Get Started at CMS

Getting started at the Community Music School is easy. Our dedicated staff makes sure that students are involved in appropriate programs and works hard to pair musicians with a faculty member that is a good fit. We want these relationships to last a lifetime!

CMS registers students for individual lessons on a continuous basis, but the bulk of registration happens the week before each 18-week semester.

Step 1: Complete the .

Step 2: A CMS staff member will contact you. CMS has a registration period at the beginning of every semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). During the registration period, students/parents can set up a one-on-one registration session to speak with one of our specialists (Ken, Melissa or Justin). This is where we learn more about the student, their interests, their goals in taking lessons, and their availability so that we can place you with the instructor that best fits your needs. CMS continues to register throughout the entire semester — so don't worry if you miss the registration period. Just complete the and one of our staff will contact you.

2024-2025 Lesson Registration Dates:

Summer 2024 (6-week semester) June 8–12, 2024
Fall 2024 (18-week semester) Aug. 3–7, 2024
Spring 2025 (18-week semester) Jan. 4–8, 2025

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

CMS registers for Early Childhood & Beginner classes prior to the Fall and Spring Semesters. Registration is online.

Step 1:

Step 2: Click "Register Now" next to the class you'd like to attend.

Step 3: Enter your email address.  If you are a new student, you will be asked to sign up for an account.  If you are an existing student, you will be asked for your password to login to your account.  If you are an existing student and you do not remember your password, just click on "Forgot Password" and you will receive an email to reset your password.

Step 4: Once you have registered, you can choose to "Pay Now" online using a credit card (3% processing fee) or you may choose to "Pay Later" and an invoice will be sent to your email address.  Registration is not complete until payment has been made. Payment options include:

  • Credit Card online (3% fee)
  • E-check (1% fee) please include the invoice number
  • Check: Mail a copy of the invoice and a check to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ | P.O. Box 191165 | St. Louis, MO 63119-7165
  • Cash: Drop of cash at the main office at the CMS Center on the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ campus.  No cash accepted at any other location.

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

CMS only registers new students for the Suzuki Strings program in September and in January.

Step 1: Complete the and indicate your interest in the Suzuki Strings Program

Step 2: The primary account holder will receive an email with a link to sign up for Suzuki Parent Orientation (there is a $40 fee for Orientation). The Suzuki Parent Orientation Program consists of three sessions, usually on consecutive Saturdays, and is held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Session one includes a description of the CMS Suzuki Program, a discussion of the Suzuki philosophy, and demonstration performances by our current Suzuki students.
  • Session two includes an observation of group lessons and a discussion about the parents’ role as the home teacher.
  • Session three focuses on what to expect at lessons, followed by registration in the Suzuki program.

All three sessions are for parents only and should be attended by the parent who will be the Suzuki practice partner at home. Students are encouraged to attend the group lesson observation during the second session, but childcare will need to be arranged during the parent session. Also during the three-week program, parents and their future Suzuki students are expected to observe at least one individual lesson, which gives our CMS instructors an opportunity to meet prospective students and assess their readiness to begin.

Step 3: Students are registered and begin weekly lessons with their instructor.

 

Suzuki Strings Program Orientation Dates:

Fall 2024 Semester September 14, 2024 September 21, 2024 September 28, 2024
Spring 2025 Semester January 18, 2025 January 25, 2025 February 1, 2025

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Auditions are now closed. For more information contact Gina Christopher

Step 1: The application period runs April 1–June 30.

Step 2: Prepare for the audition by reviewing the audition requirements. Audition excerpts required for each orchestra will be posted to the website in July.

Step 3: Look for an email from the CMS which will contain your audition date and time slot in early August.

Step 4: Attend your audition. All auditions will be held at the CMS Center at 535 Garden Avenue in Webster Groves.

Step 5: Audition results are sent out in early September.

  Applications Open Audition Dates
String Ensemble April 1–June 30 Aug. 24–25, 2024
String Orchestra April 1–June 30 Aug. 24–25, 2024
Young People's Concert Orchestra (YPCO) April 1–June 30

Wind, Brass, Percussion: Aug. 11, 2024
Strings: Aug. 17–18, 2024

Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO) April 1–June 30 Wind, Brass, Percussion: Aug. 11, 2023
Strings: Aug. 17–18, 2024
Young People's Orchestra Percussion (YPOP) April 1–June 30 Aug. 11, 2023

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Auditions are by appointment.  Please complete the and you will be contacted by a staff member with more information. 

Audition Requirements

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

The CMS Chamber Music Programs require an audition. General auditions are now closed. Video auditions will be accepted throughout the academic year.

Audition Requirements

Step 1: Please email Laura Holzen to receive more information.

Step 2: An email with audition instructions will be sent upon receipt of the application.

  Application Deadline Auditions Session Dates
2024-2025 Preparatory Program August 28, 2024

Sept. 7 & 8, 2024

Fall Rotation: Oct. 7–Nov. 17, 2024
Winter Rotation: Jan. 6–Feb. 19, 2025
Spring Rotation: March 3–April 20, 2025

NEW! Chamber Music Exploration August 28, 2024 Sept. 7 & 8, 2024
*students attending the summer Chamber Music Encounter

2 Rotation dates TBD.

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Summer camp registration opens in early January.  Registration is online and the deadline for most camps is May 15th.

Step 1: Register for Summer Camps. Registration opens in late January.

Step 2: Click "Register Now" next to the camp you'd like to attend.

Step 3: Enter your email address.  If you are a new student, you will be asked to sign up for an account.  If you are an existing student, you will be asked for your password to login to your account.  If you are an existing student and you do not remember your password, just click on "Forgot Password" and you will receive an email to reset your password.

Step 4: Once you have registered, you can choose to "Pay Now" online using a credit card (3% processing fee) or you may choose to "Pay Later" and an invoice will be sent to your email address.  Registration is not complete until payment has been made. Payment options include:

  • Credit Card online (3% fee)
  • E-check (1% fee) please include the invoice number
  • Check: Mail a copy of the invoice and a check to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ | P.O. Box 191165 | St. Louis, MO 63119-7165
  • Cash: Drop of cash at the main office at the CMS Center on the ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ campus.  No cash accepted at any other location.

Step 5: If an audition or additional information specific to individual summer programs is required, it will be sent to registrants closer to program dates.