Martin Cohn and his wife Kathy have been longtime supporters of Bay Area music. Martin, a CMC alum, has generously supported the school since 1996. He has also served on the boards of Philharmonia Baroque and San Francisco Performances, showing his deep commitment to music in the community. His connection to CMC began through his role as a parent:
“About 30 years ago, our son wanted to study guitar, and we took him to CMC, where he had an excellent teacher who not only taught him to play the acoustic guitar but also taught our son a lot about music. We were very pleased with CMC. We liked the low-key, casual feel of the place. Later, when I was on the board of Left Coast Chamber Ensemble, we worked closely with CMC to help teach musical composition to CMC students and also to perform and critique their works. Also, I was on the board of San Francisco Performances, and I was very impressed by the vibrant relationship SFP had with CMC.”
Martin’s commitment to CMC has remained strong for decades. “It’s a great institution with a strong commitment to teaching music in the community and making it affordable to all. We have to support CMC if we are to have a culturally rich future in the Bay Area. It’s also a great investment in our young people as teaching music produces many surprising and wonderful benefits.”
He currently serves on the board of Philharmonia Baroque and has long supported music organizations in the Bay Area. Reflecting on the local music scene, he says:
“I would guess that the Bay Area is richer culturally than any city its size anywhere in the U.S. I have also found that the boards of our local musical organizations are sincerely devoted to their missions. So many board members have musical backgrounds and believe that learning and performing great music is not an option, but an integral part of our life and culture.”
Music has also shaped Martin personally. “Music has made a difference in my life as studying voice in college taught me how to pay attention and really listen. These are qualities that made a huge difference in my years in the Advertising business. I also believe that music is a wonderful alternative way to communicate; it can bring people much closer together.”
Looking ahead, he hopes that organizations like CMC continue to thrive and that music remains accessible throughout the Bay Area. “I wish them all a great future. The demand is certainly there, but there seems to be a trend against public support of the arts. Unfortunately, musical organizations run on money, and we need to encourage government support and, at the same time, contribute as much as we possibly can.”
To join Martin and help bring music to even more students, both young and young at heart, click here, and thank you!