Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA)

CSMA’s award-wining program builds a musical foundation that will last a lifetime. Children develop the joy of making music with others and experience the thrill of live performance. Our programs teach singing, creative movement, instruments, music appreciation, and cultural understanding of music and its origins.

About the Program

CSMA’s professional music teachers guide and encourage learning and creative expression through sequential lessons that build musical skills and appreciation. Many programs coordinate with students’ classroom studies to become an integral, enriching part of every child’s education.

All CSMA music lessons meet the CA State Standards for Music. To address the needs of diverse schools and students, CSMA offers a variety of grade-appropriate programs.

• General Music Program uses vocal instruction as the basis for developing all aspects of musicality: in-tune singing, movement, creating and reading music, and understanding and performing elements of melody, rhythm, and form.
• Music from World Cultures/Music in Action lecture/concert series instills music appreciation with lessons that include history, geography, and customs, culminating with interactive concerts by professional musicians and dancers. The series is a cost-effective addition or stand-alone opportunity to expose students to world cultures and music. Delivered as a series of 2-4 stand-alone music units per school year, past units have featured: music of Europe 1600-1800, Southeast Asia and Australia, China and Japan, Africa, India and the Middle East, folk music of Eastern Europe, and Latin American music. Concerts are often a highlight for the entire school. Contact CSMA for information about specific units currently being offered.
• Recorder Instruction teaches students to play in an ensemble setting, strengthens music skills, and prepares students to enter band or strings programs.
• Chorus cultivates proper vocal production, posture, breathing, and articulation as students make music together and explore different styles.
• Instrumental Music provides band and strings classes that teach students to play an instrument and participate in a performing ensemble.

In addition to developing individual creativity, skills learned through music education improve development in other subjects, build self-esteem, and develop cultural curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.

What’s Included

ArtsEd Connect mini-grants may be used towards one introductory workshop. Funds may also be used to supplement an existing Music4Schools program. Please contact the program for details regarding pricing and scheduling.

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