Group Classes & Ensembles

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.

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: Sandy Brassard 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.

Learn traditional Afro Brazilian rhythms in a unique group setting. You will have a chance to study the techniques that makeup this musical language which has influenced other well known Brazilian musical styles such as samba and samba reggae. While some techniques are similar to that of the conga or djembe, the hand and stick techniques in this tradition will lead you into new sonic territories. This class will introduce you to many duplet and triplet based rhythms along with areas that are a mixture of the two and exist in between common rhythmic divisions. Students will gain insight into how this music fits into the song and dance context and how these elements combine to create a captivating atmosphere which is an essential cultural practice linking West Africa to the Americas. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Musical Styles: All styles are welcome Prerequisites: Students must be prepared to learn and memorize several rhythmic patterns along with several hand and stick techniques Instructor: Robert Lopez Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

An Ensemble Camp for Young Musicians Make great music and new friends at Community Music Center this summer! Camp CMC offers young musicians the chance to play in small and large groups and explore many musical styles such as Latin, jazz, classical, blues, folk, rock, American songbook, and klezmer. Students are grouped into ensembles by instrument and level and learn general musicianship skills with rhythm and pitch games, playing percussion instruments, singing and movement, culminating in a performance at the end of the week. Ages: 9–14 Instruments: All instruments, and voice Styles of music studied: Classical, Latin, jazz, other Prerequisites: Minimum two years of study on an instrument and concurrent enrollment in private lessons (not necessarily at CMC). Vocal students may fulfill the requirement by participating in chorus or glee club. Students will be asked to send a 2–3 minute video of a scale and favorite solo piece to the camp director as a placement audition. Camp size: A maximum of 25 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, June 15–19, 2026, 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Katie Wreede, Director; David Steinberg, Coach additional faculty TBA Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:How to enroll: Please fill out the Camp CMC Questionnaire to submit your information and follow the links to pay your deposit online. The Camp Director will contact you after you submit your application with information about how to prepare and send the 2–3 minute audition video. 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-refundable If 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 all CMC camps, 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. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org. “Performing at the end of camp was fun! I wasn’t nervous because I knew what to do.” —CMC camper

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.

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.

Intro to Piano, Guitar, Songs, and Musical Discovery!These fun camps jumpstart your musical journey, introducing beginners to the joys of music-making, musical concepts and fundamentals of instrument playing in a fun supportive environment. CMC Sparks Camp will give students an introduction to piano and guitar, as well as activities including singing, rhythm and making music together. Using a mix of fun and interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will build confidence and learn to play and sing simple melodies and play music as an ensemble.Ages: 8–12 Prerequisites: No instrumental or vocal experience needed. Camp size: A maximum of 14 students working in large and small ensembles Location, Day and Time: Each session is one week, the same material is offered each week. Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, July 6–10, 2026; 9:00am–3:00pm Mission District Branch; Monday–Friday, July 13–17, 2026; 9:00am–3:00pm Faculty: Sharon Wayne, and Zahra Rothschild Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:Payment:A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If 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, 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. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

Learn how to play and sing traditional Mexican music at CMC’s 2026 Mariachi summer camp! This group is perfect for 9 – 12 year olds who love to sing and wish to learn basic guitar skills within the Mariachi music tradition. For guitar, students will work on several chords and traditional strumming patterns and apply them to Mariachi songs. Singers will work on intonation, pronunciation, and memorization. All students will sing and play guitar. This camp will be taught bi-lingually (Spanish/English) by experienced Mariachi teachers and provide a cultural immersion in the Mariachi tradition. In addition to skills building, and learning songs from the Mariachi music tradition, CMC Sparks Mariachi students will work with CMC Mariachi Camp students in large group musical activities. These include working on rhythms, singing in Spanish, enjoying live performance and culturally relevant arts and crafts activities, and playing music together for the last day of camp performance. Ages: 9 – 12 Instruments: Guitar, Voice Prerequisites: Willingness to sing in Spanish and learn basic guitar skills.Camp size: 15 people Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch: Monday - Friday , June 29 - July 3, 2026, 9:00am - 3:00pm Faculty: Martha Rodríguez-Salazar, director; Zahra Rothschild, Nena Aldaz, coaches Tuition: $520 early bird pricing before February 28, 2026; or $565 after February 28, 2026. Tuition includes a $150 non-refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available. Additional Information:Payment: A $150 non-refundable deposit is due with your registration to hold your spot. If 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, 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. Prior to the May 9 deadline, please send refund requests to ssherman@sfcmc.org.

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!

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 1959–1990s. Students will learn proper vocal technique, stage presence, performance, and interpretation of these universal songs with authentic freedom and spirit. Clif will also help students find the appropriate keys for their songs and utilize their own individual abilities and personality as style enhancers. Students are welcome to bring their favorite Soul/R&B songs to sing using accompaniment recordings. Students will perform in a recital at the end of each quarter. 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 PayneExamples of musical styles and artists covered:1959 Motown Sound – Pop-flavored Soul (Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, Temptations, Four Tops, DeBarge)1959 Stax – Southern Soul Music/Blues (Staple Singers, Carla Thomas, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett)Late 1960s-1970s – Philadelphia “Philly” Soul – Lavish orchestral arrangements (Three Degrees, Jones Girls, Pointer Sisters, Donna Summer, O’Jays, The Spinners)1980s The Minneapolis Sound w/Prince & His Related BandsMichael Jackson, Lionel Richie1990s LAface - Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and othersStudents 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.

This class provides a fun space to learn and improve your skills by working on various songs with different strums and finger picks, while singing and playing at the same time. There are hundreds of tunes to learn at every skill level. This class is for adult students who have learned just a few chords or used to play years ago. We will also cover the basics of reading tablature (TAB). Ages: Adults and older teens (high school students) Instruments: Guitar Musical Styles: Diverse, based on participant interests Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of chords Instructor: Sandy Brassard Size: 4-7 students Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.

