CMC offers group music opportunities for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens. All classes are offered on a sliding scale, and our Children’s Chorus and Teen Jazz Orchestra are tuition-free. Private music lessons are also available on over 30 instruments.
We are open for in-person learning and continue to offer online lessons and classes.
Online classes and ensembles are labeled in the descriptions with the symbol:
Online Class 💻
Children discover their voices and learn to sing with a group in the Children’s Chorus. Students are introduced to musical skills to become careful listeners, better singers, and build confidence in an environment that emphasizes cooperation, teamwork and fun. With a patient and supportive approach to learning music, children are encouraged to express themselves and develop a lifelong love of singing. No experience is required to sing in this free chorus.
Ages: Children ages 8–12
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
Musical Styles: Popular, jazz, multicultural folk, showtunes, originals
Prerequisites: A strong desire to sing and families committed to supporting their children’s experience
Class size: Maximum 25 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00–5:30pm
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, Director
Tuition: None. $15 quarterly registration fee.
Class does not meet during the summer
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In this unique multi-generational class, families learn ukulele together! This class is designed for one child and caregivers (family members or child care givers) to learn music alongside one another in a fun, group environment. The child and caregiver will learn the basics of tuning, holding the instrument, strumming, and playing and singing at the same time to simple three-chord songs. Caregivers will be expected to learn in support of the overall sound experience. We will work on simple tunes and basic strum patterns using The Daily Ukulele Songbook as well as others. We will encourage laughter, listening, and singing. Absolute beginners welcome!
Ages: Children ages 4–7 with an adult
Instrument: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Prerequisites: Bring your own instrument if you have one. We highly recommend that both children and parent/caregiver have an instrument. We will have a limited number of ukuleles to use during class.
Class size: 5 children with their adult ukulele buddy
Location, Days and Times: Richmond District Branch, Saturdays, 12:30–1:15pm
Instructors: Diane Aurelius
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks)
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This group class teaches kids musical skills through rhythm games, singing, creative movement, dancing, musical play, and the use of instruments. These music lessons give fun, positive, and successful musical experiences to children, inspiring a lifelong love of music.
Children are introduced to the musical instruments of the symphony orchestras (percussion, brass, strings, and woodwinds) and other musical traditions, while experimenting with how the instruments make the sounds that become music. Together with the experience of making music, dancing and singing, your child will learn some basic musical vocabulary and concepts: tone, rhythm, (beat, tempo).
Music for Children teaches important musical skills in a supportive group environment, easing the way to success in private music lessons.
Ages: Children ages 4–7
Instrument: Orff instruments, such as xylophones, unpitched percussion, and hand drums (provided), voice
Prerequisites: None.
Class size: 5–8 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch:
Mondays, 3:15–4:00pm for ages 4–5
Wednesdays, 3:15–4:00pm for ages 6–7
Richmond District Branch:
Saturdays, 9:30am–10:15am for ages 4–5
Saturdays, 10:30am–11:15am for ages 4–7
Saturdays, 11:30am–12:15pm for ages 4–5
Instructors:
Mission District Branch: Beth Wilmurt
Richmond District Branch: Diane Aurelius
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks)
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Community Music Center is proud to partner with Pacific Singers & Actors Workshop to offer this exciting performing arts program. Musical Theater for Youth gives young students a chance to explore improvisation, singing, and acting together in a fun, supportive environment. Any 11–14 year-old with curiosity and a willingness to try something new is welcome: actors, vocalists, instrumentalists, and those excited by musical theater!
Ages: Children ages 11–14
Instrument: Voice, Instrumentalists are welcome to bring their instrument
Musical Styles: Musical Theater
Prerequisites: Only curiosity and a willingness to try something new
Class size: 6–12 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch; Mondays, 5:30–6:30pm
Instructors: Ruby Day & Curt Branom
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
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Have you ever wanted to join a band but don’t know how to get started? Practice basic techniques and ensemble skills on your instrument while learning how to find a common groove, play chords, and read charts. Band members will each select two pop or rock songs per quarter for the ensemble to jam out to, and will have the opportunity to play different instruments on each song.
