Merit School of Music

Merit School of Music is a nonprofit music school at the Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, 38 S Peoria St in the West Loop, with a second teaching site in Old Town and community programs around the city. Merit teaches early childhood classes for ages 0 to 8, group classes and ensembles for ages 5 to 18, private lessons from age 4 through adult, summer camps and an audition-based conservatory for ages 10 to 18. Financial aid and low-cost instrument rentals are part of how the school keeps lessons within reach for families.

What to know

• 2026-27 private lessons are $52 for 30 minutes, $72 for 45 minutes and $90 for 60 minutes.
• Financial aid covers up to 80% of tuition on a sliding scale; apply before registering.
• Aid does not apply to early childhood classes or adult private lessons.
• Instrument rentals are $25 a month, or $10 with financial aid.