photo by Allie Mullin Photography

Education Fund

You can support the next generation of musicians by donating to the CMS Education Fund! Your tax deductible contribution will help fund our music education programming and operations.

  • Program Expansion - We are committed to enriching and inspiring all children through music education beginning with a goal to double the number of students served to 200 over the next 5 years. In 2017 alone, 40 prospective students were waitlisted, and we are committed to strengthening partnerships and developing a pipeline to serve prospective students and their families.
  • Faculty LeadershipSupporting, attracting, and retaining top teaching faculty is foundational to our vision of creating brighter futures through music.
  • Student Instruction/SupportWe remain deeply committed to offering private instruction and a growing range of group classes for as little as $1 per lesson to those students who do not have access or opportunity for music instruction. Annual classroom support and resources for student instruction remain a critical need.
  • Operating SupportAnnual operating support for staff and other program support.

Friends of CMSBecome a Sustainer

As a Sustainer, your monthly gift to Community Music School helps us plan ahead, knowing that we have the resources to continue to provide for our students the best music education possible.

Along with the convenience of having your donation automatically charged to your credit card every month, you will receive our monthly e-newsletter keeping you up-to-date on student performances and individual achievements. Best of all, you save on time and postage!

Many sustainers appreciate the ability to give more by splitting their gift into installments throughout the year. We appreciate your monthly or one-time gift of any amount and will put it to good use!

Mary Cates Scholarship for Advanced Studies

The Mary Cates Scholarship for Advanced Studies, named for our school's beloved founder on our 20th anniversary, provides exceptional students with access to advanced music instruction beyond their regular weekly lessons. These educational enhancements can take many forms, including, but not limited to:

  • Additional or extended lessons
  • Summer camps or intensive programs
  • Competition, audition or ensemble membership fees

Your gift to the Mary Cates Scholarship Fund provides these advanced educational opportunities to students who could not otherwise afford them.

In-Kind Donations

Instrument Wishlist
We are in need of the following instruments and accessories, in good working order:

  • Boomwhackers
  • Recorders
  • Timpani - 26" and 29"
  • Vibraphone
  • Congas
  • Timbal
  • Xylophone mallets
  • New guitar strings
  • 1/2 or 3/4 sized cellos

At this time, we are unable to accept any sheet music donations.  Thank you!

In-Kind Wishlist
We would greatly appreciate donations of the following:

  • iPads (any recent generation) with chargers, in good working order
  • 8.5"x11" printer paper
  • "Forever" postage stamps
  • iTunes gift cards in $5 or $10 increments for use as student incentives