CMSS — Instruction & Programs

PERSONAL APPROACH
The quality of our teaching faculty and diversity of classes are primary reasons students of all ages come to CMSS. We work with each student individually to create the most beneficial and realistic program of study. Students are matched with faculty and courses that meet their musical interests, learning style and musical goals. Private instruction can be combined with ensemble experience, theory and appreciation classes, performance opportunities, and contact with hundreds of other musicians and fans.

Please visit Getting Started with Lessons to view all insruments offered.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
CMSS offers an array of programs for all ages and interests. Early Childhood Programs are available for young children ages 0-18 months and 18 months to 3 years, accompanied by a parent or guardian, which introduce basic music concepts and promote spontanteous family music making. For children ages 3 to 5, classes include a carefully integrated curriculum of music, movement and pretend play. Courses nurture development and learning. For older children, ages 5 to 7, Orff Classes expose children to the the joys of music through listening, singing, movement and playing instruments, and provide a bridge to beginning instrument study. For students already involved in the study of music, Orff classes nurture the development of well-rounded musicianship.

At age 7 students are generally ready to begin the study of an instrument. Our talented faculty of more than 65 musicians and educators offer indivdualized instruction on more than 30 instruments. Group study is also available on an array of instruments. Lessons are available during afternoon and evening hours, as well as on Saturdays. Morning and early afternoon hours are also available.

ENSEMBLES form an important part of the curriculum. A variety of instrumental ensembles offer students the opportunity to learn and grow with other musicians of similar skill levels and interests. Most musicians agree that the real fun and reward of studying an instrument comes with ensemble participation. Performing in an ensemble is also the musical activity musicians name as the most enjoyable and rewarding experience of their musical lives. Ensembles are offered at different levels according to enrollment and interest. Auditions for placement purposes are normally required. Ensemble Coordinator: Becky Eldredge.

CHORUS OPPORTUNITIES
Choruses are among CMSS's most popular and best-known large ensembles. Experienced instructors direct the choruses and each group performs in the community. Musical selections explore a variety of musical styles and cultures.

Children’s Choruses

Elementary Honors Chorus, Grades 1-3

Middle School Honors Chorus, Grades 4-6

Upper Level Honors Chorus, Grades 7-12

“Gifted” Children's Gospel Choir, Ages: 4-12

MUSIC THERAPY: Music for People with Special Needs
Music Therapy is a well-established allied health profession in which the therapist uses music and all of its facets, emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual, to improve, restore or maintain health. Music Therapy is used with individuals of all ages with a variety of conditions such as mental illness, physical disabilities, sensorimotor impairments, emotional or behavioral problems to facilitate relaxation and stress reduction, to manage pain or learn other developmental skills. Clients may receive services at CMSS or in the community.

CMSS offers Music Therapy for adults and children with a variety of conditions such as physical disabilities, sensorimotor impairments, mental illness, emotional or behaviorial problems to facilitate relaxation and stress reduction, to manage pain, or learn other developmental skills.

Please contact the Registrar for detailed information on fees and scheduling.