CMC developed our Older Adult Choir Program to provide the many personal, social, artistic, and quality of life benefits that musical activity can bring to older adults. Learn more about our program’s partners, history, and successes by visiting Community Partnerships.
The program has grown as choirs have cycled out of the Community of Voices research study led by UCSF in partnership with CMC and DAS. For information on the study click HERE. To download the Program Manual for organizing an older adult choir program, visit the UCSF Community of Voices Program Manual. More information may be found in this article published in the Grantmakers in the Arts Reader.
The following tuition-free choirs are designed specifically for older adults (ages 60 and above) and/or persons 18 years of age or older with a disability. CMC also welcomes older adults in all of its classes and private lessons.
Community Music Center offers our Older Adult Choir program in partnership with 12 Department of Aging and Adult Services senior centers across San Francisco. Get a glimpse of it in this 5-minute video by Nina Goodby.
A 10-minute version is available in CMC’s Photo and Video Gallery.
Read the feature on CMC’s Older Adult Choir Program in the Coalition of Agencies that Serve the Elderly (CASE) Pivot Report, showcasing our successful adaptation of programming in response to the challenges of COVID-19.
For more information about Older Adult Choirs, Contact Coordinator Tim Costigan at (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
CMC Grievance Policy (PDF)
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 💻
CMC and our partners prioritize the health and safety of students, faculty, and community members. We continue to closely monitor guidelines from the CDC and local public health officials. Please note that these classes are subject to change between in-person and online due to partner facility policies and public health updates. Updates for individual choirs will be listed online, and communicated to participants by staff and faculty.
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities (a.k.a. “Coro de la 30”) is a collaboration between Community Music Center and the 30th Street Senior Center. The choir sings in Spanish, English and Tagalog and the class is taught bilingually in Spanish and English. Choir members rehearse weekly, help organize rehearsals and performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Popular and folk music from Latin America, the US and the Philippines.
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent. All students must be willing to sing in three languages.
Class Size: 40 singers
Location, Day and Time: 30th Street Senior Center, 225 30th Street; Tuesdays, 9:45–11:45am* Choir does not meet during summer.
Instructors: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, director; Jennifer Peringer, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and San Francisco Senior Center at Aquatic Park Center. The choir sings show tunes, jazz, Americana and folk songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Show tunes, jazz, Americana, folk
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 35 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Aquatic Park Center, 890 Beach Street, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Thursdays, 1:00–2:30pm
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, director; Sharon Wayne, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and the Bayanihan Equity Center. The choir sings songs in Tagalog, as well as other languages. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Songs in Tagalog and other languages
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission is with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 15 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Bayanihan Equity Center, 1010 Mission Street, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Wednesdays, 2:00–3:30 pm
Instructors: Robin Estrada, director and accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center. The choir sings show tunes and oldies. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults age of 60 and above and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Show tunes and oldies
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent. Must be a resident of San Francisco to join.
Class Size: 40 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center, 515 Cortland Ave, San Francisco (remote participation is also available)
Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30pm
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, director; Sharon Wayne, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Castro Senior Center. The choir sings show tunes and oldies. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults age 60 and above and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Show tunes and oldies
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 40 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Castro Senior Center, 110 Diamond Street, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Thursdays, 1:00–2:30pm
Instructors: Robin Estrada, director and accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Downtown Senior Center. The choir sings gospel, jazz and popular songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults age 60 and above and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: gospel, jazz, and popular music
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 25 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Downtown Senior Center, 481 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco
Wednesdays, 2:15–3:45pm
Choir does not meet Summer Quarter.
Instructors: Rita Lackey, director and accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and I.T. Bookman Community Center. The choir sings gospel, jazz and popular songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Gospel, jazz and popular music
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission is with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 25 singers
Location, Day and Time:
I.T. Bookman Community Center, 446 Randolph Street San Francisco
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30am
Choir does not meet Summer Quarter.
Instructors: Rita Lackey, director and accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Catholic Charities-OMI Senior Center. The choir sings show tunes, jazz, Americana and folk songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Show tunes, jazz, Americana, folk
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 35 singers
Location, Day and Time:
OMI Senior Center, 65 Beverly St, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Fridays, 12:30–2:00pm
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, director; Sharon Wayne, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Openhouse, whose mission is to enable San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ+ seniors to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing housing, direct services and community programs. The choir sings an evolving variety of styles including popular songs, show tunes, cabaret, jazz, and traditional choral arrangements. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults age 60 and above and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: popular songs, show tunes, cabaret, jazz, and traditional choral arrangements
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 25 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Openhouse, 75 Laguna Street, San Francisco
Tuesdays, 11:00am–12:30pm
Choir does not meet Summer Quarter.
Instructors: Jessalynn Levine, director; Reuben Zellman, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
The choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center, the Richmond Neighborhood Center, and the Richmond Senior Center. The choir sings show tunes, jazz, Americana and folk songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Show tunes, jazz, Americana, folk
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 35 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Richmond Neighborhood Center, 741 30th Avenue, San Francisco;
Tuesdays, 10:15–11:45am(remote participation is also available)
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, director; Sharon Wayne, accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and the Mission Neighborhood Center. The choir sings songs in Spanish from Latin America and the class is taught bilingually in Spanish and English. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Songs in Spanish from Mexico and Latin America. El coro canta canciones latinoamericanas en español.
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent. Non-Spanish speakers are welcome but all
students must be willing to sing in Spanish.
Class Size: 50 singers
Location, Day and Time: Mission Neighborhood Center, 362 Capp Street (between 18th and 19th Streets); (remote participation is also available)
Fridays, 1:00–3:00pm
Instructors: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, director; Jennifer Peringer, accordion
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
Choir does not meet during summer quarter
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Felton/Family Service Agency. The choir sings gospel, jazz and popular songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Gospel, jazz and popular music
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission is with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 40 singers
Location, Day and Time:
The Village, 1099 Sunnydale Ave, San Francisco
Thursdays, 12:30–2:00 pm
Choir does not meet Summer Quarter.
Instructors: Rita Lackey, director and accompanist
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and the Bayview Hunterspoint Multipurpose Senior Services and Western Addition Senior Center. The choir sings gospel, jazz and popular songs. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Gospel, jazz and popular music
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission is with instructor’s consent.
Class Size: 15 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Jones United Methodist Church, 1975 Post Street, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Wednesdays 10:30am–12:00pm *This class will meet online until September 14
Choir does not meet during summer
Instructors: Maestro Curtis and Nola Curtis, co-directors
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
In-person with Zoom participation available
This choir for older adults and adults with disabilities is a collaboration between Community Music Center and Centro Latino de San Francisco Community Center. The choir sings songs in Spanish from Latin America and the class is taught bilingually in Spanish and English. Choir members practice, sing, help organize performances, and perform in the community.
Ages: Older adults (age 60 and above) and adults with disabilities
Musical Styles: Songs in Spanish from Mexico and Latin America, and songs in other languages from around the world. El coro canta principalmente canciones latinoamericanas en español.
Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Admission with instructor’s consent. Non-Spanish speakers are welcome but all
students must be willing to sing in Spanish.
Class Size: 25 singers
Location, Day and Time:
Centro Latino de San Francisco, 1656 15th Street, San Francisco (remote participation also available)
Thursdays, 1:30–3:00pm
Instructors: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, director; Jennifer Peringer, accordion
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
How to join: Contact the Older Adult Choir Coordinator for more registration information: (415) 647-6015 x 181 or email tcostigan@sfcmc.org
