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!

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, Karlson Can, 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.

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!

Delight in Playing Chamber Music with Others Spend the summer playing in supportive and collaborative small ensembles, coached daily by experienced CMC faculty. Students also participate in master classes, learn ensemble and rehearsal skills, and practice in independent chamber music rehearsals. An informal recital will be presented at the end of camp. Pre-formed groups as well as individuals are encouraged to apply. Individuals will be placed in an ensemble based on skill level and instrumentation available. Groups will be finalized and music sent out one month prior to our start date. Ages: 12–18 Instruments: Piano, Strings, Woodwinds and Brass Styles of music studied: Classical Prerequisites: Minimum three years of private lessons on an instrument. Audition Process: As part of the application, you will need to submit a pre-recorded audio or video placement audition recording in which you perform two contrasting pieces: one slow and one fast; and a two-octave scale in the key of your choice. You may record everything in one take or make a separate recording for each piece and scale. Camp size: A maximum of 20 students Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, June 22–26, 2026; 9:00am–12:30pm Instructors: Matylda Rotkiewicz, Co-Director; Angie Zheng, Co-Director Tuition: $450 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $495 after February 28, 2025. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the Chamber Camp Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online. Upon submission of your camp application, please upload your audition video. Directions on the submission of your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name. Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your application to hold your spot and request an audition. In the event that your child is not accepted into camp, a full refund including the deposit will be made. For students who are accepted to camp, this deposit is non-refundableIf you do not pay for the entire camp tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 9, 2026.Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 9, 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 9, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 9, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable.To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 9, 2026 for CMC Chamber Camp, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of campers attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 9, 2026. Send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

JAZZ INTENSIVE SUMMER 2026 Hone your improvisation skills, expand your repertoire, and have fun jamming with your fellow musicians! This intensive will focus on small group playing and improvisation. Students will have the opportunity to learn from CMC faculty through masterclasses, guided listening, small group rehearsal and performance, and jam sessions. By popular demand from last year’s intensive, more hours of playing and master classes are included in this year’s workshop. 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, preliminary knowledge of basic jazz chords, i.e. major, minor, diminished, half-diminished, and augmented and prior experience in improvisation. Admission with instructor’s consent. Students will be asked to audition, by submitting a video (or audio recording) in which you play a jazz standard or blues, playing the melody, improvising over the form of the tune and then playing the melody. If you are a drummer or bassist, please play time for the form of the melody, improvise for a chorus and then play time for the melody. If you have a recording of yourself from a recent performance, please feel free to share that in lieu of a new recording. Some workshop groups will receive music in advance, more advanced students will not receive music in advance. Please mark in your questionnaire if you would like to receive music in advance. Workshop Size: maximum of 20 participants Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, July 31, August 1, August 2 Friday, July 31 6- 8pm, Saturday and Sunday August 1, August 2 10 - 5pm Instructors: Charlie Gurke, Camp Co-Director, Erick Peralta Co-Director, Other faculty tbc Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the CMC Summer Jazz Intensive Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to make your deposit online. Directions on how to upload your video audition will be shared upon the completion of your camp questionnaire in a confirmation email. Please be sure to title your video with your first and last name. Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Tuition: $525 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available.Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If you do not pay for the entire workshop tuition at registration, the remainder of your fee will be due by May 23, 2026. Outstanding balances will be automatically charged on May 23, 2026 to the stored account added during registration. If you wish to pay using a different payment method, please make the payment before the pay-in-full date.  If you would like to change your payment method, please contact us. Registrations not paid in full by May 23, 2026 may be canceled and the spot opened to our waitlist.  Registrations after May 23, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration and are nonrefundable. To apply for tuition assistance, please submit a Tuition Assistance Application Form and accompanying documents. The application deadline is May 23, 2026, but we recommend applying early to ensure placement. Because camp is designed around the exact number of participants attending, we are unable to issue refunds after May 23, 2026. Prior to the May 23, deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

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!

