Growing with Music: Ryan Rusali
On March 30th, the final performer in the CMC Richmond Branch Adult Recital was the twenty-four year-old Ryan Rusali, a long-time student of CMC Faculty Lilia Zheltova. Ryan’s powerful rendition of Chopin’s Scherzo No. 1 was met with thunderous applause, echoing the response he received for his performance at CMC’s Field Day. Today, Ryan’s skill […]
MDYMP Takes the Stage at Carnaval
Each spring, the streets of San Francisco’s Mission District come alive with celebrations during Carnaval San Francisco, a two-day festival that highlights the diversity of the city’s Latin American communities. This year, the Mission District Young Musicians Program (MDYMP)—a tuition-free CMC program that provides culturally relevant music training to Mission youth—will take the stage alongside […]
Field Day: Playing with a Purpose
When CMC’s annual Field Day rolls around, the campus buzzes with the joyful sounds of music, laughter, and connection. For CMC piano faculty member Christian Bonvin, the event is more than a performance opportunity—it’s a deeply meaningful expression of community and shared purpose. “Field Day is unique because it brings together the entire CMC community: […]
A Musical Evolution Rooted in Community: Daniel Brown
For Daniel Brown, a professional jazz musician and founder of the Richmond District’s beloved record store NOISE, the roots of his musical journey trace back to childhood lessons at CMC. Introduced to CMC by his fourth and fifth grade music teacher, Robert Daniels, Brown’s early experiences at both the Richmond District Branch and the Mission […]
Excellence in Every Note: The Piano Department at CMC
At CMC, piano students are guided by teachers who bring both deep experience and heartfelt dedication. The Piano Department is a place where students of all ages and backgrounds can grow in skill, confidence, and joy. Whether they’re beginners learning their first scales or advanced students preparing for conservatory auditions. Two of CMC’s outstanding piano […]
Reuben & Jessalynn: Voices of Change
As performer, activist, songwriter and scholar, Bernice Johnson Reagon so poignantly summed up: “when we sing, we announce our existence.” The ethos that music provides all of us a necessary tool for self expression, transformation, and community-building is one that Community Music Center holds dear in its mission, vision, and values. The tuition-free New Voices […]
A Family’s Legacy of Supporting Music Education at CMC
For decades, the Chiu family has been an integral part of CMC, and their unwavering commitment to making music accessible to all. We have been fully committed to the center’s growth and success. Their deep ties to CMC have left an indelible mark on its mission of offering high-quality music education to individuals of all […]
Celebrating 40 Years of Anything Goes Chorus with Ellen Robinson
For four decades, Ellen Robinson has been the guiding force behind the Anything Goes Chorus (AGC), bringing hundreds of singers together to experience the transformative power of music. As she celebrates 40 years of teaching at CMC and beyond, Ellen reflects on the joy of building a singing community, overcoming challenges, and the continued evolution […]
CMC Summer Camps: Fun and Inspiring for Young Musicians
Summer music camps are a fantastic way for young musicians to grow their skills, build confidence, and make new friends. As Katie Wreede, director of Camp CMC, explains, “Summer music camps are designed to enhance students’ musical lives by prioritizing fun, teamwork and sharing their unique expertise (musical and personal) with others.” These camps allow […]
CMC’s Favorite Neighborhood Spots
Is your taste for coffee beans as refined as your taste in music? If you’re always looking to experience diverse flavors to match your eclectic interests, or looking to make a night out of attending a performance in our concert hall, we’ve got the scoop to making the most out of the neighborhood! We love […]