Ages: Children ages 9–14
Instrument: Voice, guitar, ukulele, electric bass, drums, piano
Musical Styles: Popular songs, rock
Prerequisites: Two years of experience on your instrument (not needed for vocalists)
Class size: 4–6 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch:
Instructors: Zahra Rothschild
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks).
Tuition assistance is available.
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This ensemble is the next step in the strings journey after the beginning fundamentals program (or by audition for those with instrumental experience outside of the Youth Strings Program). In this ensemble, children will learn to sight-read music, understand melody and harmony, develop ensemble skills including listening to multiple parts at once, follow a conductor and blend with other musicians by preparing and performing music from diverse cultures and styles. Students perform at CMC recitals twice a year.
It is recommended that students who play in the Sinfonietta take private lessons to supplement the ensemble work. It is highly encouraged that students enroll for a full year in this ensemble (Winter/Spring Quarters).
Ages: 7–11
Instruments: violin, viola, cello
Class size: Maximum 6 students
Requirements: Completion of year one of the beginning strings class or by audition. This class requires the completion of a form and submission of a video.
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 5:00–6:00pm
Instructor: Katie Wreede
Tuition: ($455 Fall, $455 Winter, $260 Spring), plus $100 materials fee for the strings starter pack (see details below).
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Whether you are an advanced beginner or an accomplished amateur musician, CMC’s chamber music program offers an opportunity to develop your musicianship and technique as well as the chance to play with others. Groups are composed of two to five students of compatible levels for one-on-a-part music. Advanced beginners and intermediate students will focus on developing basic ensemble skills, intonation, tone quality, and rhythmic accuracy. Advanced students will study important aspects of ensemble playing, including interpretation and performance techniques. Each quarter, performers are invited to participate in a group recital.
We welcome pianists and often have ensembles of Four-Hand Piano Duos. Intermediate and advanced piano students may connect through the chamber music program to play and receive coaching on classical duets. Four-hand piano is a fun way to apply what you’ve learned and pick up new skills that can introduce you to chamber music with strings and winds. This is a great opportunity to create lasting friendships as well as great performing groups! Preformed groups are highly encouraged! Ensembles who would like to perform will be encouraged to sign up for a regular CMC recital.
Ages: All ages
Instruments: All and voice
Musical Styles: All
Prerequisites:
Students should have at least two years of experience playing their instrument. Placement auditions for new students take place at the beginning of each quarter in order to create groups who play at similar levels. Beginning students should be familiar with key signature with up to three sharps and flats, and basic rhythms including eighth notes.
Class size: 2-5 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch OR Richmond District Branch. One-hour chamber music rehearsal will be organized within designated Chamber music time (Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00pm or Fridays, 6:00 –7:00pm at the Mission District Branch) or scheduled according to mutual agreement if possible.
Instructors: Leo Baluk, Ben Snellings, Michaela Overall, Erik Andersen, Lilia Zheltova, Katrina Wreede, others TBA
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Chamber Music Inquiry Form
Teen Jazz Orchestra is an ensemble dedicated to performing the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, various other composers, and original compositions. The orchestra is led by composer, bassist, and teacher Marcus Shelby. Each class will include a discussion about the history of the music, development of the blues, theory, listening sessions, video, learning about key characters, and imagining the possibilities of the music.
Ages: Teens
Instruments: Instrumentation includes (but is not limited to) alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, baritone sax, trombone, trumpet, piano, bass, drums, guitar, violin, and vocals
Musical Styles: Jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, Latin jazz
Prerequisites: Strong interest, proficiency on an instrument, basic music reading skills, or instructor’s consent. Make an appointment to register or speak to the instructor on your first day of class.
Class size: 15-20 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays, 4:15–6:15pm. Class does not meet during summer.
Instructor: Marcus Shelby
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
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This class covers the basics of how to play ukulele in a fun group class environment. Though the class is aimed at beginners, all levels are welcome! Learn chords, songs, various strums, picking patterns, and playing in rhythm while singing along. You will also learn other useful skills like how to change the key of a song and playing together as a group.
Ages: Adults and kids (elementary, middle, high school)
Instruments: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Class size: 2–12 students
Prerequisites: No experience is necessary. Accompanying “study buddy” for children under 9 years.
Location, Day and Time: Saturdays, 3:30–5:00pm
Instructor: Sandy Brassard
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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