No matter your age, skill level, or musical ability - Community Music School (CMS) offers a wide variety of individual lessons, group classes, performance ensembles, and music therapy. Ready to make some noise? CMS is committed to providing musical public service programs to Western New York and quality music instruction for individuals of all ages and abilities regardless of aspirations or financial resources.The professional faculty and administrative staff, together with the volunteers, believe that anyone who has a genuine interest in music can benefit from study and deserves the opportunity to pursue it.
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Founded in 1924, CMS has a rich heritage of sharing the gift of music with the diverse communities of Western New York and making it affordable for families of all incomes. The professional faculty and administrative staff, together with our volunteers, believe that anyone who has a genuine interest in music can benefit from study and deserves the opportunity to pursue it.
Community Music School has a rich heritage of sharing the gift of music with the diverse communities of Western New York. Founded in 1924, CMS was originally called First Settlement Music School. It grew out of Welcome Hall Social Settlement, a South Buffalo facility run by the First Presbyterian Church to serve low-income individuals and families.
Available for eligible students, financial aid may cover between 25% and 75% of tuition. The threshold for eligibility is higher than you might expect, and we consider all factors when making determinations. Proof of all income must be included to be considered for financial aid. Proof of income includes copies of the year 2021 Federal Tax Forms, current Social Services Budget Sheets, Social Security Administration Letters, Food Stamp Letters, College Financial Aid Letters, etc. Documentation may be uploaded and submitted in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.
We offer private lessons for children and adults at all our city and suburban locations year-round. Lessons are held once a week and range from 30, 45, or 60-minute lessons. CMS students must own or rent their own instrument and purchase music at the teacher's discretion. CMS will consider individual instruction for younger students at the discretion of the teacher.
Reviews (5)
Brit U.
Jun 04, 2022
Mia
Aug 24, 2021
C. M.
Jun 15, 2021
A great school where talented & dedicated CMS staff do what they love and do best -- create music with their students. They offer a variety of individual and group lessons and also a non-auditioned community chorus. Their campus just recently moved (upgraded) to a larger location with large off-street parking and grassy knolls for social-distanced rehearsing/congregating outside.
Large front porch overlooks Buffalo neighborhood, and large back deck and green multi-use space. Touchscreen security system for building entry. Multiple spacious lobby/waiting areas, big restrooms, staircases, and elevator access. Many indoor offices, classrooms, and rehearsal rooms.
Large front porch overlooks Buffalo neighborhood, and large back deck and green multi-use space. Touchscreen security system for building entry. Multiple spacious lobby/waiting areas, big restrooms, staircases, and elevator access. Many indoor offices, classrooms, and rehearsal rooms.
Colleen Wellsby
Jan 19, 2020
Update: Since my initial review, we have been able to rectify "getting off on the wrong foot. CMS was apologetic and lessons are underway. First recital coming soon. I will update with a review of our first concert! Thank you CMS for "making it right". So far, Community Music School does NOT reach my expectations. Registered my daughter with Community Music School 3 weeks ago.
Not a phone call, pamphlet nor a receipt for my registration fee. Sent an E-mail week two, only to receive a response with an excuse there had been an "emergency" and someone would contact me soon. Made a phone call week 3 with another "pass the buck" excuse. I will impatiently await the phone call I was promised. Stay tuned.
Not a phone call, pamphlet nor a receipt for my registration fee. Sent an E-mail week two, only to receive a response with an excuse there had been an "emergency" and someone would contact me soon. Made a phone call week 3 with another "pass the buck" excuse. I will impatiently await the phone call I was promised. Stay tuned.
Sean Crawford
Jun 16, 2019
