About - San Francisco Community Music Center

About

Community Music Center (CMC), founded in 1921, is a nonprofit music school and performance space with branches in the Mission and Richmond Districts.

Mission

Community Music Center makes high quality music accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, regardless of financial means.

Vision

We believe in the power of music to connect people, celebrate cultures and transform lives. Community Music Center (CMC) is a cornerstone San Francisco cultural institution and a vital hub for music education and performance anchored in the Mission District. We envision students and faculty who are engaged and fulfilled in making music together, and audiences who are energized by their experiences. Inspired by their training, our students are empowered to find their own voice, develop lasting relationships, embrace learning, and give back to their communities.

At Community Music Center, we value:

COMMUNITY. We bring diverse people into a welcoming environment to study, create and enjoy music together. We respect and embrace all music traditions and promote understanding through culturally responsive musical training and programs. We adapt programs to meet community needs and partner with others to extend our reach and impact.

ACCESSIBILITY. We believe everyone deserves equitable access to high-quality, inclusive music education and performances. We offer a generous tuition assistance program and a full range of musical experiences that build human potential and a life-long appreciation of music.

STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING. We cultivate artistic growth for people of all ages and abilities through outstanding music education and performance opportunities. Our accomplished faculty encourages creativity and personal expression, customizing teaching to individual needs. Through passion and love of music, we inspire students to reach their fullest potential.

COMMITMENT. We build lasting relationships with students, faculty and partners, and demonstrate integrity in our actions. We pledge to continuously improve our facilities and programs to cultivate our future, commemorate our legacy, and preserve a vital sanctuary for music on behalf of this and new generations.

CMC’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Community Music Center has long prided itself on being a place where all are welcome to participate in a safe and inclusive musical community. We strive to live and uphold our core values of community, accessibility, student-centeredness, and commitment. CMC is dedicated to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where students, staff, and faculty feel a sense of belonging.

Locations & Contact Us

CMC has campuses in the Mission and Richmond Districts of San Francisco. Visit one of our campuses.

Partners

CMC partners with many organizations across San Francisco to provide music programming for all ages.

News

Find out what’s new at CMC. Visit the press room and read stories in the CMC blog.

Who We Are

Meet our dedicated staff, Board of Directors, Faculty Council, and Advisory Council.

Join the Team

Get involved by becoming a staff member, volunteer, or joining the faculty.

History

CMC is one of Bay Area’s keystone arts organizations with more than a century of history in San Francisco.