Black Music- A Soundtrack of Social Movements and History

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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

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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

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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 […]

New faculty light up the Black Music Studies Program

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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

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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.

CMC young musicians claim their creative voices

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June 13, 2023 By Katrina Wreede, Young Musicians Program Coordinator There is nothing like creating your own music to claim your creative voice! As part of the CMC Young Musicians Program, we expose students to the skills and attitude necessary to think creatively. This year, YMP students created nearly 40 new pieces of music. Our […]

Some of our favorite neighborhood spots

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May 18, 2023 Looking for the best burrito in the Mission, your next taste adventure in bubble tea, or world famous bread? We asked the CMC community about their favorite places in the neighborhoods near our campuses in the Mission and Richmond Districts. We received 80 superb recommendations for local businesses that serve everything from […]

Congratulations 2023–2024 Merit Scholars!

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Each May, a jury of CMC faculty and staff auditions students for full scholarships for the next school year’s private lessons. These awards are based on need and merit. This year the jury heard dozens of youths play an extraordinarily diverse repertoire. The jury wishes to thank everyone who help prepare students for the juries […]

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