Want to stay in the know? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates about our new and current music and arts programs. Read highlights from the October newsletter below. (Published October 1, 2024)

Unleash your creativity with CSMA this October! The arrival of fall inspires a new level of innovation and we’re excited to offer more ways for you to express yourself. From young musicians learning new notes and sounds to an introduction to Mexican folk art and mixed media, we have something for all ages and abilities. Browse our NEW October offerings.

New Mohr Gallery Exhibit “Vibrant Roots” honors Hispanic heritage

 

CSMA is honoring National Hispanic Heritage Month and the beautiful art created by local artists in a new exhibit titled, “Vibrant Roots/Raíces Vibrantes.” The community is invited to participate in public workshops and experiences that will capture a strong sense of this magical culture. “Vibrant Roots” features the work of five local artists: 

Arely Cardenas, Sean Guerra, Ro Mottsmith, Valentino Loyola, and Francisco Ramirez. Learn more about the exhibit and planned events here.

We have several special events planned to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month:

–Paper Cutting Workshop (Oct. 5; 1-5 PM)
–Alebrije (Mexican folk art) Workshop (Oct. 6 & 13, 1-4 PM)
–Community Ofrenda Construction (Oct. 12, 3-5 PM)
–Dia De Los Muertos Celebration (Nov. 2, 12-2 PM)

We will also have drop in hours (12-6 PM) Oct. 16-Nov. 1 for you to honor loved ones on the community ofrenda (altar).

More on the Blog

 

Important Dates

 

OCT 4:  Free concert with CSMA faculty members Von Bringhurst and Alan Serrano: “If Music be the Food of Love.” Please note that this is a Friday evening concert.

OCT 22-27:  Workshop Week for private lesson students

NOV. 2: Save the date for our Dia De Los Muertos Celebration.

NOV. 2: Join us for an evening of flamenco music with guitarist Juanito Pascual

Artistic Intelligence program gives participants freedom to create unique artwork

Art can be an avenue to creative discovery and freedom. Such is the case for participants in CSMA’s Artistic Intelligence Program. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, we want to share what our program is all about and its benefits within the community.

“Art is these students’ universal mode of engaging with the world and expressing themselves,” CSMA art instructor Marita Musante said. “They get to put their art in the world without labels on it.”

Our Artistic Intelligence program is held in partnership with the Morgan Autism Center, AbilityPath and the Mountain View Los Altos School District. Students participate in weekly classes in music, art and dance. Read more about the program on our blog.

CSMA awarded county arts grant

We are thrilled to announce that the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by County Supervisor Joe Simitian to support CSMA’s Art4Schools and Music4Schools programs. The grant, in the amount of $25,000, will allow us to provide art and music education to nearly 3,700 students in grades K-6.

“These two programs benefit our students by filling a critical need for arts education,” said Simitian. “Declining support for art education is especially a concern for high-need schools and historically underserved students, many of whom rely on our public schools to provide enriching arts experiences.”

Thank you Supervisor Simitian for your support of our mission!

Congratulations 2024-25 Merit Scholars

Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Merit Scholars! The Merit Scholar Program supports students who show a high degree of dedication to their craft and are looking to take their musical studies to a deeper level.

Merit Scholars Pictured Above (Left to Right):

Back Row: Aidan M., Brandon A., Stephen Z., Christopher Z., Siddharth C., Dolly W., Albert K., Jiaming W., Yihao W.

2nd Row: Nora S., Austin K., Clement L., Yuting K., Noam A., Matthew G., Heerod A., Amanda K., Ada K., Elizabeth W.

3rd Row: Vladimir F., Elaine C., Melody S., Maia L., Anastasia G., Raphael O., Ana Cristina R., Amelle B., Grace A.

Front Row: Siyona D., Angela X., Victor Z., Rebecca D.

Not Pictured: Anna A., Aaron Z., Sandy X.

Attention potters! Open studio time added

Pictured left to right: Art instructors Eliza Thomas and Fe Villanueva

For some of us, a few hours of pottery-making a week just isn’t enough! Join our open studio pilot program by signing up for additional a la carte studio time (based on availability). All materials are included — potters work independently. We look forward to seeing you at the wheel!

Community News

Von Bringhurst to perform music of the bard Oct. 4

Join us for our next community concert 7:30 pm Friday, Oct. 4 featuring CSMA faculty members Von Bringhurst (voice) and Alan Serrano (guitar). The duo will present an exploration of the poetic works of Shakespeare and their musical interpretations across the centuries in Tateuchi Hall. Music will include compositions inspired by Shakespeare, Sondheim and the 21st century. Enjoy a sneak peek of Von’s singing talent!

Ten new art workshops kick off Oct. 5

From Mexican folk art and ceramics to jewelry making and paper-cutting creations, our fall art workshops are filled with new outlets for creative expression. Create clay ornaments in one of our family workshops or learn jewelry beading and stamping. Learn more here.

 

CSMA jazz quartet performs at Mountain View festival

It’s always nice to be out in the community and this year our jazz combo quartet performed at the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival on Sept. 8. Special thanks to the jazz combo members Curt Rothert, Daniel Sabsay, Karl Schweighofer, Alexander Sheh and their coach Adriano Tecson for a great performance!

 

Students perform at Caltrain’s E-launch party in San Mateo

CSMA was proud to be part of the celebrations launching our wonderful new all-electric trains!  Here the Sopranotes Barbershop Quartet (members of our a cappella group) sang for Caltrain’s E-Train launch party on 9/22 at the San Mateo train station. Our growing choral program is out and about bringing music to our community. For more information contact Judaline Swinkels at jswinkels@arts4all.org

Staff anniversaries

Thank you to our staff and faculty who are celebrating milestone anniversaries with CSMA in 2024. We appreciate all that you do to help provide the arts to all.

Stephanie Andrew, Art Instructor: 10 years

Jacob Brodski, Music Faculty: 30 years

Carmen Cansino, Distinguished Music Faculty: 15 years

Rosalyn Carson, Art Instructor: 20 years

Saswatee Chatterjee, Art Instructor: 10 years

Gregory Mason, Music Instructor, 10 years

Kimberly Pocek, Art4Schools Administrative Assistant: 10 years

Explore more:
August 4, 2026

More Flexibility, More Fun: Big Updates to CSMA’s Private Lesson Program

At CSMA, our private lesson team is always looking for ways to build the Bay Area’s best community for learning and performing music. Listening to parents and students is a huge part of that. Thanks to your feedback, we’ve made...
July 7, 2026

CSMA News & Events July 2026

Fall Registration is Open Classes and workshops Fall Registration for Art and Music classes is officially open at CSMA! Whether you’re introducing your toddler to their first rhythm, looking for an after-school drawing class for your child, or eager to...
May 19, 2026

CSMA News & Events May-June 2026

Music highlights MAY 29: Our free concert series concludes with a standout show from CSMA’s very own Merit Scholars at 7:30 PM in Tateuchi Hall! Advance tickets are sold out, but walk-in seating may be available. JUNE 19: Special event!...
April 7, 2026

CSMA News & Events April 2026

In this issue: Registration is going strong for summer camps, and is now open for summer music and art classes. Our concert series continues on April 10. Tickets are on sale for our annual Faculty Showcase Concert. Registration updates Classes...
March 24, 2026

CSMA News & Events March 2026

In this issue: Registration is going strong for summer camps, and is now open for summer music and art classes. Our concert series continues on March 27. Spring art and early education classes, camps, and workshops start this month.  ...