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.
CMC young musicians claim their creative voices
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
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!
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 […]
Learning to play jazz at CMC
April 21, 2023 The jazz program is a core component at CMC serving all levels from beginners to advanced. Students from a range of musical backgrounds and levels seek out the program to receive top-notch coaching from talented faculty members Erick Peralta, Charlie Gurke, and Max Miller-Loran. Students learn skills in improvisation, playing by ear, […]
Calling string, winds, and piano players to join CMC Chamber Music Ensembles
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. Director Katrina Wreede works with students to match them with CMC faculty coaches and other students of similar level and musical interests to create a music ensemble to take ensemble playing to the next level. For Spring Quarter, which starts the first week of April, there are several preformed groups seeking additional players.
A landmark moment: CMC students perform alongside the SF Symphony
February 17, 2023 A landmark moment The performances of Gabriel Kahane’s emergency shelter intake form on February 2nd and 3rd were a milestone in the more than 100-year relationship between the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) and CMC. It was the first time that CMC students have performed alongside the San Francisco Symphony in a regular season concert. The experience was profound and memorable […]