Founded in 1968, CSMA is Northern California's largest non-profit provider of arts education programs. With a $4.9 million budget and 160-member staff and faculty, it is one of the ten largest community schools in the United States. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, one of the global capitals of creativity,

CSMA is dedicated to instilling, training and nurturing creativity for all stages of life. Headquartered in the award-winning Finn Center in the City of Mountain View, CSMA directly serves over 22,000 people of all ages, skill levels and economic means each year, including over 15,000 students at 32 schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

CSMA offers weekly private lessons of 30, 45 or 60 minutes in classical, jazz, popular and world music styles for children and adults.

Served areas

San Francisco Bay Area

Business details

Year established: 1968

Highlights and features

Private Music Lessons - Age 4 through Adult
Music Classes - Preschool through Adult
Art Classes - Preschool through Adult
Vacation and Summer Camps

Associations and certifications

National Guild for Community Arts Education

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Private Music Lessons

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Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) offers lessons in over 20 instruments (including voice), plus instruction in Music Theory and Composition. CSMA has a large, multilingual faculty of over 100 professional musicians and educators, including our Distinguished Teachers, recognized for their extraordinary professional experience. In addition to providing excellent private teaching, CSMA offers a complete music education through opportunities for playing, listening, learning and performing. Private music lessons take place once a week at a regularly scheduled time and may be 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length.

Amy Bouchard

Voice

I teach in a supportive, encouraging environment. I believe healthy, beautiful singing comes from breath support and pure vowels. Students build confidence as their ability improves and singing becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Jacob Brodski

Trumpet, Piano, Brass Ensembles

Jacob received an MA in Performance and Music Education and a BA in Trumpet, Piano and Conducting from The Gnesin Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia). Founded in 1895, the Gnesin Academy of Music is one of the world's leading music schools.

Alison Clark

Violin

I believe that through the study of music the whole child can blossom. A child can become a sensitive, kind and strong individual. Along the lines of Suzuki philosophy he or she learns patience, mastery, self-awareness and the invaluable skill of listening.

Kathe Keuhl

Flute

I welcome all ages of students, from 9 years through adult, and all levels of ability. Previous musical experience is very helpful, but not necessary. Students must be willing to practice daily, be committed to learning, and demonstrate enthusiasm for the flute. It is my desire to awaken the joy of music in my students, instill in them a solid musical foundation by teaching the classical flute repertoire, and encourage them to develop the skills to play the flute well and confidently, and to have fun in the process.

Community School of Music & Arts: What's Inside Me...

Our goal was to craft an engaging artistic piece for this unique arts organization, reflecting the blend of art and music that is available for all at the Community School of Music and Arts. As a whole, "What's Inside Me... " captures the heart of what happens inside the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View, CA.

The Art of Melisa Jones

CSMA art student, Melisa Jones, talks about how CSMA helped nurture her artistic talents since Kindergarten. Melisa has been accepted into several well-known art schools.

Merit Scholar Recital - Jove and Titan Yuan

CSMA Merit scholars and students of Distinguished Teacher , Ludmila Kurtova, Titan and Jove Yuan peform in Tateuchi Hall on february 23, 2013.

Huff Choir at Tree Lighting Ceremony

Directed by Kaye De Vries, CSMA music teacher, the Huff Choir perform at the Mountain View Tree Lighting Ceremony on Monday, 12/2.

Sala Tuitama, Merit Student, Soprano.

13 year-old Merit Student, Sala Tuitama, sings beautifully.

Graham Middle School Choir

Students, under the direction of Jenni Gaderlund, sing at Global Beats & Rhythm, the 12th Annual ChoralFest at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View, May 6, 2013.

Ching-Ping Wong

Feb 16, 2022

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Kenny is extremely patient to explain ATT options to me, answered all questions very well. Very helpful in setting up the account and phone. Even went past his work time to get things done for customer. Beyond the best services I have experienced.

M. A. EatsArt

Oct 25, 2021

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Art and music classes for all ages. A friendly, neighorhood center that presents small art shows/receptions, music concerts in their theater, art and music camps, and various private and group lessons.

Tyler Collins

Nov 08, 2020

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These teachers are amazing. Our daughter loves this school. Thank you!

Pno Ens

Jan 22, 2019

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Wonderful facility for concerts! Great acoustic and two Steinway grand pianos available for two piano repertoires. However, in our recent concerts, I noticed that both pianos were in desperate need for voicing and evenness of touch. Although Steinway are great pianos, but they do need careful detailing and routine maintenance to keep its quality in tune and even touch. The stage manager was courteous and helpful. I also like the stage design which reflects the acoustics well and aesthetic.

Alak Ghosh

Jun 24, 2018

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This is a great music school and one of the only ones that teaches Jazz on this side of the Bay! They also have a nice Jazz Combo program where you can get some experience playing with other Jazz musicians.

Geoffrey Liu

May 29, 2018

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Wonderful music school with an intimate performance hall, art exhibitions in the lobby, and great students!

Aya Seit

Jun 08, 2017

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My kids attend winter camp there, tomorrow is the last day. It is okay, but not great. My kids love activities, and fully enjoy their school, and other after school places. But not at CSMA. they said they are not feeling welcomed there. Winter camp turned into so-so experience.

Tesla Seppanen

Jan 23, 2017

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They absolutely deliver high value for the tuition in all areas. My family has taken preschool art and music classes, vacation camps, private music lessons, and adult art classes here, and they never disappoint.

Serene Wang

Nov 30, 2016

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My son attended his art class here thus summer. He loved his teacher and really enjoyed his class. I think a class duration of 1 hr is a bit short. The kids have to split what they are working on over 2 or 3 lessons.

Lauren H.

Aug 14, 2012

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Can't say enough about Teacher Daniel's music classes for little ones (3-5yrs). He offers Saturday morning classes, with lots of live guitar, hands on props, sing-a-longs and even a book read with lots of animation with sounds, or music, something rythmical. Both of my boys attended his classes. I wish they'd stay little forever so we could keep going every Saturday morning. What a gem of a music teacher. We still sing his songs at home from time to time.

Surai J.

Aug 17, 2009

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I shopped around and tried different music classes for my toddler. She liked Daniel Garcia's class on the Saturdays AM and the art class as well (also sat AM). I didn't care for the other music instructor during the week. She's a bit too uptight to be teaching little ones I thought. I guess it's like any class for your kids. If you and your children like the teacher, for reasons that you might not know or understand why, it's good to you.