MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC ANNOUNCES NEW MERIT NEAR NORTH BRANCH IN OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD

MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC ANNOUNCES NEW MERIT NEAR NORTH BRANCH IN OLD TOWN NEIGHBORHOOD

Public invited to August 17 Open House showcasing programming at Merit Near North; Registration for Fall classes at all Merit School locations now open

Chicago – Merit School of Music, a nationally accredited music school headquartered in the West Loop, proudly announces the opening of Merit Near North branch in the Old Town neighborhood at 458 W Eugenie St. Merit will begin offering private music lessons, group classes, and early childhood music classes at Merit Near North this Fall. Part of Merit’s multi-year growth-focused strategic plan, the expansion is grounded in Merit’s mission to transform the lives of Chicago-area young people by removing barriers to a high-quality music education. The bold strategic plan also encompasses a new Merit South Shore branch which launched this past summer through a partnership with Bryn Mawr Community Church.

Building on over forty years of excellence in music education throughout Chicago at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center in the West Loop and at 25 Merit Music in Communities partner sites, Merit will offer a variety of opportunities for youth of all ages and skill levels at Merit Near North. This Fall, offerings include private lessons with Merit’s top-tier teaching artists, engaging and formative early childhood music classes for children aged 0 - 6 years, and group classes in violin, cello, and piano. Fall classes and lessons begin on September 14, and registration is open now at meritmusic.org/near-north. Group classes and lessons will take place in the St. Michael’s Catholic Church Parish Center, where Merit has signed a multi-year lease, effective September 1, 2024.

“This expansion extends the impact and sustainability of our mission by opening doors for more students in more neighborhoods to experience the depth and quality of instruction Merit’s teachers offer in our welcoming musical learning community,” said Merit School of Music President & Executive Director Charles Grode. “We are thrilled to add Merit Near North to our robust community.”

All are invited to a free Open House at Merit Near North on Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. which will include an instrument petting zoo, an Early Childhood Musical Storytime, student and faculty performances, building tours, and discounts for onsite class registration. RSVP at meritmusic.org/openhouse.

Following two years of planning, Merit School of Music acquired the Suzuki Music School of Lincoln Park (SMSLP) which has been owned and operated by longtime Merit faculty member Janet Janz for nearly 40 years. Merit has worked closely with SMSLP to ensure a smooth transition for the students and staff currently involved with the school while expanding access to high-quality music education in a neighborhood popular with young families through the establishment of Merit Near North branch.

Registration:

The Fall term begins on September 14. Registration for Fall term and full academic year classes is taking place now. Registration is available throughout the term, but early registration is encouraged as there is limited space in each class. Financial aid is available for qualifying families and must be submitted before registration. Families also have the opportunity to rent instruments and supplies directly from Merit. More information about the registration process, financial aid, and instrument rentals can be found at meritmusic.org/student-resources.

Since 1979, Merit School of Music has engaged thousands of Chicagoland youth through equal access to deep, meaningful, and high-quality music education. At Merit, students do not only learn to play an instrument or sing. They build self-confidence, persistence, and creativity through participation in a vibrant and welcoming musical community. Students of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels come together to study with the best music educators in the region through the renowned music school’s extensive line-up of group classes, private lessons, Early Childhood programming, and more. Learn more at www.meritmusic.org.

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