It started with trains. I loved model trains as a kid, and my dad and I would go stand by the railroad tracks in Oakland, CA to watch the real ones go by. When I moved to Walnut Creek, CA near the Iron Horse Trail, a former stretch of Southern Pacific tracks turned recreational path, I became fascinated […]

Throughout history, transgender, intersex, and gender-queer (TIGQ) singers have faced unique challenges, but they have also made extraordinary contributions to music. From paving the way for greater visibility in both classical and popular music to breaking barriers on global stages, these artists have transformed the way we understand identity and art. One of the earliest […]

At CMC, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of teaching. Through music, CMC educators create welcoming spaces where students from all backgrounds can grow both as artists and as people. Two teachers, Martha Rodríguez-Salazar and Michael Mohammed, show how inclusive teaching can transform students’ lives. Mariachi as a Bridge: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar Martha Rodriguez-Salazar, who […]