Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Gateway to Music Education & Community in Santa Cruz
Community Music School has been dedicated to enriching lives through music education, performance, and community engagement since 1992. Our programs include immersive summer music camps for children, teens, and adults, featuring expert instruction in traditional folk music from the Celtic diaspora and beyond. We offer year-round concerts, including the annual Santa Cruz Harp Festival and fundraising events at local breweries, fostering a vibrant musical culture. Our free teacher database connects students with qualified instructors, while our Music Match program donates instruments to those in need. Instrument petting zoos at community events provide hands-on experiences, and our teen band program cultivates musical creativity and collaboration.With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, we partner with local schools to provide free beginning music instruction and advocate for equitable arts education. Our faculty comprises professional musicians and educators committed to nurturing talent at every level. Through recordings and a monthly newsletter, we amplify local musical opportunities and traditions. Over three decades, we have built a reputation as a trusted leader in community-based music education, emphasizing experiential learning and cultural preservation.
Services
Summer Music Camps
Concerts
Teacher Database
Music Match
Instrument Petting Zoos
Teen Band
Beginning Music Instruction
Recordings
Monthly Newsletter
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of experience in community music education.
- Our faculty includes professional musicians and expert instructors.
- We provide free teacher referrals and instrument donations to underserved communities.
- Our teen programs foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
- We host unique events like harp festivals and music camps in redwood forests.
What people say
Reignited their enthusiasm
Safe place for teens
Empowered through music
Found their people
Outstanding instructors
Services
Summer Music Camps
Our summer camps provide immersive music education for children, teens, and adults. Participants learn from professional musicians specializing in Celtic and global folk traditions. Programs include ensemble rehearsals, dance classes, and final performances, fostering both technical skill and creative confidence in a supportive environment.
Teacher Database
This free referral service connects students with qualified music teachers across diverse instruments and styles. Teachers receive free online listings, ensuring accessibility for learners while supporting local music professionals. The database emphasizes personalized instruction matching individual learning needs and preferences.
Music Match
Our instrument adoption program places donated small instruments with students and organizations in need. Partnering with local nonprofits, we distribute guitars, violins, and similar instruments to ensure equitable access to music education resources for all age groups and skill levels.
Instrument Petting Zoos
Supervised instrument exploration events allow attendees to try various instruments at community concerts and events. Staff-guided experiences help participants understand instrument mechanics and musical possibilities, encouraging hands-on engagement with diverse musical traditions and techniques.
Teen Band Program
This ensemble program for ages 12-19 focuses on Celtic, Swedish, and Americana music. Participants develop musicianship through collaborative playing, occasional public performances, and creative exploration in a supportive environment that emphasizes both technical growth and social connection.
People
Susan Willats
Executive Director
With 30+ years in program administration at UC Santa Cruz, Susan leads Community Music School after serving on its board. A champion of music education equity, she also advises the Cabrillo Youth Chorus and Arts Now Santa Cruz County.
Shelley Phillips
Founder and Artistic Director
A multi-instrumentalist and educator, Shelley founded CMS and the Santa Cruz Shape Note Society. With international performance experience and multiple awards, she specializes in Celtic harp, flute-making, and folk music education for all generations.
Questions
What types of instruments do you accept for donation?
We accept small instruments like guitars, violins, and wind instruments in good condition. Unfortunately, we cannot accept pianos or large instruments due to storage limitations.
Do you offer beginning music classes for adults?
While our free beginning classes focus on low-income youth in Live Oak, adults can access reasonably-priced instruction through Cabrillo College or find teachers via our free Music Teacher Database.
What is your refund policy for camps?
We offer full refunds for camp cancellations. Simply email us to notify us of your change in plans, and we'll process your refund promptly.
Are scholarships available for music camps?
Yes, we provide partial and full need-based scholarships for Redwood Music Teen Camp. Applicants should email us with a brief introduction and summary of financial need.
How can I find local music teachers?
Our free Music Teacher Database connects students with instructors across various instruments and styles. Prospective students can search listings to find teachers matching their learning preferences and goals.
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