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 is an introduction to some of the basic elements of jazz, including: chords and chord symbols, lead sheet notation, typical chord progressions, melodic construction, forms, and improvisation using scales, modes and other devices. The class will culminate in the composition of a song in the jazz standard style. Ages: Teens, adults Instruments: Any (none used in class) Prerequisites: Familiarity with an intermediate level of music theory and notation including knowledge of treble/bass clefs, time signatures, major & minor scales, key signatures, basic intervals, and navigating a piano/keyboard at an elementary level. Students are welcome to communicate with Jono with questions or to share their prior experience. Instructors: Jono Kornfeld There is no required text for this class. Handouts and online links will be provided. There will be weekly reading and written assignments. Music Theory classes rotate on a quarterly basis. We encourage students to check back each quarter for updated opportunities. Previous/common class offerings include: Introduction to Jazz Theory; Introduction to Music Notation and Reading; Listening to Funk and Blues; Long, Strange Day Trippers: Music Theory of the Beatles and Grateful Dead; Music Theory I–IV; Modern Western Music Survey; Rock Music of the ’60s and ’70s Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on group class tuition. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.

Learn how to execute arrangements and improvise in a small jazz ensemble setting. Students will share improvisation concepts, improve solos, explore group dynamics, and sound quality. Players will be strongly encouraged to write original tunes, and there will be various performance opportunities throughout the year. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Musical Styles: Jazz standards, blues, Latin jazz, originals Prerequisites: For intermediate to advanced students Instructor: Max Miller-Loran Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition.Online enrollment for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started! Additional Information:

Blending Traditional Jazz with Romani Musical influenceExplore the vibrant tradition of jazz manouche (also known as gypsy jazz) in this ensemble focused on the swing, rich harmonies, and virtuosic improvisation pioneered by Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli. Students will develop ensemble skills through learning classic repertoire. Through the repertoire, students will learn different styles of rumba, musette (waltz rhythm), bossa and the classic la pompe (swing style). Led by Javi Jiménez, Musical Director of the touring ensemble Barrio Manouche, students will learn various rhythm s related to each style and song melodies within the context of traditional and contemporary approaches. Additionally the class will work on improvisation vocabulary with ornamentations within the style. Students will alternate leading pieces, to develop musical leadership skills. This class will culminate in a quarter-end performance. Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar (electric or acoustic), Bass (electric or acoustic), Violin, Accordion, Winds (flute, clarinet, saxophone), Brass (trumpet, trombone) Musical Styles: Jazz Manouche Instructor: Javi Jiménez Prerequisites: intermediate to advanced playing ability. Students should have knowledge of major and minor chords, play rhythm, and some experience with jazz or improvisation is recommended. Class Size: 4-6 studentsStudents 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 ensemble, students will learn and apply instrument-appropriate roles, to perform and improvise within a Latin jazz context, drawing from traditions from the Caribbean and Latin America. Students will gain experience in interpreting traditional and contemporary Latin jazz repertoire that draws from son, guaracha, cha-cha-cha, mambo, bembe from Cuba, bomba, plena, jibaro from Puerto Rico, samba, partido alto, choro from Brazil, and more. The class will examine stylistic considerations during performance, aspects of improvisation, and essential skills to perform well with others in any ensemble setting.Level I - Thursdays 6:30-8:00 PMLevel II - Thursdays 8:15-9:45 PM Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Woodwinds, brass, strings, and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Instructor: Erick Peralta Prerequisites: Instructor consent; proficiency on an instrument; knowledge of major scales/diatonic chords; previous experience with jazz/ improvisation. Students must submit an audio or video recording of a playing sample of the following pieces (charts provided):Level I - "Mambo Inn" (BPM 190-210) or "Picadillo" (BPM 182-198). Include melody, and 1 chorus of improvisation.Level II - "Angelica" (BPM 176-184) or "Dinga, Dongo, Dunga" (BPM 194-222). Include melody, and 1 chorus of improvisation. Download music hereStudents 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!

The tuition-free Mission District Young Musicians Program (MDYMP) offers a comprehensive music education with a focus on Latin music. It primarily serves Latino youth from the Mission District who are nominated by their public school music teachers, CMC teachers, and community organizations. The curriculum focuses on music of Latin America and is taught by bilingual (Spanish/English) instructors. Group classes take place at CMC's Mission District Branch each Saturday and private lessons can take place at either CMC branch. Students perform in December and June, and will have additional performance opportunities off-site. Classes do not meet during the summer. Ages:12-18 Instruments: All and voice Musical Styles: Latin (traditional and popular) Prerequisites: Minimum two years playing an instrument or singing and an audition to enter... Students nominated by their public school teacher must remain in their school music programs during the program to qualify. Students nominated by their CMC teacher must stay in their private lessons at CMC to qualify. Admission is based on both need and merit. Class size: 25 students working in smaller groups Location, Days and Times:Private lessons: CMC’s Mission or Richmond District BranchGroup class: CMC’s Mission District Branch, Saturdays from 10:00am-12:00pmInstructors: Chantel Hernandez (Coordinator), Charlie Gurke, Erick Peralta, Juan Ceballos, Nena Aldaz,Tregar OttonHow to apply: Scholarships available with recommendation from the student’s school music teacher, community organization, or CMC private teacher plus audition during the spring or early fall.For more information or to make a nomination contact: MDYMP Coordinator Chantel Hernandez at chernandez@sfcmc.orgProgram Director Sylvia Sherman at ssherman@sfcmc.org.

