music Private Lessons
CSMA's multi-lingual faculty of more than 75 instructors with national and international credentials is ready to help students experience the joy of music. Private instruction for all ages is offered year round for beginning, intermediate and advanced students. At weekly lessons students study with an instructor selected to complement a student's individual learning style. CSMA offers private lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes in classical, jazz, popular and world music styles. Partner lessons may also be available for beginning level students.
CSMA also has designated Distinguished Teachers in recognition of their extraordinary professional experience. For information about these teachers, see our Music Faculty.
Instruments
- Accordion*
- French Horn*
- Saxophone*
- Bass* (upright, electric)
- Guitar (acoustic, electric)*
- Songwriting*
- Baritone
- Harpsichord
- Theory
- Bassoon
- Jazz Improv
- Trombone
- Cello
- MIDI
- Trumpet
- Clarinet*
- Oboe
- Vibraphone*
- Composition
- Percussion*
- Viola
- Drums*
- Piano*
- Violin/Suzuki Violin
- Flute*
- Recorder/Suzuki Recorder
- Voice*
*Specialized Jazz Instruction Offered
Special Sound Sampler Sessions
If your child is new to taking lessons, enroll in our Special Sound Sampler Sessions offered at the beginning of each semester to discover the perfect instrument for your child to study. Children have the opportunity to try out a variety of instruments in these fun, interactive sessions taught by CSMA's music faculty. See course catalog for dates and additional information.
What's Included
To provide a broad-based music education, CSMA offers additional ways to develop proficiency and knowledge.
Core Curriculum Classes
Each semester (except summer) private lesson students have a choice to enroll free of cost in either one weekly Music class OR two New Media classes. Core Curriculum Classes offer students the opportunity to study in a group and to prepare for youth bands, jazz combos, orchestras chamber music, music exams and end-of-semester recitals, as well as training in muscianship, theory, composition and new media.
- Musicianshop for Young Learners
- Adventures in Singing
- Peninsula Children's Chorale
- Garage Band: Pop, Rock & Other Contemporary Music
- Brass Ensemble
- Basics of Jazz Improvisation
- Jazz Theory
- Instrumental Ensembles
- Music Theory (9 levels)
- Advanced ABRSM Prep
- Advanced Musicianship
- Make a Soundtrack for Your Movie using iMovie!
- DrawYour Sound!
- Paint With the Computer
Workshop Weeks
During Workshop Weeks (November, March, May), private lesson students may participate in numerous free workshops and presentations with guest artists and faculty members. Past special events have included: Drum Circle, Mariachi Immersion, Computer Recording, Rhythm & Tap, and more. Lessons and music classes do not meet during Workshop Weeks.
Open Media Lab
Designated one-hour, supervised New Media Open Lab time is provided for students to work on a project, try software, or have questions answered by a professional New Media instructor. Time is available on a drop-in, space-available, first-come, first-serve basis. Drop-in schedule is posted in New Media Lab.
Student Recitals
End-of-semester student recitals at CSMA and at other community locations provide an invaluable opportunity for students to give a formal presentation and to gain confidence in front of an audience of family and friends.
ABRSM Examinations
CSMA hosts and prepares many students for the practical and theory examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM). Faculty select students for whom the ABRSM curriculum and performance challenge provide appropriate motivation and reward.
Free Concerts & Events
CSMA encourages students to regularly attend CSMA's free concerts and events, which present diverse musical styles and outstanding artists. See Arts & Entertainment Brochure for a complete list of performances.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition includes $15 non-refundable semester registration fee per instrument per students.
Fall 2009 (Sept 2, 2009-Jan 31, 2010)
19 wks (18 lessons + 1 workshop week)
Lessons:
30-minute/$715.63
45-minute/$1,061.19
60-minute/$1,406.75
NOTE: Tuition is higher for study with faculty designated as Distinguished Teachers. Call us at 650.917.6800, for rates.
Family Discount
5% off private lesson tuition for all subsequent family members after first enrollee registering for private lessons. (Discount does NOT apply to first enrollee.) Cannot be combined with any other discount or financial aid.
Scholarship & Financial Aid
Merit Scholarships
Teachers may nominate grade-school students to enter annual competitive auditions in May/June. Scholarships are awarded to those who have shown outstanding talent, progress and commitment to their studies. Students are eligible after one year of continuous CSMA private lessons (or 18 monhts, if absent during summer).
Financial Aid
In keeping with our commitment to Arts for All, our Financial Aid Program offers tuition assistance and/or work-study opportunities to qualified students. For info on how to apply, call the Student Services Staff, 650/917-6800, ext. 0.
