enroll a child
Enroll your kids in a music program for only $1 per lesson. We even provide instruments for practice at home. Our commitment to both high quality and access sets us apart from other music school options in Wake County
ways to donate
Music lessons shouldn't only be for those who can afford it. Your gift provides opportunities for every child who wants to learn to play an instrument
our impact
Music changes a child’s life in ways you can’t always see, and prepares them for a life they may not have been able to imagine. For 31 years, more than 3,300 students have had the joy of brighter futures through music
mission of community music school
To enrich and inspire children and youth through access to and delivery of high-quality music instruction
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256
Students Enrolled
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3,384
Hours of Instruction
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6
Graduating Seniors
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$1
Per Lesson
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1:1
Music Lessons
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3
Satellite Sites
our impact
Music changes a child’s life in ways you can’t always see, and prepares them for a life they may not have been able to imagine. Quality music instruction has a lasting effect on a young person’s life. The impact isn’t only through the music lessons – it is in a child’s growth through discipline, performance, and making beautiful sounds, often in concert with others.
Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Mary Cates on what would have been her 99th birthday.
In honor of this special occasion, we invite you to celebrate Mary’s enduring impact by making a gift to Community Music School. As a tribute to this milestone, please consider a $99 donation in honor of Mary’s 99th birthday. Your support helps ensure that her vision of access, opportunity, and excellence in music instruction continues to thrive. Make your gift at - https://app.donorview.com/gnZ5
As the visionary founder of Community Music School, Mary believed that every child—regardless of financial circumstance or barriers to access—deserved the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through music. Her bold idea to create a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to and delivery of high-quality, personalized music instruction has opened doors for young people across our community who might otherwise never have had the chance to study music.
Today, her legacy lives on through every student we serve. As we honor Mary Cates, we also recommit ourselves to expanding access to affordable music instruction so that more students can discover their talents and build brighter futures through music.
Please join us in celebrating Mary’s 99th birthday with a gift of $99—or a contribution at any level—to help continue her extraordinary legacy.
Make your gift today at https://app.donorview.com/gnZ5
With great appreciation,
�Community Music School
#youthmusic #MusicEducation #youthempowerment
🎶 Give the Gift of Music This Season! 🎶
Over 200 students at Community Music School explore, grow, and shine through piano, voice, percussion, harp, and our new violin ensemble—all thanks to supporters like you!
✨ Watch the magic from our Winter Concert: https://youtu.be/-ArF1I6D6qE
💛 Your gift makes a difference:
Keep lessons affordable
Expand programs and instruments
Inspire creativity and confidence in every child
📬 Give online, by check, stock, planned gift, or become a monthly supporter. Every gift counts! - https://cmsraleigh.org/ways-to-donate/
🎁 Donate today and help music shine for every child!
#CommunityMusicSchool #GiveTheGiftOfMusic #MusicEducation #RaleighArts #SupportTheArts
It is with deep sadness we share that Community Music School’s first Executive Director Ginny Zehr has passed away. In 1994 Ginny Zehr obtained the first $5,000 in seed money to help found Community Music School with Mary Cates. In addition to serving as first Executive Director of Community Music School, Ginny served on our Board of Directors and until her passing as a member of our Advisory Board. Ginny connected not only with our mission, but with our students, championing CMS alums like flautist Kyrese Washington and violinist Gabriel Bravo as they pursued music at university and graduate school. Kyrese said “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ginny’s support and kindness.” A lifetime advocate for arts education, Ginny was involved with Durham Symphony, North Carolina Chamber Music Institute (NCCMI), Raleigh Area Flute Association, Raleigh Symphony, and United Arts Council, and received the Raleigh Medal of Arts in 2016 for her service to the arts community. Services will be held Wednesday December 10 at 2pm at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608. The services will include performances from CMS alum Gabriel Bravo and students and alumni of NCCMI. https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/46578181/mary-virginia-%22ginny%22-zehr
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