Moving to a new city involves a thousand logistical hurdles, but for a musician, one challenge looms larger than the rest: finding a place to practice freely. For Alex Belkin, a saxophonist who recently relocated to San Francisco, the search for a sanctuary to practice his craft led him to CMC in the Mission District.
Belkin’s journey began with a simple online search. “CMC came up in the first results,” he recalls. While the photos and website looked promising, it was the convenience of the online scheduling system that convinced him to book his first session. Any apprehension he had about a new facility vanished the moment he arrived. He describes the front desk staff as incredibly friendly, noting that the environment immediately felt familiar, reminding him “of being in university practice rooms again.”
While the atmosphere was welcoming, the economics of the facility sealed the deal. For serious musicians, hourly rental rates can quickly become unsustainable. “With the amount that I practice, spaces with hourly rates really add up,” Belkin explains. “CMC is the only place I’ve found that offers passes.” After doing the math, upgrading to a monthly rehearsal pass was the logical next step, offering him a seamless and secure experience complete with key card access.
Since securing his dedicated spot, Belkin has noticed a tangible shift in his productivity. In a dense city like San Francisco, the anxiety of disturbing neighbors can be a major inhibitor for instrumentalists. At CMC, that worry is gone. Furthermore, the structure of booking time has sharpened his focus. “I tend to get distracted while practicing,” he admits, “and having a dedicated time slot keeps me focused and productive.” Currently, he is utilizing that focus to record classical repertoire, including the intricate Caprice no. 4 for solo saxophone by David Salleras.
For Bay Area artists looking to follow in Belkin’s footsteps and find their own creative haven, CMC’s Mission District Branch offers a variety of practice studios and rehearsal spaces. Whether you need a room with a great piano or light sound reinforcement, the spaces are designed to support your artistic growth.
Booking your session is simple. Musicians are encouraged to reserve their desired studio space through the online platform at least 24 hours in advance. If inspiration strikes on shorter notice, a quick conversation with a CMC receptionist can confirm day-of availability. Once booked, simply check in at the reception desk to access your room and any additional materials, ensuring you return gear to its original place for the next artist.
From individual practice rooms to larger venue options—including Concert Hall and Recital rental options for those looking to host their own events—CMC is ready to house your next creative breakthrough. Join Alex Belkin and the community of artists making the most of these resources.