Merit School of Music

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.

05/28/2026

We love to see our alums shine! ✨ Saxophonist Christina Uhrenbacher (class of 2017) was selected as a Karin Larson YourClassical Prize, which highlights emerging artists in Minnesota.

📺 Check out her beautiful performance of Sonata in C # minor by Fernande Decruck at https://hubs.la/Q04hKprS0
☑️ Vote for Christina at https://hubs.la/Q04hK8Rx0

Vote now for your favorite finalist in our Preprofessional Musician category.

05/26/2026

The Alice S. Pfaelzer Conservatory Class of 2026 took center stage as families, faculty, and friends gathered to celebrate these talented young musicians. The graduates have spent countless hours making music and building a community where hard work and joy go hand in hand.

As these young artists head into conservatories, universities, and new creative paths, we honor all they’ve contributed to Merit and their bright futures ahead. Read the full story on our blog to celebrate the Class of 2026 ➡️ https://hubs.la/Q04hHQ7-0

📸 Chris Hurd Photography LLC

05/25/2026

The young violinists and cellists at Merit South Shore are hard at work preparing for their spring concert! Join us this Thursday to cheer them on and hear the beautiful music happening at Merit's newest branch.

📍 Bryn Mawr Community Church (7000 S Jeffery Blvd)
🗓️ Thursday, May 28
🕕 6-7pm - reception to follow

Learn more and let us know you'll be there! https://hubs.la/Q04hKcV80

05/22/2026

✨ What a magical night of music and merriment! At Gala 2026, we were honored to celebrate Caroline & Charlie Huebner and D-Composed Chicago for their unwavering support of Merit and dedication to the arts.

Many thanks to our incredible honorees and the whole Merit community for making high-quality music education a reality for children across Chicagoland!

Take a look at the full photo album ➡️https://hubs.la/Q04hJ6-C0

📸 Lenspeak: Kyle Flubacker Photography & MReid Photography