educators in the region and a whole lot of fun. And sometimes, kazoos! 🎵

We still have openings in certain camps and classes! If your child wants to make music this summer, check out our summer offerings here at https://hubs.la/Q04kYsM40.

06/09/2026

Merit School of Music is seeking passionate, dedicated individuals for THREE new roles at our West Loop location.

🎵 Program Events Manager – Lead the planning and coordination of events across our programs.

🎵 Program Coordinator – Support the day-to-day operations that keep our students thriving.

🎵 Piano, Voice & Guitar Program Manager – Oversee and grow our private lesson programs in piano, voice, and guitar.

If you're passionate about expanding access to music education and building strong communities around the arts, we'd love to hear from you!

Learn more and apply before June 22, 2026 at

We're hiring music teachers and staff! Join our mission to provide equal access to high-quality music education. Browse and apply for jobs.

06/08/2026

Take note! ✏️ Our summer building hours are in effect June 8 – September 11.

Monday–Thursday: 8:00am–9:00pm
Friday: 8:00am–7:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am–3:00pm
Sunday: 8:00am–2:00pm*

*Sunday private lessons require prior approval. Questions? Give us a call or stop by — we're happy to help!

06/06/2026

Come celebrate summer with us! Merit Summer Bash is happening Thursday, June 11 at 6:00 pm at FitzGerald's Nightclub in Berwyn.

Hosted by our Associate Board, the evening includes live music, dancing, drinks, and good company, all in support of our mission to remove barriers to music education for Chicago kids. Each ticket includes entry, food, and two drink tickets. 🍻🎶Must be 21+ to join!

📍 FitzGerald's Nightclub, 6615 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn
🎟️Grab your tickets here: https://hubs.la/Q04kjvW10

06/05/2026

Merit students are performing in galas galore! Students from the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory Choir program were recently invited to perform at the Icons and Innovators Gala at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, where they were thrilled to share the stage with many world-class artists including Emanuel Ax. Take a look at these behind-the-scenes shots of the Merit students with Caroline Shaw, the composer of the piece the students sang!

We're so grateful for the opportunity to partner with Harris Theater on such an extraordinary event.

06/04/2026

🎶 “It doesn’t matter where you come from. It matters that you’re here.” 🎶

From 8‑minute walks to hour‑long commutes, young musicians travel from all over because Merit feels like home. Here, they find friendship, discipline, creativity, and a community that sees them, hears them, and lifts them up.

Give the gift of music. 100% of your gift provides life-changing ac...

06/03/2026

☀️ Summer group classes begin Monday, June 8. Not registered yet? It's not too late! Grab your spot. https://hubs.la/Q04jY-Hv0

06/02/2026

✨ When young musicians see themselves reflected onstage, everything changes. Merit students and Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative fellows joined peers from across the country at the Equity Arc Convening in Washington, D.C., where orchestral rehearsals were interspersed with conversations about justice, identity, and the responsibility of artists in a changing world.

Read how violist Olivia D. found community, representation, and inspiration at this year’s Equity Arc Convening. 💛🎻https://hubs.la/Q04jqVm50

06/01/2026

Merit School of Music is seeking a Concert Band Director for the Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory. This role leads our entry‑level wind band of dedicated middle‑ and early high‑school musicians, teaching them fundamental pedagogy and preparing them for two annual performances. All rehearsals occur on Saturday mornings at Merit's Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in the West Loop.

If you’re passionate about shaping young artists and building strong musical foundations, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more and apply now at https://hubs.la/Q04jr71F0.