Group Classes & Ensembles

Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The advanced ensemble plays the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Freddie Hubbard, and others; with emphasis on communicating as an ensemble, improvising, phrasing, groove, and dynamics to make the music come alive. There will be a culminating performance at Community Music Center at the end of each quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, mastery of scales, and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. New students will be asked to audition. Instructor: Patrick Greene Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

In this class participants will learn about the history of the Afro-Peruvian Cajon (wooden box drum), and will learn to play Afro-Peruvian rhythms on the Cajon. The Afro-Peruvian Cajon has become a symbol of identity and cultural pride for Peruvians. Currently it is the most popular instrument in Peru, practically every family on the Peruvian coast has a Cajon at home that is part of their celebrations. Furthermore, we can recognize the versatility of this instrument that has allowed it to successfully position itself in world music, being one of the most used alternatives in the percussion sets of various artists Instruments: Cajon (percussion) Musical Styles: Afro-Peruvian Ages: Adults and older teens Prerequisites: In the 6:15 section, prior experience playing the cajon and reading Latin rhythms is required. No prior experience is required for the 7:45 class. Teacher: Pierr Padilla Cajons will be provided during class sessions. If students have their own cajon, they are welcome to bring it! Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Beginning Vocal Ensemble Join this fun and supportive environment to learn basic vocal and breathing technique, how to support your tone, beginning note reading skills, simple harmonies, and rounds. This beginning singing class is designed for singers with little to no experience. It is focused on group singing, but also incorporates individual singing. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Folk, popular, jazz Instructor: Ellen RobinsonMask requirement: Masking is optional. For those who do choose to wear a mask, the Resonance 95 Singers Mask is recommended. It allows for fully opening your mouth and breathing deeply, both of which are necessary for proper singing.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Intermediate/Advanced Vocal Ensemble For vocalists who love to harmonize in a wide variety of musical styles such as jazz, musical theater, and pop. Enjoy interacting with other singers in this lively chorus while continuing to develop your vocal technique, music reading skills, blending with other voices and your stage presence. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges, especially baritone and tenor Musical Styles: Jazz, Broadway, a cappella, pop Prerequisites: Music reading skills, the ability to sing in tune, and hold your own while singing in three-part harmony. Previous choral experience is a plus. Prior approval of instructor is required. Instructor: Ellen Robinson Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a 50% discount on this class tuition.Get to know Anything Goes! See photos/video from a recent performance here.Mask requirement: Masking is optional. For those who do choose to wear a mask, the Resonance 95 Singers Mask is recommended. It allows for fully opening your mouth and breathing deeply, both of which are necessary for proper singing.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn chords, simple strums, and tuning in a fun, relaxed group setting. You’ll be introduced to the basic elements of rhythm and harmony that will help you to play music right away! Guitar 1 is for the absolute beginner.Students will learn:Basic open position chords: A, D, E, G, C, Am, Em, A7, B7, D7, E7, G7Basic strums in 4/4 and 3/4 timeI-IV-V tunes in A, D, G, and EKnowledge of how to read a “lead sheet”The desire to keep playingAges: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests Prerequisites: none Instructor: Dylan DiMartini Size: 4-6 studentsThis class prepares you for Guitar Group Class - Learning Songs, Bluegrass Jam, Blues Workshop and other Group Guitar and Mixed Instrument ensemblesStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

CMC offers jazz ensembles for players of all levels. Explore jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting.The Beginning Jazz Ensemble focuses on building standard repertoire, improvisation concepts, and developing ensemble skills. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, be-bop, blues, Latin jazz Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, knowledge of scales, and some experience in improvisation. Instructors: Erick Peralta, Charlie Gurke, David Steinberg, Max Miller-LoranStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Learn beginning vocal technique and interpretive skills in a fun group setting. You’ll gain experience learning to sing in healthy ways by focusing on body alignment, breath management, and vowel formation. This class will support a student’s process in stylistically interpreting a piece of music through additional research and study. Topics and activities for classes include exploring the singing apparatus, vocalizing with exercises using scales and arpeggios, interpreting music and text, developing stage presence, and working with a collaborative pianist or backing track. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: All styles are welcome Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize music and text Instructors: Michael Mohammed, Nicole Lumetta, Nena Aldaz Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. This class prepares you for Vocal Harmony Workshop, Anything Goes Chorus, Great Songs of Soul and R&B, Gospel Vocal Ensemble and/or other mixed instrument ensembles that include vocals.

