Discover music with the best music teachers in San Francisco with lessons, summer camps, and classes for all ages. Learn how to play guitar, piano, violin, drumming, singing, and many other instruments. For beginners and experienced music players alike. Music classes for babies, toddlers, and kids. Musical styles include classical, jazz, pop, Latin, and many others. Join a choir or singing group. Learn how to play music in a band, group, or ensemble. Tuition assistance and free classes are available. There are also hundreds of free or low-cost concerts in its concert hall throughout the year.
Established in 1921.
Community Music School (now Community Music Center) was first the music department of the Dolores Street Girl’s Club settlement house. In 1921, the school’s founder, Gertrude Field, made Community Music School an independent organization and moved it to our Victorian home at 544 Capp Street where it continues to provide low or no cost music lessons and concerts. Because of its social vision, Community Music School became a founding agency of the Community Chest (now The United Way) in 1922. Field and her Board led CMC through strong growth in the 20’s and 30’s, from 270 students in 1925 to 500 by 1938. CMC now serves over 2,400 students per year from our main branch in the Mission District Branch, our Richmond District Branch, and at partner sites throughout San Francisco. Last year, CMC awarded nearly $1.9M in tuition assistance to our students.