We are open for in-person learning and continue to offer online lessons and classes.
Online classes and ensembles are labeled in the descriptions with the symbol:
Online Class 💻
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
Prerequisites: None
Class size: 5–15 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 5:15–6:15pm
Instructor: Ellen Robinson
Tuition: $575 Fall (14 weeks), $575 Winter (14 weeks), $328 Spring (8 weeks), $328 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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Intermediate/Advanced Vocal Ensemble
For vocalists who love to harmonize in a wide variety of musical styles such as jazz, Broadway, pop and R&B. 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. Admission with instructors consent.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges, especially baritone and tenor
Musical Styles: Jazz, Broadway, a cappella, pop
Prerequisites: Some music reading skills. The ability to sing in tune and hold your own while singing in three and four part harmony. Previous choral experience is a plus. Audition with the instructor is required. Please contact Ellen Robinson at: ellen@ellenrobinson.com
Class size: 15–30 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Thursdays, 6:30-8:00pm
Instructor: Ellen Robinson
Tuition: $575 Fall (14 weeks), $575 Winter (14 weeks), $328 Spring (8 weeks), $328 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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In-person class with online participation via Zoom available 💻
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.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
Musical Styles: All styles are welcome
Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize music and text
Class Size: 4–10 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Mondays, 7:45–9:15 pm *This class is expected to be hybrid Fall Quarter 2023, with some online and some in-person weeks. More details TBA.
Instructor: Michael Mohammed
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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“Never, ever feel embarrassed or discomforted by a melody that people can remember or whistle.” — French composer Darius Milhaud to the young student Burt Bacharach at Music of the West, Santa Barbara, CA.
This is a workshop class in which students learn songs written by Burt Bacharach and his lyric collaborators. The instructor will share vocal technique and include information on stage presence and appropriate song keys. Students are welcome to bring their favorite Bacharach songs (recordings, sheet music, lyrics) in addition to the songs suggested. Students will have the opportunity to sing solo and/or to do background vocals. This class typically performs at quarter-end recitals.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
Musical Styles: Pop
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 in an ensemble.
Class Size: 4–6 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Thursdays, 12:30–2:00 pm
Instructor: Clif Payne
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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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.
Class Size: 8–20 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Thursdays, 6:30–8:00pm*
Instructor: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, Director; Michaela Overall, Accompanist
Tuition: $575 Fall (14 weeks), $575 Winter (14 weeks), $328 Spring (8 weeks), $328 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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“Soul music is about longevity and reaching and touching people on a human level.” —Jill Scott
This is a workshop-style class in which students learn classic Soul/R&B songs as both soloists and background singers. Repertoire will include music from the 1959–1978, such as Motown (pop-flavored soul), Stax (Southern soul/blues), and Philadelphia “Philly” Soul (lavish orchestral R&B). Students will learn proper vocal technique, stage presence, performance, and interpretation. The instructor will also help students find the appropriate keys for their songs. Students are welcome to bring their favorite R&B songs to sing using accompaniment recordings. Students will have the opportunity to sing solo and/or to do background vocals. This class typically performs at quarter end recitals.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
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.
Class Size: 4–10 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Saturdays, 10:30 am–12:00 pm
Instructor: Clif Payne
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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“The only thing better than singing is more singing!”—Ella Fitzgerald
Come join us for an uplifting fun and creative experience! The R&B Choir will offer a variety of styles including jazz and gospel music. Sing songs from the Motown and classic soul songbook that will inspire you. The class will also focus on how to sing in harmony or as a soloist. Develop a more powerful way of using your voice through breathing techniques and specific vocal exercises. Students are encouraged to bring in songs you are interested in singing. Instructor will provide accompaniment or students can bring their own recordings.
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
Musical Styles: R&B, jazz, gospel & more
Prerequisites: The ability to read music is not necessary but a plus. Students should have the ability to match pitch and sing in tune. If you enjoy singing and want to learn more, this is the class for you!
Class Size: 8–10 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Wednesday, 6:30–8:00 pm*
Instructor: Rita Lackey
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
*This class will not run Fall Quarter 2023
We are all capable of singing and harmonizing together! If you can talk you can learn to sing. Learn basic singing techniques and how to harmonize with others. This class will offer ear training, singing techniques, singing simple to complex harmonies, including understanding consecutive seconds and diminished chordal singing. The Vocal Harmony Workshop will focus on American roots music: field songs, spiritual hymnal singing, barbershop, blues, so-called jazz, gospel, R&B, and other styles and historical context for group vocal development. This class is meant to inspire beginners, develop their musical ear, to discover their natural-born vocal abilities, and to encourage more experienced singers to continue developing their skills. Come with a mindset for fun and inclusion to learn!
Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)
Instrument: Voices of all ranges
Musical Styles: All styles
Prerequisites: Open and teachable spirit
Class Size: 6–14 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Tuesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm
Instructor: Maestro Curtis and Nola Curtis
Tuition: $652 Fall (14 weeks), $652 Winter (14 weeks), $372 Spring (8 weeks), $372 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
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If you’d like to be matched with other students in a small vocal ensemble or receive coaching for an existing group, please fill out a Chamber Music Inquiry Form.
