Merit School of Music Announces New Merit Near North Branch in Old Town Neighborhood  

Chicago’s Merit School of Music– a nationally accredited music school headquartered in the West Loop – has announced the opening of Merit Near North branch in the Old Town neighborhood at 458 W Eugenie Street. Merit will begin offering private music lessons, group classes, and early childhood music classes at Merit Near North this fall. As part of Merit’s multi-year growth-focused strategic plan, the new 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 that launched this past summer through a partnership with Bryn Mawr Community Church.

“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’s president & executive director, Charles Grode. “We are thrilled to add Merit Near North to our robust community.”

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, 2024, 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. 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.

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.