New Voices Bay Area TIGQ Chorus is a mixed-voice choral ensemble for singers who self-identify as transgender, intersex, or gender-queer (TIGQ). Our goal is to build a creative, empowered, joyful space for our TIGQ community, to encourage voices that have been silenced or shamed to grow and be heard, and to change how the world thinks about gender identity and music. Made up of singers from beginners to professionals, the chorus learns and performs great music of many styles and traditions, builds strong connections, and lifts up our community’s strength and struggle through choral singing. NVBA debuted in 2018 at SF Trans Day of Remembrance, and has since sung at the Fresh Meat Festival, the National AIDS Memorial, Grace Cathedral and the Billboard Music Awards. Featured on NPR and in the SF Chronicle, the chorus continues to welcome new TIGQ singers, without audition. Join us! The Chorus Director is Spanish/English bilingual.This Spring NVBA is excited to partner with 21V choir for the Transgender Youth Choir Project! This tuition-free, 5-week program for transgender and gender-expansive youth ages 14-22 provides a unique opportunity to create an affirming and joyful space to explore vibrant 21st century music of the Americas, collaborating directly with the New Voices Bay Area Transgender Intersex & Genderqueer Chorus (an adult transgender community chorus) and 21V (a professional gender-inclusive treble chorus). The program will culminate in a joint concert at CMC in April 2026 featuring the world premiere of a new work by Bay Area trans composer and CMC Faculty Robin Estrada, specifically commissioned for this project. Rehearsals begin in March. How to participate in the TYCP: Trans and gender-expansive young singers ages 14-22, or anyone who identifies outside the gender binary are invited to participate. If you're just outside the 14-22 age range but feels this program is a good fit, reach out! Prior experience in choral singing—such as school or community choir, voice lessons, or other ensemble music—is encouraged but not required. We welcome participants at all levels who are passionate, enthusiastic, and ready to learn. Interested singers can fill out the interest form and read FAQs here The deadline to submit an interest form is January 31, 2026. Ages: 16 and up Instruments: Voices of all ranges Musical Styles: A wide range of choral repertoire, per the interests and abilities of the participants, the vision of the director, and available opportunities for performance. Prerequisites: No prior singing experience is needed. Instructor: Reuben Zellman and Jessalynn Levine Tuition for this chorus is fully covered by a scholarship grant, making it free to students. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Contact Form to get started!

Saturday Play! (Youth Latin Music Program) offers a comprehensive music education with a focus on Latin music. The curriculum focuses on music of Latin America and is taught by bilingual (Spanish/English) instructors. Group classes take place at CMC's Mission District Branch. Students perform in December and June, and will have additional performance opportunities off-site. Classes do not meet during the summer.Saturday Play students will study alongside students from CMC’s esteemed Mission District Young Musicians Program.Ages: 12-18 Instruments: All and voice Musical Styles: Latin(traditional and popular) Prerequisites: Minimum two years playing an instrument or singing. Class size: 25 students working in smaller groups Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Saturdays from 10:00am-12:00pm Instructors: Chantel Hernandez (Coordinator), Nena Aldaz, Charlie Gurke, Tregar Otton, Erick Peralta, Juan Ceballos Tuition: $1168 annual tuition divided into quarterly installmentsHow to Apply: Fill out a Saturday Play Latin Music Inquiry Form. For more information, please contact MDYMP Coordinator, Chantel Hernandez, at chernandez@sfcmc.org