This Electric Blues workshop will introduce students to the wide variety of blues grooves that one might encounter at a blues jam. We'll listen and learn from the recordings performed by the original artists that define a particular groove e.g., a Magic Sam boogie, an Albert King blues rhumba/mambo, a Jimmy Reed shuffle, a B.B. King jump blues, a Muddy Waters 'mojo' groove, a Lowell Fulson 'tramp' groove, and much more. Ensemble playing and individual improvisation will be encouraged with a focus on group interaction and the supporting role each individual instrument plays in establishing the groove. Ages: adult, older teens (high school) Instruments: guitar (electric), bass (electric), piano, drums, brass/woodwinds Prerequisites: Intermediate playing proficiency on your instrument, ability to play 7th and 9th chords (barred for guitars), have some major scale and blues scale knowledge, read a simple chord chart Instructor: Larry Dunn Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

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 three to five students of compatible levels. Advanced beginners and intermediate students will focus on developing basic ensemble skills, intonation, tone quality, and rhythmic accuracy. Advanced students will study important aspects of ensemble playing, including interpretation and performance techniques. For those who are new to music we have an Intro to Chamber Music class to learn the various ways chamber musicians communicate, listening tuning and ensemble skills necessary for a successful chamber experience. Groups are formed for students of varying degrees of experience and can include piano, strings, and winds musicians This is a great opportunity to create lasting friendships as well as great performing groups! Pre-formed groups are highly encouraged! Ensembles who would like to perform will have the opportunity to sign up for a regular CMC recital. Ages: Adults, Older Teens (high school students) Instruments: All and voice Musical Styles: All Prerequisites: Students should have at least two years of experience playing their instrument. Placement auditions for new students take place at the beginning of each quarter in order to create groups who play at similar levels. Beginning students should be familiar with key signature with up to three sharps and flats, and basic rhythms including eighth notes. Class size: 3–5 students Instructors: Josepha Fath, Diane Grubbe, Leo Baluk, Michaela Overall, Monika Gruber Gibbons, Katrina Wreede, Shirley Wong-Frentzel, Ben Snellings, Lilia Zheltova Location, Day, and Time: Mission District Branch OR Richmond District Branch. Hour-long rehearsals/coachings are scheduled based on mutual availability.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.For more information, please contact: Katrina Wreede, Chamber Music Coordinator: kwreede@sfcmc.org Online signup for this class is unavailable. Please fill out the Chamber Music Inquiry Form to get started.

Children discover their voices and learn to sing with a group in the Children’s Chorus. Students are introduced to musical skills to become careful listeners, better singers, and build confidence in an environment that emphasizes cooperation, teamwork and fun. With a patient and supportive approach to learning music, children are encouraged to express themselves and develop a lifelong love of singing. No experience is required to sing in this free chorus. Ages: Children ages 8-12 Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Popular, jazz, multicultural folk, show tunes, originals Prerequisites: A strong desire to sing and families committed to supporting their children’s experience Instructor: Beth Wilmurt Tuition for the Children's Chorus is fully covered by a scholarship grant, making it free to students. There is a $15 quarterly registration fee. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.

