San Francisco Community Music Center Brings People Together Through Affordable Music Education

San Francisco Community Music Center (CMC) provides high quality lessons, programs and concerts at no or low cost. The nonprofit, based in San Francisco’s Mission District, was founded in 1921 and is one of the oldest and largest community arts organizations on the West Coast. CMC serves people from all walks of life who come together to connect through music of all genres– no matter their age, musical ability, financial background or where they live. Click here to watch video about CMC by Citizen Film.

Building community through music lessons, programs, concerts

CMC offers private instrumental and voice lessons, theory and musicianship classes, as well as group classes and ensembles. Instruction from faculty like acclaimed jazz bassist Marcus Shelby and guest artists like GRAMMY award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax is a key part of the organization’s commitment to quality. Musicians of any level can join one of its 30+ ensembles and anyone can attend the 300+ CMC concerts each year. CMC hosts the free Concert with Conversation series in partnership with San Francisco Performances, which gives community members an opportunity to hear and speak with world-renowned artists in an informal setting.

Tuition assistance

CMC serves more than 23,000 people each year, including over 2,400 students. The organization awards over $1.1 million in scholarships annually. With 17 percent of CMC students living below the federal poverty line, combined with the increasing costs to live in San Francisco, CMC delivers unparalleled access to music education.

Leadership

Executive Director Christopher Borg leads CMC. Since his arrival nearly four years ago, he has successfully revamped the school’s core infrastructure and diversified its revenue streams. Prior to joining CMC, Borg was Director of Instrumental Music and member of the faculty at Groton School in Massachusetts.

About San Francisco Community Music Center

Founded in 1921, San Francisco Community Music Center (CMC), a Bay Area nonprofit, is one of the oldest and largest community arts organizations on the West Coast making high quality music accessible to all people, regardless of financial means. CMC serves more than 23,000 people each year, including more than 2,400 students of all ages, ethnicities and income levels who enjoy music lessons, programs and concerts at no or low cost.

Visit www.sfcmc.org and follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

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