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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Explore a standard jazz repertoire in a dynamic, participatory setting. The intermediate 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: 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!

In this ensemble, students will study/perform essential music from the jazz fusion style, from the late 1960s/1970s-onwards. They will explore repertoire by icons such as Chick Corea/Return to Forever, Weather Report, Pat Metheny, John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock and more. The class will examine stylistic considerations, revolving around rock/funk/misc. grooves, open vamps, the extensive use of electronic instruments, performing in odd meters, and structuring/improvising parts within the rhythm section. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students)Instruments: Brass, woodwinds (EWI), strings, rhythm section (drums, keyboard, electric bass, electric guitar, percussion)Prerequisites: Instructor consent, proficiency on an instrument, knowledge of major/minor scales/modesClass Size: 4 - 6 studentsInstructor: Erick Peralta Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC'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!

Explore “Old Time” traditional American music, focusing on tunes from Appalachia: songs that crossed the pond from Ireland and Scotland that mixed with African American influences to become the American traditional music known as Old Time. We will also dive into how to play bluegrass interpretations, solos and backup. Singers, mandolin and bass are also welcome! We’ll be working on tunes from Appalachia, Irish and Scottish folk tunes, and African American traditional music. We will be focusing on Old Time tunes that are also part of the Bluegrass repertory, from standards to rarely played tunes, versions, and regional interpretations. Printed music will be provided. Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, ukulele, voice, bass (upright preferred) Musical Styles: Old Time and Bluegrass Prerequisites: an intermediate level of playing (especially on the fiddle). Basic reading of chord charts and fiddle notation Instructors: Erik Pearson and Tregar Otton. Instructors will alternate weeks and sometimes teach together.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!

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