CSMA’s award-winning Music4Schools programs build 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.
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 (Gr. K-3) 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 (Gr. 3-5) 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; Latin American music. Concerts are often a highlight for the entire school. Please contact CSMA for information about specific units currently being offered.
- Recorder Instruction (Gr. 4) teaches students to play in a ensemble setting, strengthens music skills and prepares students to enter band or strings programs.
- Chorus (Gr. 2-5) cultivates proper vocal production, posture, breathing, and articulation as students make music together and explore different styles.
- Instrumental Music (Gr. 5) 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 academic performance in other subjects, build self-esteem and develop cultural curiosity, critical thinking and creativity. For more information about how music education benefits students' social development and academic achievement, download our brochure, "Why Music and Arts Education?".
As your music education provider, CSMA provides:
- Sequential, skills-building and age appropriate music education taught by professional music instructors
- Program administration, including hiring, training and teacher scheduling
- Partnerships with schools on scheduling and evaluation
- Student supplies
- School concerts
- Special musical performance opportunities and honors programs
This annual performance event held in May presents children from the Mountain View Whisman School District's elementary and middle school choruses in performance at Shoreline Amphitheatre. Begun in 2001 as a partnership between the Los Altos-Mtn. View PTA Council, Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View and the Community School of Music and Arts, this popular event offers the community the opportunity to come together to share in the joy of music
Summer Honor Programs
These music programs provide students who have demonstrated particular talent and interest in their 5th grade beginning band or strings class with the opportunity to rehearse and perform together. Both summer honor bands select students from elementary schools where CSMA currently teaches band and strings. Based on the availability of financial aid funding, Community School of Music and Arts strives to provide scholarship support for Honors program participants.
CSMA's Music4Schools programs are offered on a contractual basis and are often made possible through the collaboration of school districts, individual schools, parent organizations, and community and government resources. Programs may also receive support from CSMA donors and sponsors depending on need and circumstances. Fees are tailored to schools' schedule and budget needs based upon number and length of classes and duration of program.
Please contact CSMA to discuss specific costs and fees for each of these in-school music programs.