Beginner’s Guide to Voice Studies: Vocalpalooza
“I don’t sing because I’m happy. I’m happy because I sing.” ― William James There are few joys as accessible as singing—whether it’s singing along to the radio, joining a community choir, singing a bedtime lullaby to a child, or just in the privacy of your own shower—it’s the only instrument that’s part of yourself. […]
From Student to Opera Composer: The Journey of Vance Maverick
Vance Maverick, a composition student at CMC, is ready to debut his first opera this June at the CMC Concert Hall in the Mission. His path to this achievement has been marked by dedication, collaboration, and support from the community. Maverick’s passion for musical composition began at 13 when he discovered the Bach Brandenburg Concerti. […]
Elevating Trans Voices: New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus
Creating community through music, especially through singing, is an incredible gift that we all possess. We have this amazing ability to connect through communal music-making, communal creation, and shared purpose, and it’s something that is perfectly encapsulated in choir and choral settings. It’s such a refreshing and soul-releasing opportunity that we have, becoming an amazing […]
Black Music- A Soundtrack of Social Movements and History
If you ever want to know anything about what people have gone through, in writing it can be manipulated and changed. And we know that we have seen narratives changed over and over throughout the years. But one thing you cannot change is the music, the music has always told the story. – Maestro Curtis, […]
Common Mistakes to Avoid as a Beginning Pianist
Learning to play the piano can be an exciting and rewarding journey, but like any skill, it comes with its own challenges. As a beginner, it is important to be aware of common mistakes that can hinder your progress and diminish the enjoyment of your musical activity. By recognizing and addressing these obstacles from the […]
Growing in Harmony: A Look at the Renewed CMC Campus
After years of planning and construction, Community Music Center’s (CMC) Expanded Mission Branch Campus is now open to the public. This eagerly awaited project aims to create a more inclusive and welcoming space for students, teachers, staff, and the extended musical family to come together and make music. Here, we share the key features you’ll […]
Mission has a renovated rhythm: CMC’s Grand Opening Open House
Come for a free, fun, and family-friendly Grand Opening Open House on February 25! Musical opportunities are aboubd for all ages—from demo classes, workshops and jam sessions, and performances.
Honoring Irene Chagall: Nearly 40 Years of Music for Children
This December we celebrated faculty member Irene Chagall, who taught her final Music for Children classes this Fall Quarter to enjoy her well-earned retirement.
New faculty light up the Black Music Studies Program
This year, the Black Music Studies Program is expanding, offering a comprehensive approach to the study of Black Music! Along with the certificate program, private lesson and group class faculty will participate. Based on student interest, private lessons can focus on Black music styles, which include blues, jazz, R&B, Afro-Cuban, funk, soul, and others, as well as offering students a full range of technical and creative skills. Many CMC group classes and ensembles cover music with roots in the African Diaspora, as well as coaching in musicianship, music theory, and ensemble playing. Some of the classes in the Black Music Studies Program include, Vocal Harmony Workshop, R&B Choir and More, The Great Songs of Soul and R&B, and the new Black Music Ensemble: Funk, Soul, R&B, & Gospel.
New strings program for kids provides music (fun)damentals to last a lifetime
CMC is launching new programs and classes this fall including the Youth Strings Program developed by Erik Andersen, Strings Department Chair, and Katie Wreede, Young Musicians Program/Chamber Music Coordinator. The Youth Strings Program utilizes a year-long, small group format giving kids the opportunity to play and learn with others in a supportive and social environment. The beginning strings classes are designed for ages 6–7 and focus on the fundamentals of playing and caring for a string instrument. Students in the program get a starter kit with practice materials and instrument accessories and parents receive coaching from faculty on supporting music instruction at home. The beginning classes are progressive, graduating students into ensembles which will be added in 2024. The program also has the potential of being a feeder into the tuition-free Young Musicians Program, Chamber Music Camps, and Chamber Music Ensembles.