This class gives children the opportunity to play together in a fun group while developing their ensemble skills. Using fingerstyle or classical technique, kids will play songs and rounds, and learn to put together melodies and harmonies, bass lines, and chords, all as part of a large ensemble. This class is for students who have some familiarity with notes in the first position and are able to play simple melodies. Musical Styles: Classical, Folk, Pop, and more Ages: 7-10 Prerequisites: Two quarters CMC Sparks guitar classes, CMC Sparks Camp, or two quarters of enrollment in private guitar lessons. Students should be familiar with notes in first position and basic open position chords. Instructor: Sharon Wayne Size: 4–8 students 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!

This exciting program offers young students a chance to explore improvisation, singing and acting together in a fun, supportive environment. Community Music Center is proud to partner with Pacific Singers & Actors Workshop to offer this class. Anyone with curiosity and a willingness to try something new is welcome. Actors, vocalists and instrumentalists and those excited by musical theater are welcome! Ages: 11–14 Instruments: voice - instrumentalists are welcome to bring their instrument. Musical Styles: musical theater Prerequisites: Any 11–14 year old with curiosity and a willingness to try something new is welcome. Instructors: Ruby Day and Curt Branom Tuition: This class has no tuition or registration fee. Class does not run in summer. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.

These classes offer a supportive and fun environment for students to learn guitar fundamentals and begin creating music in folk, pop, and rock styles. This program prepares students for private lessons or for CMC’s popular Rock & Pop Band. Level 1: Students will learn open-position chords, basic melody lines, and songs using the guitar's top three strings notes on the musical staff. This class prepares students for Level 2. Level 2: Students will go deeper into playing melodies, playing strumming patterns over standard chord progressions, and learning rhythms. Prerequisites: Students entering in level 2 must demonstrate an understanding of Major chords in open position; please fill out the prerequisite form to describe the student’s experience. This class prepares students for Guitar Ensemble for Youth: Learning Songs Musical Styles: Folk, rock, pop and world music Class Size: Maximum 5 students Instructor: Dylan DiMartini Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.

These fun group classes will jumpstart your child’s musical journey, introducing beginners to the joys of music-making, musical concepts, and fundamentals of piano playing. Through social, play-centered group lessons, both parents and students will learn to develop their musical abilities, build at-home practice routines, and prepare for their next phase of study, from private lessons to playing with others. Students are highly encouraged to enroll in these classes for consecutive quarters and complete the program to prepare for private lessons or study on another instrument. Level 1: Students will learn proper piano posture and hand position, note names and values in both hands, and simple songs—including "Ode to Joy!" This class prepares students for Level 2. Level 2: Students will learn to read notes and rests on the musical staff, as well as steps and skips in both hands. Level 2 Prerequisites: Students entering Level 2 should be able to complete the Level 1 learning benchmarks above; please complete the prerequisite form to describe the student’s experience. This class prepares students for Level 3Level 3: Students will learn to play bass notes, open chords, and five-finger scales. Level 3 Prerequisites: Students entering in Level 3 should be able to complete Level 2 learning benchmarks above; please fill out the prerequisite form to describe the student’s experience. This class prepares students for private lessons.Ages: Children ages 5–10 Instructors: Zahra Rothschild, Irene Giovannetti, Janis Stuurman Requirements: A piano method book will be a required purchase. All classes use Piano Adventures Primer Level Lesson Book and Piano Adventures Primer Level Theory Book. Students should bring books to their first class. Students ages 5–6 years will require a parent or caregiver to attend each student as a study buddy. Please check the class details to see if this is required for your class. See more piano classes and explore sequential learning opportunities in the CMC Sparks Program here.Please read Community Music Center's registration policies before enrolling.Online registration is not available for all CMC Sparks classes. The available classes are labeled "Register Now."

Designed for the adult beginner, this hands-on class will introduce you to the joy of playing the piano, demystifying musical language and notation into easy-to-understand concepts you can bring to the keyboard right away! Students will focus on building a strong foundation in piano, all in a fun and supportive classroom atmosphere with other beginning students. Concepts addressed in this class will include:Developing physical ease and facility at the piano through basic keyboard techniqueReading and performing musical notation, understanding rhythm and pitchDeveloping the beginning skills needed to play and compose music of all styles, including jazz, classical, and popA piano method book will be used in this class. It is highly recommended to purchase this book to bring to the first class. Supplementary materials will also be used. Level 1: This level focuses on the fundamentals of beginning piano including piano posture, hand position, note names and values in both hands, music notation, chord playing, and musical form This class prepares students for Level 2. Level 2 This level continues with note reading, music theory, and more advanced piano techniques such as chord inversions, new time signatures, 16th-note rhythms, pedaling, and major and minor scales. It also focuses on playing with lead sheets of familiar songs. Prerequisites: Students entering Level 2 should be able to complete the Level 1 learning benchmarks above; please complete the prerequisite form to describe the student’s experience. Level 3 This level continues with more advanced piano techniques, building on the material introduced in Level 2. Prerequisites: Students entering Level 3 should be able to complete the Level 2 learning benchmarks above; please complete the prerequisite form to describe the student’s experience. Ages: Adults, older teens (high school students) Instruments: Piano Class size: 4–6 students Instructors: Irene Giovannetti, Zahra Rothschild, Julia Grizell We recommend that students have a weighted-action keyboard or piano to practice on at home within the first week of study. For recommendations on obtaining an instrument in your area, please feel free to contact our team! CMC students also receive 10 free hours of studio time at CMC each quarter. Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive a discount on class tuition. Please read CMC's registration policies before enrolling.