Programs

 

Private Lessons

Students between the ages of 8-18 are eligible to enroll at CMA. Enrolled students receive a weekly half-hour lesson taught by a qualified professional. We accept students of all musical skill levels and each lesson is tailored to the individual student’s needs. Lessons are offered on a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, voice, and more. Enrollment is limited and lesson availability varies by instrument. Please note that some instruments receive higher demand and may experience increased wait times.

At CMA, students qualify for free lessons if they are between the ages of 8 and 18, and their families meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income household threshold which can be found here.

Play it Forward

Families who do not meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income household threshold are eligible to participate at CMA through the Play it Forward initiative (PIF). Through this program, we offer private lessons for $30 per 30-minute lesson and $200 for a 10-week ensemble session. Part of every paid lesson helps fund free lessons for students who need them, so PIF enrollment helps expand access to music education in our community.

To sign up for PIF use the registration form below. Select the HUD household guidelines that reflect your needs, and our staff will follow up with next steps. As with our tuition-free program, lesson placement is based on instructor availability, and spaces are limited.

Ensembles

CMA ensembles meet for 10 weeks per semester for an hour each session. Enrollment in private lessons is not required to participate in ensembles, making these programs a great option for students who are waiting to begin lessons or simply want to experience making music with others. Explore the ensembles below to learn more about each group and its eligibility requirements.

At CMA, students qualify for free ensembles if they are between the ages of 8 and 18, and their families meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) low-income household thresholds which can be found here. General ensemble tuition is $200 per 10 week semester.

  • The Central Music Academy Mariachi Ensemble brings the vibrant traditions of mariachi music to life under the direction of Ulises Ramirez. Students explore traditional mariachi repertoire while developing their musicianship, performance skills, and confidence as ensemble musicians. The ensemble performs regularly at local festivals, community events, and CMA recitals, sharing the energy and joy of mariachi music with audiences throughout the community.

    Fall Rehearsal Time
    TBD

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Students in grades 6–12 are eligible to participate.

    • Students must have at least one year of experience on a mariachi instrument.

    • Students must be able to attend weekly rehearsals.

  • The Central Music Academy Steel Pan Ensemble introduces students to the exciting sounds and rhythms of steel pan music. Students learn to play a variety of steel pan instruments while developing ensemble skills, musical confidence, and a deeper appreciation for Caribbean musical traditions. No prior steel pan experience is required, and all instruments are provided.

    Check out this video to learn more about steel pans. See steel pan instructor, Kate, playing the steel drums here!

    Fall Rehearsal Time
    TBD

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Students ages 8-18 are eligible to participate.

    • No prior steel drum experience is required.

    • Students must be able to attend weekly rehearsals.

  • The group ukulele class is a fun and welcoming introduction to one of the world's most accessible and versatile instruments. Students learn fundamental ukulele techniques while exploring how the instrument can be used both as a solo instrument and to accompany singing and other musicians. Through group instruction, students will build confidence, develop musical skills, and enjoy making music together in a supportive environment.

    Fall Rehearsal Time
    TBD

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Students ages 8–18 are eligible to participate.

    • No prior ukulele experience is required.

    • Students must be able to attend weekly classes.

  • The Central Music Academy Saxophone Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of music written specifically for saxophone ensemble. Students study and perform jazz, classical, and popular repertoire while developing ensemble skills, musical expression, and confidence as performers.

    Enrollment Information
    The Saxophone Ensemble meets year-round and is not open for general enrollment. Students interested in joining should contact valerie.wright@centralmusicacademy.org for more information and how to enroll.

    Eligibility Requirements

    • Students in grades 6–12 are eligible to participate.

    • Must be able to attend weekly rehearsals.

  • The Central Music Academy Chamber Choir is a small voice ensemble led by voice/piano instructor Elizabeth Frodge. It is focused on helping singers grow in confidence in both their musicianship and their voice. The chamber choir also aims to give the opportunity of ensemble collaboration to our students that may not get the opportunity in school. It’s a great way to grow for both students already comfortable with their voices and for those wanting to try voice as a companion instrument to one they already know. The environment of this choir strives to build skills on being a good colleague to one another and in embodying the music on a deeper level.

    Skills we will work on include but are not limited to: Ear training, vocal technique, breath support, stage presence, posture sight reading, and music education about voice parts and choral styles 

    Fall Rehearsal Time: 

    TBD

    Eligibility Requirements:

    • Students ages 8-18 are eligible to participate

    • Eligibility includes just loving to sing or playing another instrument and wanting to become more confident singing.

    • Students must be able to attend weekly rehearsals

  • The Central Music Academy Young Creative Musician Ensemble (YCME) is an improvisation-focused group led by CMA instructor Cara Thomas. Through collective free improvisation, students are encouraged to explore their instruments in new ways, developing their skills and confidence while learning to create music collaboratively. Rather than relying solely on the written score, the ensemble emphasizes creativity, active listening, and musical collaboration, giving students the opportunity to discover their own artistic voice while growing as thoughtful and expressive musicians.

    Fall Rehearsal Time:

    TBD

    Eligibility Requirements: 

    • Students in grades 8th-12th are eligible to participate

    • Students must be able to attend weekly rehearsals

apply for lessons and/or ensembles by filling out the form below.