Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Music School in Buffalo, NY
Founded in 1924, Community Music School has dedicated nearly a century to enriching Western New York through accessible music education. Our mission centers on providing high-quality instruction to individuals of all ages and abilities, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder musical growth. With a team of professional musicians and educators, we offer personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's goals. Our five convenient locations across Buffalo and surrounding areas serve over 500 students annually, fostering a vibrant musical community. We prioritize inclusivity, welcoming students of all backgrounds, abilities, and aspirations.From individual lessons to performance ensembles, our programs reflect a commitment to nurturing lifelong musical engagement. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community partnerships and sponsorships to sustain our mission. Our faculty combines technical expertise with compassionate teaching, creating an environment where creativity thrives. Through music therapy and adaptive programs, we support neurodiverse individuals and those with varying abilities. Community Music School remains a cornerstone of cultural enrichment, empowering generations to discover their musical potential.
Services
Individual Music Lessons
Group Music Classes
Performance Ensembles
Music Therapy
Adaptive Lessons
Summer Camps
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We have nearly a century of experience in music education since 1924
- Our programs serve students of all ages and abilities
- We offer inclusive music therapy for neurodiverse individuals
- Five convenient locations across Western New York
- Our faculty consists of professional musicians with diverse expertise
Services
Individual Music Lessons
We offer customized one-on-one music lessons for children and adults at all skill levels. Our experienced instructors provide tailored instruction in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions. Lessons are available year-round at all five locations across Western New York.
Music Therapy
Our board-certified music therapists provide person-centered care for individuals with neurodiversities and varying abilities. The program uses music as a therapeutic tool to support emotional, cognitive, and social development through adaptive, inclusive sessions.
Performance Ensembles
We offer diverse performance opportunities for all ages and skill levels, including choirs, instrumental groups, and specialized ensembles. These collaborative experiences help students develop musicality, teamwork, and stage presence in supportive environments.
Group Music Classes
Our group classes cater to both beginners and experienced musicians of all ages. These interactive sessions focus on fundamental skills, ensemble playing, and musical theory while maintaining an engaging, community-oriented learning atmosphere.
Summer Camps
Our summer music camps provide immersive learning experiences through intensive workshops, collaborative projects, and performance opportunities. Designed for various age groups and skill levels, these programs emphasize creativity and musical exploration.
Questions
What types of music programs do you offer?
We provide individual lessons, group classes, performance ensembles, music therapy, adaptive lessons, and summer camps for all ages and skill levels.
Are lessons available for adults?
Yes, we offer music instruction for both children and adults at all experience levels throughout the year.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide financial aid and scholarships to ensure music education remains accessible to all community members regardless of financial circumstances.
What locations do you serve?
Our main campus is in Buffalo's Hamlin Park Historic District with additional locations in Amherst, Clarence Center, Lockport, and West Seneca.
How do I register for classes?
Register online through our MyLatus system, call 716.688.6500 for an activation code, or visit our main office during business hours.
Reviews (3)
C. M.
Jun 15, 2021
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A great school where talented & dedicated CMS staff do what they love and do best -- create music with their students. They offer a variety of individual and group lessons and also a non-auditioned community chorus. Their campus just recently moved (upgraded) to a larger location with large off-street parking and grassy knolls for social-distanced rehearsing/congregating outside. Large front porch overlooks Buffalo neighborhood, and large back deck and green multi-use space. Touchscreen security system for building entry. Multiple spacious lobby/waiting areas, big restrooms, staircases, and elevator access. Many indoor offices, classrooms, and rehearsal rooms.
Colleen Wellsby
Jan 19, 2020
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Update: Since my initial review, we have been able to rectify "getting off on the wrong foot. CMS was apologetic and lessons are underway. First recital coming soon. I will update with a review of our first concert! Thank you CMS for "making it right". So far, Community Music School does NOT reach my expectations. Registered my daughter with Community Music School 3 weeks ago. Not a phone call, pamphlet nor a receipt for my registration fee. Sent an E-mail week two, only to receive a response with an excuse there had been an "emergency" and someone would contact me soon. Made a phone call week 3 with another "pass the buck" excuse. I will impatiently await the phone call I was promised. Stay tuned.
Sean Crawford
Jun 16, 2019
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I've taken piano and voice lessons at CMS at both the Elmwood and Tonawanda locations. Great teachers and great community presence!