An a cappella group that sings pop music from different eras. Join CMC's first a cappella group! We'll sing fun and challenging arrangements of pop music, learn how to blend our voices and emulate different instruments, strengthen our musical ears, and help you become a stronger singer overall. Ages: Adults Instrument: Voices of all ranges (tenors, basses and vocal percussionists highly encouraged) Musical styles: Pop, folk, and more! Prerequisites: Ability to sing in tune. Ability to read music is preferred but not always necessary. No previous a capella experience is required. Entrance by audition. Instructor: Nena Aldaz What to Expect When Auditioning: Once you submit your Prerequisite Form, the instructor will schedule a short audition with you (either in-person or over Zoom)—but there’s nothing to be intimidated about. This just gives you the opportunity to showcase what you can do, both as a solo singer and as part of a group, and make sure you’ll fit in well with the other ensemble voices. The audition structure is as follows (less than 20 mins):Warm-ups to hear your rangePitch matching exercises to test your musical earSing arrangement part to see how well you learn arrangements outside of class. You’ll be sent music and a practice track ahead of time. Sing your solo to show what you can do! Q & A Mistakes are ok— we’re not looking for perfection! The instructor would rather you demonstrate that you’re a singer who is aware of their mistakes and tries to correct them. Feel free to ask additional questions when you submit your prerequisites. Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Jazz Today, a contemporary Jazz ensemble, invites students to explore the music of today’s hottest jazz artists from around the globe. We will draw from the repertoire of some of the most talented and creative musicians on the scene such as Robert Glasper, Esperanza Spalding, and Kamasi Washington who are honoring the tradition of this artform while also pushing the boundaries into new and unexpected territory. In addition to improvising within the framework of these compositions, we will also work extensively on creating unique and dynamic arrangements meant to solidify and expand each musician's role within the ensemble. Vocalists are also welcome and highly encouraged to join regardless of improvisation experience. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz, R&B, and Hip Hop Prerequisites: must be able to read standard music notation and chord charts and have a basic understanding of jazz improvisation concepts Instructor: David Steinberg Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

A chamber choir that sings the music of Spain and Latin America Sing beautiful baroque, classical and folk music from Latin America and Spain in a small choir setting. Learn how to sing in Spanish, Latin, and several dialects from the Americas in different styles ranging from the 13th century to modern folk styles. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instrument: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: Baroque, classical, and folk music from Mexico, Spain and South America Prerequisites: Ability to sing in tune and read music. Spanish fluency not required. Entrance by audition. Instructor: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, Director; Michaela Overall, AccompanistStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a 50% discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This class combines a performance-based approach with an overview of Afro-Cuban rhythms, song forms, structure, and improvisation, tracing the evolution of Cuban popular dance music from the 1920s to contemporary styles. Students will learn key rhythms and ensemble techniques essential toAfro-Cuban music, exploring how the clave and percussion parts relate to each instrument’s role within the group. Through hands-on performance, students will develop their understanding of musical form, ensemble interaction, and improvisation within the style. Learn, perform, and refine skills across a variety of Cuban and Cuban-inspired dance music styles, including cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, songo, timba, bolero, son montuno, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban genres. Both instrumentalists and vocalists are welcome. This class will have an opportunity to perform once/quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, bolero, son, songo, timba, salsa, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

An advanced ensemble course focusing on the traditional and modern charanga or típica format, while also incorporating other woodwinds and brass instruments. Students will learn, perform, and deepen their skills in a range of Cuban and Cuban-inspired dance music, including cha-cha-chá, danzón, guaracha, songo, timba, bolero, son montuno, salsa,and other Afro-Cuban genres. Charanga ensembles traditionally feature violin and flute in place of brass instruments (though modern charangas often include trumpets andtrombones), along with bass, piano, vocals, and Afro-Cuban percussion. Students will gain insight into the history of Cuban music and ensemble performance practices in a dynamic, rehearsal-style environment modeled after professional bands. All students are encouraged to improvise. This class will have an opportunity to perform once/quarter. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, woodwinds, brass, violin, cello, bass, piano, and percussion (bongo, congas, guiro, claves, and timbales) Musical Styles: Cuban salsa, charanga, and other Afro-Cuban music Prerequisites: Proficiency on an instrument, reading skills, and interest in Latin music. Prior participation in CMC's Cuban Charanga Ensemble I, or performance with an Afro-Cuban music group is a prerequisite for this class. Admission with instructor’s consent. Instructor: Tregar OttonStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

