These step-by-step classes provide progressive opportunities to develop additional skills like learning to play with others in an ensemble, easing young musicians into more advanced playing. These programs will give students the skills and confidence to join other CMC ensemble classes like Rock & Pop Band, Musical Theater for Youth, Chamber Music Ensembles for Youth, and Young Musicians Programs.
The CMC Youth Strings Program gives young musicians ages 6–12 technical skills on their string instrument of choice and an opportunity to play with others in a supportive, fun, social environment.
Beginners enter a year-long (September through May) program in which they will learn the fundamentals on their instrument while playing with others. For those who complete the first year program (or have taken private lessons for a year), they will have an opportunity to join the Sinfonietta ensemble and are encouraged to begin private lessons at that time. For those who complete a year with the Sinfonietta ensemble or have two years of private lessons, they will have the opportunity to join the more advanced Sinfonia ensemble. Stay tuned for more information on Strings Program ensembles as they launch in 2024.
Students learn how to care for, hold and play their instrument with proper form along with music fundamentals in a group setting in this year-long (September–May) program. Both students and parents will learn how to establish a practice routine at home. A class starter kit will be provided to set students up for success, including music and instrument accessories, and parents will receive listening and practicing materials to help with home practice. Students will develop understanding of basic musicianship and technique skills such as note and rhythm reading, different articulations, meter, scales and arpeggios, and beginning songs from diverse cultures. After completing this year-long course, they will be prepared to enter the CMC Sinfonietta Ensemble.
Ages: 6–7
Instruments: violin, viola
Class size: Maximum 6 students
Requirements: Students will need to acquire an instrument of the correct size prior to first class. A parent/guardian is expected to come to the first session for an orientation so they can learn how to support music instruction at home. Learn more about instrument rental at CMC here. Year-long commitment to the program.
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays, 4:15–5:00pm
Instructor: Erik Andersen
Tuition: This is a year-long class, running sequentially for Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, annual commitment is required. Tuition is paid quarterly ($455 Fall, $455 Winter, $260 Spring), plus $100 materials fee for the strings starter pack (see details below).
Violin/Viola starter pack includes:
CMC tote bag
CMC pencil
Method book: Saßmannshaus Book I for violin or viola
Bow practice stick
Bow grip
Cleaning rag
Rosin (in safe hard shell)
Shoulder rest
Folder for music
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Students learn how to care for, hold and play their instrument with proper form along with music fundamentals in a group setting in this year-long (September–May) program. Both students and parents will learn how to establish a practice routine at home. A class starter kit will be provided to set students up for success, including music and instrument accessories, and parents will receive listening and practicing materials to help with home practice. Students will develop understanding of basic musicianship and technique skills such as note and rhythm reading, different articulations, meter, scales and arpeggios, and beginning songs from diverse cultures. After completing this year-long course, they will be prepared to enter the CMC Sinfonietta Ensemble.
Ages: 6–7
Instruments: violin, viola, cello
Class size: Maximum 6 students
Requirements: Students will need to acquire an instrument of the correct size prior to first class. A parent/guardian is expected to come to the first session for an orientation so they can learn how to support music instruction at home. Learn more about instrument rental at CMC here. Year-long commitment to the program.
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays, 5:00–5:45pm
Instructor: Erik Andersen
Tuition: This is a year-long class, running sequentially for Fall, Winter and Spring quarters, annual commitment is required. Tuition is paid quarterly ($455 Fall, $455 Winter, $260 Spring), plus $100 materials fee for the strings starter pack (see details below).
Cello starter pack includes:
CMC tote bag
CMC pencil
Method book: Saßmannshaus Book I for cello
Bow practice stick
Bow grip
Cleaning rag
Rosin (in safe hard shell)
Rockstop
Folder for music
Sign Up
CMC’s group guitar classes introduces young musicians ages 6–12 to fundamental technical and musicianship skills in a supportive, fun, social environment. Students will explore a wide variety of songs and styles together, build good habits, and set themselves up for a lifetime of musical enjoyment.
Youngsters learn guitar through games and music. This class teaches kids easy ways to play rooted in classical guitar technique which is actually easier for smaller hands to grasp! In this class, children will learn healthy ways to support a lifetime of playing, rhythm and melody through using their whole bodies, training for fingers and ears, and playing songs together in a fun and supportive group environment. It is highly encouraged to continue with two more quarters of sequential instruction for continuing students in Winter and Fall Quarters.
Ages: Children ages 6–8
Musical Styles: Songs and rounds from diverse cultural traditions
Class Size: Maximum 5 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Instructor: Sharon Wayne
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks)
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Kids learn to play guitar in a fun and supportive group setting with some of their favorite songs. This hands-on class helps kids play music right away. Students learn rhythm, melody, creating a good tone, and listening so they can play music with others. Kids explore folk, rock, pop, and world music together in a social environment, building confidence along with music basics. It is highly encouraged to continue with two more quarters of sequential instruction for continuing students in Winter and Fall Quarters.
Ages: Children ages 8–12
Musical Styles: Folk, rock, pop and world music
Class Size: Maximum 5 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch. Wednesdays, 4:30–5:30pm
Instructor: Jon Vivian Sharp
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks)
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These fun group classes will jumpstart your musical journey, introducing young beginners to the joys of music-making, musical concepts and fundamentals of piano playing, including technique and musicianship skills. 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.
This class is the perfect introduction to piano and basic musical concepts, including note reading, rhythm, and ear training. Using a mix of fun and interactive exercises, games, and age-appropriate repertoire, students will learn basic keyboard orientation and will be able to play simple melodies. Our group piano classes are excellent preparation for private piano study! The final class of the quarter will be open to family and friends to celebrate students’ accomplishments. It is highly encouraged to continue with two more quarters of sequential instruction for continuing students in Winter and Fall Quarters.
Ages: Children ages 5–6
Requirements: Parents or caregivers are required to attend each 45-minute class. Students should purchase Piano Adventures Primer Level Lesson Book and Piano Adventures Primer Level Theory Book for this class.
Class Size: Maximum 5 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Instructor: Zahra Rothschild
Tuition: $455 Fall (14 weeks), $455 Winter (14 weeks), $260 Spring (8 weeks), $260 Summer (8 weeks)
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