Community Music Schools

At CMS, we go beyond teaching notes on a page. Music becomes:

Transformation: changing lives through music

Connection: bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together

Healing: supporting wellness through music therapy

Lifelong Learning: music for every stage of life

Empowerment: building confidence and resilience

Belonging: creating an inclusive community

MSU’s two Community Music Schools are committed to providing accessible and affordable music instruction, music therapy clinical services, and performance opportunities for all, regardless of age, ability or income.

Since its founding in 1993, the original Community Music School (CMS) location in East Lansing has offered music and its inherent possibilities to everyone in the community. In fall 2009, a second CMS opened in Detroit’s Cultural Corridor to serve Metro Detroit residents.

In both locations, financial aid is offered to students with need, and students and clients range in age from infancy to 90+ years of age.

For Greater Lansing Residents

CMS East Lansing offers private lessons on over twenty different instruments, more than fifteen classes and ensembles, five different summer camps, and music therapy services.

For Detroit and Southeast Michigan Residents

CMS-D offers youth and adult classes and ensembles, lessons for nearly any instrument, voice, jazz, concert band, choir, early childhood classes, and music therapy. A variety of summer camps are offered for youth.

The MSU Community Music Schools are a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and ArtServe Michigan.