This class focuses on performing early-era funk and groove-based music as represented by artists like James Brown, Grant Green, The Meters, and Stuff, cross pollinated with the extended improv/jam styles of Miles Davis (electric period), Herbie Hancock (Headhunters period), and The Grateful Dead. We will build a set list of rehearsed songs, but also engage in exercises focused on developing improvisation, interplay/communication, groove (how the drums, bass and chord instruments interlock), and dynamic sensitivity & use of space. Ages: adult, older teens (high school) Instruments: Guitar (electric), Bass (electric), Piano/Keyboard (electric), Drums, Brass, Woodwinds Musical Styles: Funk, Blues, Rock, Jazz Prerequisites: Intermediate playing proficiency on your instrument, ability to play 7th, 9th & 13th chords (barred for guitars), have some major scale, blues scale, and modes (mixolydian & dorian) knowledge, read a simple chord chart, and have a basic understanding of improvisation concepts.Class Size: 4–7 students Instructor: Jono KornfeldStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on classes. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Girls rock! This class creates an empowering space for girls to practice their instrument in a band setting. Learn about music history, basics of instruments and arrangement, how to use music gear, and basic improvising. Students will be able to pick songs, and some will be chosen by the instructor. We will focus on music written and performed by amazing women artists. A co-ed Rock & Pop Band experience is also availableInstruments: Voice, guitar, ukulele, electric bass, drums, piano Musical Styles: Popular songs, rock Ages: 9–11 Instructor: Zahra Rothschild Class Size: 4-6 students Prerequisites: Two years of experience on your instrument (not needed for vocalists) Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online enrollment for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Sing your favorite soul and R&B songs in a classroom setting and then performing those songs at an end-of-quarter concert! This is a workshop-style class taught by Bay Area vocal master Clif Payne in which students learn their favorite Soul/R&B songs as both soloists and background singers. Songs will include the genre's classic songs from back-in-the-day represented by artists such as Sam Cook, Aretha, Sly & The Family Stone, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson to today's current hits as represented by artists such as Victoria Monet, GIVEON, Kehlani, Khalid and Daniel Caesar.Not familiar with Soul/R&B? Not a problem! This class will not only define Soul/R&B, but class will also show how it continues to influence all of pop music—we'll even transform your favorite pop song into a soul or R&B song. A special focus will be on artists who are redefining Soul and R&B by mixing their songs with pop, electronic dance, jazz, neo-soul and hip-hop. That will include artists such as SZA, Leon Thomas, PARTYNEXTDOOR and the K-pop/R&B scene.Students will learn proper warm-up exercises and vocal technique, ensemble singing, vocal improvisation, harmony, microphone technique, performance presentation and song interpretation. Clif will also help you find the appropriate keys for your songs and utilize your own individual abilities and personality as style enhancers. You are welcome to bring your favorite Soul/R&B accompaniment recordings. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: Classic Soul and R&B Prerequisites: The ability to read music or play an instrument is not necessary (Your voice is an instrument!), but students should have the ability to sing a melody and hear harmony. Instructor: Clif PayneStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

Bring your voice and explore the magic of harmony-making! In this class students will pair up to sing in duets or trios and focus on vocal blend and harmony. Each class session will include vocal warm ups, exercises related to interval training and listening to adjust pitch, tone to create a strong blend with vocal partners. At times the class will sing as a full ensemble, but students will work on pieces in small groups to develop being able to hear their voice blending with someone else. This class is a great opportunity for beginning singers to build skills for larger ensemble and choral singing. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice Musical Styles: Pop, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Showtunes, Singer/songwriter, and more Prerequisites: Ability to match pitch and hold your own part against other harmonies. Instructor: Beth Wilmurt Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC’s registration policies before enrolling.

An ensemble just for guitarists! This unique class features repertoire from a wide variety of styles. Ensemble parts will include melodic lines in 3-4 part harmony, musical lines that complement the melody, fills, chord voicings, rhythmic accompaniment, and bass line movement. This class will incorporate technique, fretboard knowledge and music theory and improvisation as it relates to the guitar. This class will work from tablature, chord charts, elements of standard music notation (for rhythm) as well as learning by ear.Acoustic Guitars (steel and nylon string) are preferred for this class.Ages: Adults, Older Teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests (pop, rock, jazz, Latin, classical, etc.) Instructor: Scott O’Day Prerequisites: 2 years of instrument study. Knowledge of chords including some bar chords, willingness to read tablature, chord charts, and rhythms from standard music notation.Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition.Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.