Saturday Play! Youth Music Program:CMC offers comprehensive music education opportunities for young people on Saturdays. In this year-long program, students take both theory and ensemble classes. Group classes explore theory, musicianship, and composition. Ensemble classes may play classical, jazz, Latin and other music forms in orchestra, chamber groups, combos and bands. Students taking these classes will study alongside students from CMC’s esteemed Young Musicians Program.Youth Music Program (Middle School) Ages: 11 - 14 (Grades 6 - 8) Instruments: All Musical Styles: Classical, popular, music theory, composition, musicianship Prerequisites: Minimum of two years playing an instrument; a placement audition is needed prior to registration. Classes do not meet during summer. Class size: Small chamber ensembles to chamber orchestra, 4–15 students per ensembleInstructors: Leo Baluk, Christian Bonvin, Scott Foster, Michael Long, David Steinberg, Ben Snellings, Katrina Wreede (Coordinator), Angie ZhengLocations, Days and Times: CMC’s Mission District Branch, Saturdays, 12:00–2:00pm Students will be placed in one of the three sections of the middle school programs: • Middle School Wind Ensemble and Theory Class • Middle School Orchestra and Theory Class • Middle School Chamber Music and Theory ClassTuition: $1168 annual tuition divided into quarterly installmentsHow to apply: Fill out a YMP Middle School Program Inquiry Form. For more information, contact YMP Coordinator, Katie Wreede at kwreede@sfcmc.orgThis program was made possible, in part, through the support of Associated Chamber Music Players (ACMP), an international service organization supporting chamber music for pleasure. Join ACMP – Membership is free!

Tunes by composers like George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and others have long been a staple of the jazz repertoire. Each quarter we’ll explore works by a different composer, and learn how to interpret these timeless melodies and use their pieces as springboards for improvisation. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Prerequisites: Knowledge of major and minor scales, triads, and seventh chords; and previous experience with jazz improvisation. Instructor: Charlie GurkeStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling. Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Each semester we’ll do a deep dive into a different iconic jazz composer, focusing on works by musicians such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, and more. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Brass, woodwinds, strings and rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums) Prerequisites: Knowledge of major and minor scales, triads, and seventh chords; and previous experience with jazz improvisation. Instructor: Charlie GurkeStudents 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!

Come Sing and Play with the Band! This performance-oriented class is for singers who want to sing with a band and instrumentalists who want ensemble experience in a wide range of American music. This class covers American Music derived from the blues, starting with a deep understanding of the blues that came from spirituals and slave songs and its many variations. Students learn how to sing and play together in a cohesive way that builds instinct, diplomacy, and a sense of community-sharing–the true foundation of ensemble music. Singers will continue to develop storytelling and their use of vocal technique through performance. Instrumentalists will learn the various roles of each instrument in the styles covered and approaches to music arrangement. Repertoire covers music by region, including the sounds of New Orleans (The Meters), Memphis (Stax Records artists), Chicago (Chess Records artists), Detroit (Motown), as well as others, focusing on the unique regional qualities that makes America the “Music Mecca” of the world. Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Voice, Piano, Guitar (electric or acoustic), Bass (electric or acoustic), Winds (flute, clarinet, saxophone), Brass (trumpet, trombone), Drums Musical Styles: All styles Prerequisites: An open mind and teachable spirit. For Vocalists: completion of Vocal Harmony Part I or recommendation by a CMC teacher. For instrumentalists: Music readers are welcome, but it is not a requirement. Knowledge of major and minor scales and chords, basic blues scales, and ability to read and follow chord charts is required. Instructors: Maestro and Nola Curtis Size: 8-12 studentsStudents enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive discount. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.Online signup for this class is unavailable. Submit a Prerequisite Form to get started!

Explore the interpretive skills needed for a singer in a supportive group setting! This class will support you in stylistically interpreting a piece of music through research and study. You will learn the art of expression and stage presence through physicality and character development. Topics and activities for classes include interpreting music and text, developing stage presence, and combating performance anxiety. Students may choose their own music, or the instructor can help you select a repertoire—singers will work primarily on solo pieces in addition to group activities. This masterclass-style workshop is designed for singers who have some experience and training. Perfect for vocalists who want to take their performances to the next level, this course will equip you with the skills to shine on stage. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: Pop, Classical, Rock, Folk, Jazz, Show Tunes, Singer/songwriter, and more Prerequisites: Prior experience with voice lessons or beginning voice class(es) Instructor: Michael Mohammed