CMC offers group music opportunities for kids of all ages, from babies and toddlers to teens. All classes are offered on a sliding scale, and our Children’s Chorus and Teen Jazz Orchestra are tuition-free. Private music lessons are also available on over 30 instruments.
We are open for in-person learning and continue to offer online lessons and classes.
Online classes and ensembles are labeled in the descriptions with the symbol:
Online Class 💻
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, showtunes, originals
Prerequisites: A strong desire to sing and families committed to supporting their children’s experience
Class size: Maximum 25 students
Location, Days and Times: Mission District Branch, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00–5:30pm
Instructors: Beth Wilmurt, Director
Tuition: None. $47 annual registration fee.
Class does not meet during the summer
Sign Up
You can also speak to the instructor on the first day of class.
This outdoor class has both drop-in and series enrollment options! This family-friendly bilingual music class introduces babies and toddlers to Spanish and music through singing and musical play. Parents and caregivers join their children to sing the songs from Mexico and other parts of Latin America, as well as Spanish language translations of well loved English language children’s songs. The teacher will model movements and the use of percussion instruments to enable children and their families to interact using instruments and toys available in their own homes, and will lead musical games using appropriate props such as stuffed animals and puppets. Guest musicians may accompany the teacher on a variety of instruments. Prior knowledge of Spanish is not necessary. More than one adult can attend with a registered child. Class is held in Spanish and English.
Ages: Children 0–4 years
Musical Styles: Music of Latin America
Prerequisites: None.
Class size: 4–6 families
Locations, Days and Times:
Acción Latina, 2958 24th St, San Francisco, 94110; Wednesdays, 9:00–9:45am*
Instructor: Susan Peña
Tuition: $25 single class drop-in, $286 for full fall series (14 weeks), 20% sibling discount
Early Bird Discount: save $57 on the full series when you sign up by September 7, 2022
*This class has been cancelled for Fall Quarter 2022
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. Practicing at home will be necessary for the best experience.
It is highly recommended that children enroll during the Fall Quarter. Each quarter will have a different focus and will build on the prior quarter’s content. Fall Quarter will focus on melody and rhythm, Winter Quarter on chords and songs, and Spring Quarter on reading music.
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: Erik Pearson
Tuition: $429 Fall (14 weeks), $367 Winter (12 weeks), $306 Spring (10 weeks), $245 Summer (8 weeks)
*This class will not meet Winter Quarter 2023
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
This group class teaches kids musical skills through rhythm games, singing, creative movement, dancing, musical play, and the use of instruments. These music lessons give fun, positive, and successful musical experiences to children, inspiring a lifelong love of music.
Children are introduced to the musical instruments of the symphony orchestras (percussion, brass, strings, and woodwinds) and other musical traditions, while experimenting with how the instruments make the sounds that become music. Together with the experience of making music, dancing and singing, your child will learn some basic musical vocabulary and concepts: tone, rhythm, (beat, tempo).
Music for Children teaches important musical skills in a supportive group environment, easing the way to success in private music lessons.
Ages: Children ages 4–7
Instrument: Orff instruments, such as xylophones, unpitched percussion, and hand drums (provided), voice
Prerequisites: None.
Class size: 5–8 students
Locations, Days and Times:
Mission District Branch:
Wednesdays, 3:00–3:45pm for ages 4–5
Wednesdays, 3:45–4:30pm for ages 6–7
Richmond District Branch:
Saturdays, 9:30am–10:15am for ages 4–7
Saturdays, 10:30am–11:15am for ages 4–7
Saturdays, 11:30am–12:15pm for ages 4–7
Instructors:
Mission District Branch: Irene Chagall
Richmond District Branch: Diane Aurelius
Tuition: $429 Fall (14 weeks), $367 Winter (12 weeks), $306 Spring (10 weeks), $245 Summer (8 weeks)
For enrollment at the Richmond District Branch, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team.
For enrollment at the Mission District Branch, use the form below:
Sign Up (Mission Branch)
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 two 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. Each quarter, performers are invited to participate in a group recital.
We welcome pianists and often have ensembles of Four-Hand Piano Duos. Intermediate and advanced piano students may connect through the chamber music program to play and receive coaching on classical duets. Four-hand piano is a fun way to apply what you’ve learned and pick up new skills that can introduce you to chamber music with strings and winds. This is a great opportunity to create lasting friendships as well as great performing groups! Preformed groups are highly encouraged! Ensembles who would like to perform will be encouraged to sign up for a regular CMC recital.
Ages: All ages
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: 2-5 students
Locations, Days and Times: Mission District Branch OR Richmond District Branch. One-hour chamber music rehearsal will be organized within designated Chamber music time (Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00pm or Fridays, 6:00 –7:00pm at the Mission District Branch) or scheduled according to mutual agreement if possible.
Instructors: Carly Scena, Jennifer Peringer, Michaela Overall, Erik Andersen, Lilia Zheltova, Katrina Wreede, others TBA
Tuition: $615 Fall (14 weeks), $527 Winter (12 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks), $351 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
Teen Jazz Orchestra is an ensemble dedicated to performing the music of Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Count Basie, various other composers, and original compositions. The orchestra is led by composer, bassist, and teacher Marcus Shelby. Each class will include a discussion about the history of the music, development of the blues, theory, listening sessions, video, learning about key characters, and imagining the possibilities of the music.
Ages: Teens
Instruments: Instrumentation includes (but is not limited to) alto sax, tenor sax, clarinet, baritone sax, trombone, trumpet, piano, bass, drums, guitar, violin, and vocals
Musical Styles: Jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, Latin jazz
Prerequisites: Strong interest, proficiency on an instrument, basic music reading skills, or instructor’s consent. Make an appointment to register or speak to the instructor on your first day of class.
Class size: 15-20 students
Location, Day and Time: Mission District Branch, Tuesdays, 4:15–6:15pm. Class does not meet during summer.
Instructor: Marcus Shelby
Tuition: No tuition or registration fee.
For enrollment, please make an appointment with CMC’s registration team or speak to the instructor on your first day of class.
This class covers the basics of how to play ukulele in a fun group class environment. Though the class is aimed at beginners, all levels are welcome! Learn chords, songs, various strums, picking patterns, and playing in rhythm while singing along. You will also learn other useful skills like how to change the key of a song and playing together as a group.
Ages: Adults and kids (elementary, middle, high school)
Instruments: Ukuleles
Musical Styles: Various and responsive to student interest
Class size: 2–12 students
Prerequisites: No experience is necessary.
Location, Day and Time: Saturdays, 3:30–5:00pm*
Instructor: Sandy Brassard
Tuition: $440 Fall (10 weeks), $527 Winter (12 weeks), $439 Spring (10 weeks), $351 Summer (8 weeks)
Students enrolled in private lessons at CMC receive 50% discount.
*This class will not run Fall Quarter 2022
