A New Era Begins: Transition of the Community Music School to Webster University

Community Music School of Webster University

Webster University assumed management of the Community Music School in 2001, but the school remained at 560 Trinity Ave. for five more years before relocating to Webster's campus in 2006.

The Shaare Emeth Temple, constructed at 560 Trinity Ave. in 1923, served the B'nai El congregation for decades. As the Jewish community migrated westward, the building found a new purpose in 1974 when it became the home of the Community Music School, serving as the Saint Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts (CASA) and later as the St. Louis Symphony Community Music School. Located in University City near the culturally vibrant Delmar Loop, the facility featured three performance halls, 21 teaching studios and ample practice spaces. Over the years, it hosted countless lessons, student recitals and scholarship auditions, witnessing the transformation of shy beginners into confident performers.

When Webster University assumed management of CMS in September 2001, the school continued operating at Trinity Avenue for five more years while plans for relocation developed. Carol Commerford, former CMS director for two decades, explained that the move was driven by operational consolidation. Webster University's desire to use the Trinity building for its music department created transportation challenges between campuses, prompting the decision to build a new facility that could better serve both institutions.

The physical transition to Webster's campus finally took place in 2006 after careful planning and construction. Carl Dettlebach managed complex logistics, overseeing the relocation of CMS's extensive music library, which is now housed in the Webster University Library as a vital resource for faculty and students. Understanding the emotional significance of leaving Trinity Avenue, CMS organized open houses at the new building prior to the move, allowing students and families to familiarize themselves with the campus and ease the transition.

The new facility resolved transportation challenges and provided enhanced spaces for modern music education and today, the Webster University Department of Music and CMS share the CMS Center facility on campus. The CMS Center features a concert hall that seats 470, two large rehearsal rooms, 13 lesson studios and one dedicated percussion studio. Over the years, CMS has expanded into Webster University space in Old Orchard, which houses an additional six teaching studios. All studios are equipped with at least one piano, with 12 studios featuring baby grand pianos and the concert hall boasting two full grand pianos. CMS also maintains the Leon Strauss Center for Music, the renovated personal home of Leicester and Mary Faust in Faust Park, Chesterfield, housing 14 teaching rooms. These spaces create a supportive environment where students can thrive both musically and personally.

After its sale to Washington University and extensive restoration, the Trinity building became the 560 Music Center, continuing its musical legacy through various performances. As the Community Music School embraced its new home at Webster University in 2006, it carried forward the rich heritage of music education in St. Louis. This transition represented not just a change of address but an opportunity to deepen its commitment to fostering creativity, community and musical excellence for future generations.