Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Music and Art Education in Mountain View
Founded in 1968, the Community School Of Music & Arts (CSMA) has dedicated over five decades to providing accessible, high-quality arts education to individuals of all ages and abilities. Our mission-driven approach ensures that financial barriers do not prevent access to music and art programs, supported by financial aid and subsidies for thousands of students annually. With a faculty of internationally recognized artists and educators, we offer private lessons, group classes, and community initiatives across Northern California. Our programs span early childhood to adult education, encompassing music theory, instrumental instruction, visual arts, and digital media. CSMAs impact extends beyond our Mountain View campus through partnerships with over 50 schools, reaching nearly 30,000 participants yearly. We prioritize equity and inclusivity, fostering creativity through diverse exhibitions, free concerts, and outreach programs like Music4Schools and Art4Schools. Our state-of-the-art Finn Center and Belmont campus provide dynamic spaces for artistic exploration, while our commitment to innovation ensures programs evolve with community needs. Recognized as one of the nations largest community arts schools, we combine historical legacy with forward-thinking initiatives to nurture lifelong artistic engagement.
Services
Music Classes
Art Classes
Private Lessons
Community Programs
Financial Aid
Summer Camps
Exhibitions
Youth Programs
Adult Education
School Partnerships
Served areas
- San Francisco Bay Area
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of expertise in community arts education.
- Our financial aid ensures accessibility for all income levels.
- We provide programs in over 50 schools through Music4Schools and Art4Schools.
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized artists and educators.
- We operate state-of-the-art campuses with flexible learning options.
Associations and certifications
- National Guild for Community Arts Education
What people say
Super fun camps
Well-organized programs
Financial aid available
Experienced instructors
Inclusive environment
Services
Private Music Lessons
Personalized one-on-one music instruction for all skill levels and ages. Our internationally recognized faculty teaches classical, jazz, and contemporary styles, covering instrumental technique, voice, and music theory. Lessons are tailored to individual goals, fostering technical proficiency and artistic expression in a supportive environment.
Art Classes
Comprehensive visual arts education for ages 5 to adult, including ceramics, painting, digital art, and mixed media. Small classes ensure personalized instruction from professional artists, emphasizing creativity and skill development in a pressure-free setting. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.
Community Programs
Equity-focused initiatives like Music4Schools and Art4Schools deliver arts education to underserved communities. These programs provide free or subsidized instruction in over 50 schools, ensuring access to music and art education regardless of socioeconomic background. Partnerships expand our reach and impact.
Summer Camps
Creative day camps for ages 515 featuring themed art and music activities. Professional instructors guide projects in drawing, digital photography, and more, balanced with outdoor play. Camps foster artistic growth and social connections in a fun, structured environment at our Mountain View campus.
Exhibitions
Free public art exhibitions showcasing works by professionals, emerging artists, and students. The Mohr Gallery in our Finn Center hosts rotating displays across mediums like painting, sculpture, and textiles. Exhibitions aim to inspire dialogue and appreciation for diverse artistic perspectives within Silicon Valley.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We offer programs for all ages, from early childhood classes to adult education in music and visual arts.
Is financial aid available for classes?
Yes, we provide financial aid and subsidies to ensure accessibility for all income levels.
Do you offer summer camps?
Yes, our creative day camps for ages 5–15 include art, music, and themed activities.
Are your classes open to beginners?
All skill levels are welcome, with small classes ensuring personalized instruction for newcomers and advanced students.
How can I support CSMA's mission?
Donate, volunteer, or participate in our annual gala to help provide equitable access to arts education.
Where are your campuses located?
Our main campus is in Mountain View, CA, with additional programs in Belmont and over 50 partner schools.
Videos
Reviews (10)
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.
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.