CMSS — About Us

Programs at CMSS
Founded in 1983, the Community Music School of Springfield is dedicated to making high quality music instruction, participation and exposure accessible and affordable to all people of greater Springfield. From harp to Hip Hop, CMSS provides music education for every age from babies to senior adults, with an emphasis on children. Some 80% of students are between the ages of 7 and 18, although the curriculum features introductory programs for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, as well as for adults of all ages and abilities. The Registrar can describe in detail program offerings and fees.

Instruction
Instruction is available on more than 30 instruments, in a variety of styles including European classical, jazz, popular American, Latin and gospel, to persons of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities/disabilities, and talents in an atmosphere that respects and promotes multi-culturalism and diversity. Music therapy is also an important program at CMSS.

Private and group lessons are available Mondays through Saturdays, with after school and evening hours especially popular for busy families. Instruction is available year-round on most instruments, with additional special program offerings during the summer.

Ensembles are an important aspect of music training at CMSS. Students who wish to participate are placed in trios and quartets that allow them the fun of playing music together and challenging themselves as musicians.

Divisions
CMSS operates two divisions: its primary division at its State Street home in downtown Springfield where nearly 800 students study music each week, and its community partnership division that provides arts programming in a variety of settings that include more than1200 students in early childhood centers, housing complexes, after school programs, alternative high schools, and secure treatment facilities for juvenile offenders.

Concerts and Recitals
One of the elements that distinguishes CMSS from private studio study is a rigorous schedule of performance opportunities that represent an essential component of a student's musical growth. Students participate in numerous recitals throughout the year and are encouraged to attend each other's. Teachers prepare students for performances and work with the students until he/she feels ready to perform.

Master Classes bring renowned musicians to the School to instruct and critique student performances. The Westfield Bank Master Class series will feature artists on many instruments over the next two years.

Concerto Grosso. A very special annual event in which students participate in a day-long performance at Barnes & Noble, securing sponsors and raising essential funds for the Financial Aid program. The event celebrates the students' talents and highlights CMSS for the general public.

Jazz Jams. Once each month the TD Banknorth Jazz Jam Series invites the public to enjoy a free jazz concert either as a member of the audience or a performer. The first Thursday of each month a featured artist appears with the CMSS House Band, followed by the opportunity for musicians of all ages to join in the music making. The Jazz Jams are also funded by the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Celebrate Women in Music Concert. An annual free event that honors the memory of Ruth Kemper, a community music school pioneer, celebrates the contributions of women musicians and composers. The concert is held in March in recognition of Women's History Month.

Faculty Concerts. Students and faculty playing together provides a great learning experience. At times through the year, faculty and student groups, or faculty soloists, perform in benefit events.

Faculty
Students are carefully matched with faculty and courses that meet their musical interests, learning styles and goals. The faculty of more than 65 men and women bring formal credentials from many of the most distinguished training academies in America and Europe, as well as professional experience with renowned artists in a variety of styles. Each teacher is both a talented professional musician and an educator who is committed to making the student's learning experience positive. TO FACULTY BIOS.

Financial Aid
True to its mission to make music instruction, participation and exposure accessible and affordable, CMSS has distributed more than one million dollars in financial aid since its founding. Financial aid funds are raised through the generosity of individuals and area businesses, as well from foundations and government agencies. Advanced students may also audition for one of several tuition-free ensembles among the ensemble offerings.

Funding
CMSS is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, the Springfield Cultural Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, a number of private foundations and the generosity of the community. An array of special events and fund-raising activities throughout the year provides essential operating and scholarship support. CMSS is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield's Business Improvement District.

In 2003 CMSS received a Wallace Foundation award to expand its "Prelude: An Early Childhood Teacher Training" ™ to increase community arts participation. This program is also funded by Mass Mutual Financial Group, the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, and other private funders.

About CMSS