The Community Music School (CMS) is a non-degree granting outreach program for the School of Music which serves interested students of all ages and levels of ability. An accredited member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, the 46-member CMS faculty is comprised of School of Music faculty, selected graduate and undergraduate students, and professionals from the community.
Over 500 students receive private and group instruction on wind, brass, string, piano, harp, organ, guitar, drums, voice, and composition/theory. The CMS also features a thriving pre-K music enrichment program for ages birth–7 years and Suzuki program. Ensembles and group classes include Campus Orchestra (open to college students, pre-college youth and post-college adults), Adult String Orchestra, and various chamber ensembles.
Lessons, classes, and ensembles are open for enrollment year-round, with summer options also including a strings camp (Elementary/Middle School).
Academic Continuity
The University of Alabama determines the method of instruction (in person or distance) for the CMS program. Lessons are taught in-person at Moody Music Building unless your teacher opts for a hybrid of in-person/distance. The teacher will inform you in advance of your decision to enroll. Enroll after you have confirmed the method of instruction for your activity. Distance lessons (alternative methods of instruction) occur by ZOOM, via computer, laptop, or phone. Zoom is a videoconferencing app and does not require you (the CMS student) to have an account (it is FREE for you!). A link with directions on how to connect will be sent to you by your CMS teacher. If you do not have access to a computer, your lesson can occur via your phone (FaceTime, etc.). As with all University of Alabama faculty/instructors, your CMS teacher remains committed to providing a meaningful engagement that is pedagogically sound within both in-person and distance formats.
UA mandates: CMS follows all UA mandates and guidelines. Vaccinations are strongly suggested but not required. At this time there is no mask mandate.